PhD Fellow in Marine Zooplankton Diversity and Carbon Fluxes in the Central Arctic Ocean UiT The Arctic University of Norway in Norway

This PhD position at UiT The Arctic University of Norway offers a unique opportunity to join Norway’s largest Arctic research programme, Arctic Ocean 2050, within the Arctic Marine Systems Ecology (AMSE) group. The project focuses on marine zooplankton diversity and carbon fluxes in the Central Arctic Ocean, specifically investigating the coupling between zooplankton and the biological carbon pump across the mesopelagic layers. The research is affiliated with the national Arctic Ocean 2050 programme, a ten-year interdisciplinary collaboration involving 18 Norwegian research institutions, aiming to strengthen knowledge and strategic capacity in a rapidly changing Arctic Ocean.

The PhD fellow will study biodiversity and function of the mesopelagic layer (200–600 m depth), linking mesozooplankton taxonomic and functional diversity with quantifications of marine snow and vertical export flux. The project utilizes samples and datasets from previous Arctic expeditions, supplemented with new data collected during the PhD. Vertical carbon export will be investigated using long-term sediment traps at various depths, while mesozooplankton and marine snow distributions are assessed with nets and an underwater vision profiler (UVP6). The research environment is ambitious, multidisciplinary, and highly relevant to societal challenges, offering extensive opportunities for professional development and international collaboration.

The position is based at UiT in Tromsø and is for four years, with the fourth year dedicated to teaching and career development activities. The objective is to complete research training to the doctoral level. Applicants must be able to start within a reasonable time after receiving the offer. The project description will be developed with supervisors upon commencement and aligned with programme activities.

Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Marine Science, or similar, with a minimum grade of B. Required skills include statistical data analysis (R and/or python), experience in aquatic biodiversity/ecological studies, biogeochemical or plankton-related analysis, and willingness to participate in Arctic fieldwork. English fluency (written and oral) must be documented. Health requirements for fieldwork on research vessels must be met. Additional desirable qualifications include experience with zooplankton, optical sampling, sediment traps, marine and polar environments, system-based approaches, peer-reviewed publications, and marine fieldwork. Applicants must not already hold a PhD or equivalent competence.

PhD Fellows receive a salary of 565,000 NOK/year with a 3% yearly increase, membership in the state pension fund, and access to the National Insurance Scheme, including health care services. UiT promotes equality, gender balance, and diversity, and offers flexible working hours, a good academic environment, and career opportunities. Applications must be submitted via Jobbnorge by the deadline, including all required documents: cover letter, CV, diplomas, transcripts, English proficiency documentation, references, master’s thesis, and project description. Only applications submitted through Jobbnorge will be considered.

For further information, contact Professors Sünnje Basedow, Marit Reigstad, or Camilla Svensen. More practical information about working and living in Norway is available at uit.no/staffmobility. The position is located at Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø.