This PhD project will focus on transfer and mobility of artificial radionuclides (e.g. Pu, Cs-135, I-129, non-naturally occurring U isotopes) in contaminated environments. A special focus will be on site-specific factors that can alter radionuclide behavior, such as the cycling of redox-sensitive elements and microbially mediated processes in soils. The project integrates the radiochemical analysis with biogeochemical approaches, creating a state-of-the-art approach for understanding the mechanisms governing radionuclide mobility under environmentally relevant conditions. The project will also explore if any links in mobility exist between potential radionuclide contaminants and critical raw materials (e.g., rare earth elements) in the case of legacy waste sites. The completed project will increase the knowledge of radionuclide behavior under subarctic environments and contribute to improved practices within environmental monitoring and emergency preparedness.
- The applicant must hold a master’s degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, geochemistry, microbiology, or other environmental sciences of relevance.
- Academic background relevant to environmental radiochemistry, radioecology, or radioactivity in the environment.
- Experience from hands-on laboratory work, especially with respect to radionuclide separation and/or DNA extraction and purification from environmental samples.
The following qualifications are considered desirable:
- Experience with modeling and/or programming (e.g., geochemical modeling, dispersion modeling)
- Practical skills in mass spectrometry and/or radiometric methods, previous work with radionuclides is advantageous but not essential.
- Familiarity with environmental impact assessments and tools.
- Experience with scientific publication.
- Practical experience in fieldwork with environmental samples
- Competence in statistics.
- Solid written and oral communication skills in English, including academic writing.
The applicant is made aware that an application for this PhD position is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD programme at the NMBU. Hence, applicants are advised to read the section
Before applying|
NMBU, with the NMBU PhD Regulations, the relevant MINA PhD programme description and requirements for documentation of English proficiency. The documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met should be uploaded with the application.
• Motivated and engaging person within the professional area and towards the colleagues.
• Proactive with a high degree of initiative, creativity, and curiosity.
• The candidate should be highly independent, whilst also being able to work under the guidance of the project supervisors.
• The candidate should be comfortable with handling responsibility within this project.
• Strong awareness towards Health Safety Environment and Radiation protection regulations compliance.
IFE offers competitive salary, pension and insurance schemes, but above all we offer an opportunity for personal development that few others can offer. The position entails a opportunity to influence your development to become part of a larger community of specialists. You will be working in an interdisciplinary, international environment. You will be part of a stimulating work environment with skillful, experienced, and creative colleagues. Be able to come in contact with well-established national and international scientific and industrial networks
How to apply
The application must include:
• A cover letter stating your motivation, research interests and scientific background.
• A detailed CV.
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee.
• Name and contact details of 2 – 3 references (name, e-mail address, telephone number, and relation to candidate)
The application with all attachments must be submitted in English or a Scandinavian Language. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their university’s grading system.
IFE is subject to the Security Act, which includes requirements for the organisation’s management of critical national information, as well as other relevant legislation concerning the management of sensitive information. On this basis, it is a prerequisite for employment that the applicant is suitable from a security perspective. Note that relevant applicants will be asked questions that are necessary to ascertain this. This includes questions about any ties to countries that the PST has classified as a ‘high-risk country’ in its open threat assessment. Background checks are performed as part of our recruitment process.
We view diversity as a strength in our work. We therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and ethnic background. We place great emphasis on your personal suitability for the position.
