PhD fellowship in Soil Nitrogen Cycling and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

About the positionWe are looking for a PhD student to join the Section for Biogeochemistry at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), NMBU, to work on nitrogen emissions in European farming systems. The position is part of the EU Horizon project “Nitroscope” investigating N fluxes across Europe’s major pedoclimatic zones. The position is linked to the NMBU Nitrogen group which develops novel strategies for nitrous oxide (N2O) mitigation. 

In your PhD work, you will establish field experiments and quantify N fluxes using state-of-the-art field equipment (field flux robot, autochambers, QCLs, IRMS). 

The data will be used to calibrate models for European N flows and as proof-of-concept for novel mitigation strategies aiming at improved N use efficiency and GHG reductions. It is expected that you will contribute actively to the network of Nitroscope PhD students and visit partner sites for participating in measurement campaigns. In Norway, you will work in a team, supported by dedicated academic supervisors, field technicians and engineers. 

The applicant is made aware that an application for a PhD position at NMBU is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD programme at the institution. The documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met must be uploaded as an attachment.

Main tasksThe successful candidate is expected to enroll in an approved PhD program, and the work will be organized with the goal of completing a PhD degree within 3 years of employment.

Specifically, you will 

Design and execute field and laboratory experiments in agreement with a project planInvolve in design, testing and deployment of novel field measurement equipment Handle large data sets for modelling and independent scientific dissemination Write scientific articles Actively participate in Nitroscope network activities, such as workshops, knowledge exchange, and joint dissemination
CompetenceTo be eligible for the position, the candidate must meet the requirements for admission to one of the PhD programmes at NMBU, including the supplementary rules at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA). 

Admission to a PhD programme requires that the applicant has a relevant academic background; a master's degree or an equivalent qualification, in accordance with the descriptions in the Norwegian qualifications framework. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background relevant to the position and be able to demonstrate proficiency in English, both written and spoken. For more detailed information about the admission criteria, see PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.

We are looking for a candidate with a MSc in Environmental Sciences or any equivalent, relevant field of ecosystem research. Experience with nutrient cycling processes in plant-soil systems and/or microbial nitrogen transformations would be an advantage. 

Required skills and qualifications

A MSc degree in a relevant field Documented knowledge of N cycling processesGood technical understanding and hands-on attitudeQualifications considered an advantage

Experience in agricultural field researchExperience with laboratory work, especially soil science methodsExperience with analysis of large datasetsStrong language skills (Scandinavian language) Driving license (class B)Personal qualities

Good communication and collaboration skillsPositive and solution-oriented Interest in sustainable agricultural practices 
Remuneration and further informationThe position is placed in position code 1017 PhD. Fellow, (NOK 550 800 – 660 000). PhD candidates are normally placed at salary level NOK 550.800.  This is a temporary position with a duration of 3 years. Seniority promotion in the position. 

Admission to a PhD program is a prerequisite for appointment to the PhD scholarship position.

Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars, and in accordance with the Civil Servant Act, the Security Act, and the Export Control Act. 

 Interested in learning more about the position? We are happy to tell you more about life on campus. Contact Professor Peter Dörsch, phone: +47 91663372, (e-mail: peter.doersch@nmbu.no). 

Information for PhD applicants and Information to applicants

ApplicationSend application electronically via the link "Apply for this job" at the top of this page. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form. 

Application Deadline: 01.07.2026

Your CV must be entered in Jobbnorge's CV form and not just included as an attachment. This is in order to be able to comply with the regulations to the Public Administration Act §15.

In the application, the candidate must confirm that information and documentation (in the form of attachments) submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process.

Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.

The following documents must be attached to the application:

Motivation letterCV Certified copies of relevant academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Diploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached.Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system.Documentation of proficiency in written and oral English in accordance with Forskrift for graden philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) ved Norges miljø- og biovitenskapelige universitet - LovdataAdditional relevant documentation of professional knowledge (for example, list of scientific works). If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution for publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.Documents that cannot be sent electronically are sent in triplicate by ordinary mail marked still.nr 26/06293 to NMBU,Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within 01.07.2026 

About The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource ManagementThe Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA) works with nature and the environment, sustainable use of natural resources, biological and geological processes.

MINA’s employees undertake teaching, research and dissemination within the fields of geology, hydrology and limnology, soil science, environmental chemistry, forestry, ecology, natural resource management, renewable energy, and nature-based tourism.

Our vision is to be a key actor in knowledge production and dissemination, and our goal is to deliver research of high, international quality, and varied and excellent teaching. The faculty’s employees are significant participants within their respective fields of expertise, both nationally and internationally. The faculty is dominated by a vital research culture and high levels of scientific production.

The faculty has about 200 employees, 90 PhD students and 650 students.

Read more about MINA here.

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