PhD Research Fellow in Mafic and Ultramafic Rocks for CO₂ Storage and Mineralization
About the position
We invite applications for a PhD Research Fellow position in Characterization of Mafic and Ultramafic Rocks, Onshore Norway for CO2 storage and in-situ mineralization available at the Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo.
Starting date as soon as possible.
The fellowship period is three years.
A fourth year maybe considered and it will involve 25 percent of other career-promoting work. Other career-promoting work may consist of teaching, supervision, 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.
The place of work is the Department of Geosciences at Blindern, Oslo, Norway.
Job description
The PhD Research Fellowship position is available under the project “miniCCS” at the Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, within the field of geological carbon storage, with a particular focus on in-situ CO₂ mineralization and the geological, geophysical, petrophysical and rock physical characterization of mafic and ultramafic geological formations, onshore Norway. The project addresses scientific and technical challenges related to permanent onshore CO₂ storage by injecting CO₂ into Norwegian mafic and ultramafic rock systems.
The position is associated with ongoing research aimed at advancing understanding of mineral fluid interaction processes and their impact on subsurface architecture and petrophysical and rock physical evolution in mafic and ultramafic rocks during CO₂ injection and mineralization. Emphasis will be placed on the characterization of mafic and ultra-mafic igneous rocks, alteration processes, and the development of geological frameworks for in-situ mineralization following CO₂ injection.
The research will contribute to improved geological methods for site qualification, assessment of injectivity and storage performance, monitoring, long-term containment, and documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements for onshore CO₂ storage.
What skills are important in this role?
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.
Required qualifications:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in geology, geophysics, or a closely related field
- Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English and a Scandinavian language
- A strong background, demonstrated through relevant research and professional experience, in one or more of the following areas is required:
- Petrological, mineralogical, petrophysical and rock physical characterization of mafic and/or ultramafic rocks
- Fluid–rock interaction processes in igneous rocks
- Quantitative geological and petrophysical interpretation of Igneous rocks
- Subsurface processes related to geological CO₂ storage and mineralization
Desired qualifications:
The following qualifications will be desired and considered an advantage:
- Awareness of geological and regulatory considerations for onshore CO₂ storage in Norway
- Familiarity with CO₂ mineralization as a geological storage mechanism
- Knowledge of mineralization processes in an applied CCS context
- Experience integrating field, laboratory, and petrophysical data
- Experience from interdisciplinary or cross-sectoral environments
- Personal suitability, scientific maturity, and motivation for the position will be emphasised.
Language requirement:
- Good 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
All candidates and projects will have to undergo a check versus national export, sanctions and security regulations. Candidates may be excluded based on these checks. Primary checkpoints are the Export Control regulation, the Sanctions regulation, and the national security regulation.
Personal skills:
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work precise in a structured manner and swiftly adapts to new tasks
- Good communication and collaboration skills
- Positive attitude and the ability to handle hectic periods
Employment in the position is based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualification requirements applicable to the position, including personal qualifications.
We can offer you
- A pleasant and stimulating work environment
- Good welfare schemes
- Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours
- A workplace with good development and career opportunities
- Career development programmes
- Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes
- Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
- Salary in position as PhD Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK from 550 800 - 595 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund
Deadline: 9th April 2026