Job title
PhD Position in Arctic Water Quality Change as a Consequence of Permafrost Thaw.
Company
The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), Arctic Geology Department.
Description of the job
The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), located in Longyearbyen at 78°N, the world's northernmost institution for higher education, offers a PhD position investigating how permafrost thaw in shale-rich Arctic regions affects surface water quality, with a focus on Svalbard as a natural laboratory.
As the active layer deepens due to climate warming, previously frozen pyrite-rich shales are exposed to oxidation. This process releases sulphuric acid, nutrients (e.g., ammonium and nitrate), trace metals (especially manganese and iron), mercury, and other solutes into surface waters.
Admission to the doctoral program at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is a condition for the employment. The contract is four years including a year of required duties, or alternatively three years without duties. All teaching at UNIS is conducted in English.
Project Aims:
- Understand the mechanisms driving pyrite oxidation during thaw using laboratory microcosm experiments on rock and permafrost cores.
- Monitor the effects of pyrite oxidation on drinking water quality (e.g., Mn contamination in Longyearbyen) and nutrient export to coastal ecosystems.
- Develop a predictive understanding of water quality changes under ongoing permafrost degradation.
What We Offer:
- A challenging and varied job in an exciting and international environment in the High Arctic.
- Membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK).
- Excellent insurance schemes.
- Coverage of travel and relocation expenses (max NOK 10,000) upon starting the position.
- Staff housing in accordance with current regulations.
- Svalbard allowance of NOK 44,640 per annum.
- Favourable tax conditions: income tax rate in Svalbard is currently 8%.
- Opportunity to participate in digital Norwegian language courses.
Requirements
Required:
- Master's degree in Geochemistry, Environmental Science, Earth Science/Geology, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field, completed by July 1, 2026.
- A strong foundation in aqueous geochemistry, mineral weathering processes, redox chemistry and biogeochemical cycling.
- Experience with laboratory experiments (batch incubations, microcosms, or similar).
- Knowledge of chemical analysis techniques, such as ICP-OES or ICP-MS, ion chromatography, and nutrient analysis.
- Experience in environmental sampling (water, sediment, soil), hydrological monitoring, field campaign logistics and harsh or remote environments.
- Strong data analysis skills and experience with statistical tools (R, Python, MATLAB, or similar).
- Willingness to conduct fieldwork in Arctic conditions.
- Proficient in both written and oral English.
Advantageous:
- Experience working independently but also collaborating across departments.
- Experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals and communicating results with local authorities.
- Driver's license class B (valid for Svalbard).
Location
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway.
Salary
Not specified.
How to apply
All applications must be sent through the JobbNorge system.
Submit: motivational letter (max. 1 page), full academic CV, transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and contact information for two references (one must be master's supervisor). Applications lacking required documents will not be considered.
For inquiries, contact Professor Andy Hodson at andrewh@unis.no or Researcher Marjolaine Verret at marjolainv@unis.no.
Deadline
07/04/2026.
Disclaimer
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