Ph.D. position in Arctic Safety (Safety Training in The High Arctic)

About the position and project

Arctic Safety Centre is looking for a PhD candidate for a full-time four-year position on safety training in the Arctic. The four-year contract includes a year of required duties. Alternatively, the candidate may choose a three-year position which excludes these duties. Applications are also open to this year's master's candidates, with the requirement that the master's degree must be completed by July 1st, 2025. The desired start date is during August, and no later than September 1st.
 

The vacant position is related to the project “Safety Training in The High-Arctic”. The overall project objective is to explore how effective and reliable current safety training is for High-Arctic fieldwork and if simulation technology could enhance safety and preparedness training in this environment. Fieldwork is a significant part of life in Svalbard and Longyearbyen, but it is also a potentially dangerous area due to unpredictable conditions such as extreme weather and wildlife encounters. Reliable safety training is therefore of great importance. 

The structure of the project would be divided in three themes to establish knowledge about existing safety training related to effectiveness and how reliable the methods are today. Then, there will be explored how this training can be elaborated including simulation technology to support training. The basis should be to develop the training based on a learning focused approach and safety theories.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a master’s degree in a field relevant for the position (preferably within the field of safety or risk programmes on a relevant topic, or it could be focused on “friluftsliv” or pedagogy on a relevant topic) or the degree must be completed by July 1st,
  2025
• Admission to a doctoral programme at an Norwegian University is a condition for the employment
• Have in depth knowledge of field operations practical and theoretical in the arctic
• Have experience with safety field training
• Speak and write very good Norwegian or a Scandinavian language
• Proficient in both written and oral English
• Driver’s license class B (valid for Svalbard)
   

Advantageous knowledge and skills

• Knowledge on using technology in teaching
• Knowledge on safety field training on Svalbard and development of this

Motivation and personal suitability will be emphasized.

We offer

UNIS offers a challenging and varied job in an exciting, pleasant, and international environment. As an employee, you will be a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK), which provides one of the best pension schemes on the market. We also offer excellent insurance schemes, coverage of travel and relocation expenses upon starting the position, and staff housing in accordance with current regulations.

The position is classified under the job code “Stipendiat” (code 1017). In addition to the base salary, a Svalbard allowance of NOK 42.840 per annum is provided. A 2 % contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. The income tax rate in Svalbard is currently 8 %, and a national insurance contribution of 7.7 % is also deducted.

Application

Inquiries about this position, may be directed to:
Associate Professor Gunhild B. Sætren, phone: +47 77 01 66 07, email: gunhilds@unis.no
 

Application deadline 25.04.2025.
 

Please include the following documents to the online application form:

• Motivational letter (max. 1 page) to state applicants scientific and personal interest in pursuing a Ph.D on the announced topic and at UNIS
• Full academic CV
• Transcripts and diplomas showing the completion of bachelor’s and master’s degrees, alternatively an official confirmation that the master’s degree will be completed by 1st July, 2025
• Contact information for two references, one of which must be your master's supervisor
   

It is possible to request that your name/application be exempt from public disclosure in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (Offentlighetsloven) § 25. The request must be justified. Please note that if the request is not granted, the applicant will be contacted and given the opportunity to withdraw the application.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

One of UNIS’ values is inclusion. We are committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment in the high Arctic. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

Selection and appointment
A committee appointed by the Managing director of UNIS will evaluate the qualifications of the applicants and invite the highest ranked person(s) for an interview. The appointment will be made by the Director of UNIS based on the recommendation from the committee.