PhD Research Fellow in Seismic Interpretation and CO2 Storage

About the position

Position as PhD Research Fellow in seismic interpretation and CO2 storage available at the VICCO centre at the Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo.

The fellowship period is 3 years and devoted to carrying out a project entitled Reservoir characterization of volcaniclastic and mixed sedimentary-igneous systems for assessing storability and increased mineralization potential 

Starting date no later than October 1st 2025.

A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

Job description

The VICCO Centre at the Department of Geosciences at UiO seeks a highly motivated geologist that can strengthen the Department and undertake high quality research. The objective of the PhD is to characterize the seismic-scale complexity and seismic expression of mixed volcanic-sedimentary systems in order to understand how these mixed reservoirs impact CO2 storability and increased mineralization potential. Contact zones between high porosity siliciclastic reservoirs interfingering with volcanic derived systems that offer high mineralization potential (intrusives, ash layers, lava flows) are crucial to understand enhanced mineralization potential, map fluid pathways and to assess impacts on storage efficiency.

The project will focus on seismic interpretation, attribute analysis and spectral decomposition, coupled with core-studies, using data from the North Sea. In addition, outcrop analogues will be integrated into the project using drone-imagery, 3D outcrop analysis, synthetic seismic, and field-based sampling for petrographic study. The seismic interpretation and evaluation will be used to test reservoir imaging and characterization approaches in complex volcanic-sedimentary systems. Petrophysical core-studies including measurements of velocity, density, porosity, and permeability will be undertaken to assess depositional and post-depositional diagenetic influences, heterogeneity, and compartmentalization where cores are available. Outcrop analogue work will serve to evaluate spatial variations at contact zones in 2D and 3D, as well as enabling the creation of synthetic seismic to better evaluate the seismic expression of complex volcanic-sedimentary interactions.

The VISTA Centre for CO2 Storage in Volcanic-Sedimentary Systems (VICCO) is funded by VISTA and the MN Faculty at the University of Oslo, from 2025 to 2030. The Centre will target research that will further understand Carbon capture and storage in the context of climate change, and the overarching goal of VICCO is to explore the potential for large-scale permanent CO2 storage in volcanic-sedimentary systems on the Norwegian continental shelf. The Centre will specifically investigate carbonate-forming reactions – the process by which CO2 is trapped in solid minerals– in igneous rocks. Carbonation processes can ensure permanent storage of CO2 by reducing the risk of reservoir leakage in the volcanic-sedimentary systems beneath the seabed. 

The VICCO Centre is a cross-disciplinary research centre spanning geosciences and physics, hosted at the department of geosciences. The proposed project will run in parallel with several other PhD studies/research on related topics, and be part of a dynamic and inspiring team of students and researchers. In addition UiO hosts a number of large-scale research studies related to CCS, thus the candidate will form part of a large network of complementary research.

Qualifications requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

We seek a highly motivated candidate for a PhD-project in all relevant fields of Geosciences, which include geology/geophysics, geomorphology/geomatics and meteorology/oceanography/glaciology/hydrology.

Required qualifications

• Masters degree or equivalent within basin analysis/seismic interpretation. Applicant’s MSc theses will be considered in evaluation of the candidates.
• Experience with seismic interpretation software (preferably petrel)
• Good skills in written and spoken English
   

Desired qualifications

Experience with one or more of the following would be advantageous:

• Experience with seismic attribute analysis
• Experience working with GeoTeric or Paleoscan and performing spectral decomposition
• Background in sedimentology, CO2 storage, structural geology or geochemistry
• Basic field experience in sedimentary and/or volcanic systems
• Drone-flying
• Petrography 

Language requirement

• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:

https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8

Grade requirements

The norm is as follows:

• the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system

Candidates without a master’s degree have until 30 June 2025 to complete the final exam.

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. For more information see:  http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

Personal skills

• Teamwork skills, as well as the ability to work independently in larger groups
• Enthusiasm, personal drive, and ability to take initiative
• Attention to detail
• Flexibility, ability to handle pressure and meet deadlines

We offer

• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• Good welfare schemes.
• Career development programmes
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.
• Salary in position as Doctoral Research Fellow, position code 1017, in salary range NOK from 536 200 - 575 400, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.

Read more about the benefits of working in the public sector at Employer Portal.

Inclusive worklife and diversity at UiO

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

We hope that you will apply for the position. 

More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here.

Application

The application must be submitted as a single PDF and include:

• Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications) 
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records and 
• 1-2 Letters of recommendation
• Documentation of English proficiency
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

Application with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system Jobbnorge, click "Apply for the position".

When applying for the position, we ask you to retrieve your education results from Vitnemålsportalen.no. If your education results are not available through Vitnemålsportalen, we ask you to upload copies of your transcripts or grades. Please note that all documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Foreign applicants should attach an official explanation of their University's grading system.

General information

The best qualified candidates will be invited for interviews. 

Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we can't, you will hear from us.

Please refer to Regulations for the Act on universities and colleges chapter 3 (Norwegian),  Guidelines concerning appointment to post doctoral and research posts at UiO (Norwegian) and Regulations for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the University of Oslo.

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.