PhD Fellowships in Climate Dynamics – Univ. of Bergen – 17 octobre 2026

Contexte

The University of Bergen (UiB) in Norway is inviting applications for two PhD Research Fellowships in Climate Dynamics, offering an exciting opportunity for researchers interested in climate change, tropical Pacific climate dynamics, oceanography, meteorology, physics and related fields. Based at the Geophysical Institute (GFI), the three-year PhD positions are connected to the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research and the strategic GRADIENT project, which investigates global responses and drivers of changes in the tropical Pacific sea-surface temperature gradient. The University of Bergen is recruiting two PhD Research Fellows to investigate important questions surrounding tropical Pacific climate change and the discrepancy between climate-model simulations and recent observations. The tropical Pacific zonal sea-surface temperature (SST) gradient plays an important role in global climate variability. However, climate models have consistently struggled to reproduce its historical trend. Understanding the reasons behind this model-observation discrepancy is important because it can influence estimates of climate sensitivity and regional climate projections. The successful candidates will become part of an interdisciplinary research environment bringing together expertise in climate dynamics, paleoclimate, data assimilation, climate modelling and isotope modelling. The fellows will be affiliated with the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research (BCCR), described by UiB as the largest climate research centre in the Nordic countries.

Missions et responsabilités

• Investigate the mechanisms connecting tropical Pacific SST trends with external forcing and examine how these changes influence climate in other regions.
• Explore connections with areas including the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, East African climate, regional rainfall trends, and global climate variability.
• Work with climate-model simulations and a new paleo-reanalysis dataset developed using an advanced data-assimilation system and extensive paleo-proxy records.
• Design and conduct targeted climate-model experiments to test hypotheses and better understand the processes driving observed climate trends.
• Participate in an approved doctoral education programme at the University of Bergen.
• Encouraged to participate in the national PhD network Climate-Informed, which focuses on climate-informed innovation and decision-making.

Profil recherché

• Strong academic background in quantitative climate and physical sciences.
• Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Climate dynamics, Meteorology, Oceanography, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline (candidates who have submitted their master’s thesis before the deadline may also apply, provided the degree is awarded as a condition of employment).
• Solid background in mathematics and physics.
• Experience with scientific programming, such as Python or MATLAB.
• Preferred additional experience: Statistical analysis of climate data (observational datasets or model outputs) and previous experience in climate dynamics.
• Demonstrated research experience, ambitions, and candidate potential.
• Ability to work independently and in a structured manner with strong collaboration skills.
• Good written and spoken English-language skills.

Conditions et avantages

• Gross annual salary of NOK 593,700 under the Norwegian state salary scale, with further salary increases according to length of service.
• Full-time PhD employment.
• Three-year fixed-term fellowship.
• Possible fourth year depending on candidate’s qualifications and departmental teaching needs (involving career-promoting activities such as teaching, dissemination or research infrastructure work).
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Good welfare benefits.
• Professionally stimulating and international academic research environment.
• Access to the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research.

Dossier de candidature

• A brief explanation of research interests and motivation.
• A detailed justification explaining how the candidate meets the listed qualifications.
• The names and contact details of two referees.
• A CV.
• Bachelor’s and master’s transcripts and diplomas.
• Evidence confirming submission of a master’s thesis, where applicable.
• Relevant certificates and references.
• Approved evidence of English proficiency where required.
• A list of scientific work or publications, including links where available.
• Certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language for documents requiring translation.

Comment postuler

Interested researchers should prepare their academic documents, CV, motivation statement and referee information before submitting the application through the official Jobbnorge vacancy. Applicants should carefully explain how their academic background, programming experience, research interests and quantitative skills relate to the requirements of the position. Candidates with experience analysing climate datasets or working with climate models should clearly highlight this in their application.

Application deadline : 24 September 2026

Reference / Procedure : Submit a complete application through Jobbnorge.