PhD Research Fellowship In Paleobiology/Paleontology

A 4-year PhD position (SKO 1017) is available at the Natural History Museum (NHM), University of Oslo. The Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, is the largest of its kind in Norway with approximately 150 employees engaged in research, teaching, curation and outreach in Botany, Mycology, Zoology, Paleontology and Geology. The main objective of this PhD project is to investigate the underlying patterns and processes of the Ordovician Radiation, also known as the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE). The Ordovician (488.3 to 443.7 million years ago) was a period in the history of the biosphere that saw a very rapid diversification of many groups of fossilizable organisms. The temporal patterns of diversity changes seem to be in part unique across different groups of organisms and in different geographical regions, yet, there are also suggestions that globally operating agents may have contributed to this mother of all radiations. This controversy calls for both the reanalysis of existing data using better statistical tools as well as new collection of fossil and paleoenvironmental data aimed at answering specific questions, to boost existing knowledge.

Eligibility: The ideal candidate has a background in geology and/or biology and has some experience in statistical analyses, programming and databases. Previous knowledge of the Ordovician or Paleozoic fauna is desirable but not essential. We seek a highly motivated, hardworking and creative student who is able to think and work independently, but who is also able to work well as part of a team. The candidate has to have good communication skills and will collaborate with researchers across disciplines.Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in geology and/or biology.

Application Procedure: The application must include: 

• Application letter detailing why the candidate is suited for this fellowship
• A one page explanation of how a PhD in paleobiology will fit into the applicant’s career plan
• CV demonstrating experience relevant to the fellowship (summarizing education, positions and academic work, scientific publications and other relevant activities)
• Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluating committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 referees (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)