Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Scholarship in Biodiversity Value Assessment for Energy Transition

A three-year PhD position is available at the Gjærevoll Centre for Biodiversity Foresight Analyses at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

The position is funded by NTNU Energy and is also linked to the VISTA Centre for Norwegian Transformative Energy Policy Development (NOTRAP). The PhD project will explore the societally relevant intersection of biodiversity modelling, renewable energy, and social-ecological systems.

The Gjærevoll Centre will be the candidate's primary workplace. Here, the candidate will be part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment and contribute to the NOTRAP centre. The candidate is also expected to contribute to NTNU Energy's activities upon request.

Preferred selection criteria

• A solid understanding of biodiversity, spatial ecology, and/or nature conservation and management

• Experience in nature management, conservation practice, or participatory and community-engaged research

• Experience from interdisciplinary research

• Good oral and written communication skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is an advantage.

Personal characteristics
To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are able to:

• Work independently and in a structured way, set goals and make plans to achieve them

• Collaborate well and contribute actively to an interdisciplinary research environment

• Communicate well, and present and discuss your research with other professionals and with stakeholders

• Learn new methods and approaches, and adjust the plan for the project as needed

• Show curiosity and a strong motivation for the research

• Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

To apply for the NTNU Scholarship,

• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's Doctoral Programme. In particular, your previous education must be equivalent to a five-year Norwegian degree programme.

• Your degree must include a major independent project (minimum 30 ECTS) equivalent to a master's thesis. This corresponds to an undergraduate Bachelor's degree and typically a 2-year Master's degree.

• You must have a strong and relevant academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master's degree studies, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU's grading scale.

• If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker academic background, you may be considered if you can document that you are exceptionally suited for a PhD education, for example through relevant work experience and/or peer-reviewed academic works.

• Documented quantitative and computational skills in general, and preferably within spatial data analysis and biodiversity modelling

• You must have a Master's degree in ecology or a closely related scientific field.

• Good oral and written communication and presentation skills in English.

• Applicants who are about to complete their Master's degree may apply, but the degree must be completed and documented before the start of employment.
  

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 580 000,-per annum, depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary.

The employment period is 3 years. You will also enjoy the following benefits;

• An exciting job with an important mission in society

• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment

• Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period

• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues

• Working capital that can be used to implement the project

• Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU

• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)

• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

• As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

• A cover letter (maximum 1 page) explaining your motivation for applying, how your background meets the selection criteria, and which research questions or approaches within the scope of the position you would be interested in developing

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees

• Your Master's thesis. If you have recently submitted your Master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed Master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.

• Any publications or other relevant research work

• Names and contact information of three relevant referees

To apply, click the button below to submit your application.