About the position

Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA) at Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 3-year postdoctoral research fellowship on treatment solutions for contaminated soils and surplus masses.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions to solve society’s challenge with currently wasted earth materials.

The person employed will work with the development and documentation of treatment technologies for recycling earth materials, for example combining soil washing and separation processes on a research scale. 

Hence, the position consists of a combination of research and test facility development and coordination. The work is part of the research-based innovation centre earthresQue [Rescue of earth materials and wastes in the circular economy, www.earthresque.no; SFI eQ]. 

The postdoctoral fellow will be part of the  Section of Soil and Water Sciences at MINA. There will also be a strong link to the Faculty of Science and Technology (RealTek) in the development of the test-pilot facility for contaminated soil and water. 

Main tasks

The main purpose of the post-doctoral position is to qualify for work in high-level scientific positions. A PhD degree is required to work on the following tasks:

• Conduct advanced research on contaminant removal techniques in soil and water.
• Research, development and optimisation of methods for soil separation and washing.
• Develop tests and documentation for environmental end-of-waste criteria.
• Coordinate the work on building a pilot-scale soil separation, washing, and water treatment facility.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

There are currently several PhD students working with treatment of leachate from contaminated soils and landfill sites, and field methods for characterisation of landfill distribution and processes. Our new colleague will be involved in guiding these when appropriate. The postdoctoral fellow will also take lead on the design and progress of the pilot scale facility to be able to test the various separating and washing steps of a soil washing facilities in close collaboration with our earthresQue partners.

Competence

This position involves creative and varied work, and the postdoctoral fellow will become a member of a dynamic and multifaceted research group. The applicant must document expertise and interest in the research subject.

Required qualifications

• PhD in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or an other related field.
• Strong background in environmental remediation and water treatment technologies.
• Good ability to communicate with stakeholders (user partners) and researchers

The following qualifications are considered advantageous:

• Experience with methods for characterizing soil and water from excavated waste and surplus masses
• Driver’s license
• Knowledge of a Scandinavian language

The personal qualities that are sought for include:

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• An inquisitive nature and desire to answer complex questions.
• Have an inner drive and be devoted to research
• Creative with a broad scientific and societal interest who thrives in a dynamic research environment

Please note that the person hired will work with critical infrastructure and areas affected by controls on the export of strategic goods, services and technology. Candidates who do not meet the requirements for the necessary security clearance, access clearance and authorization as described in the National Security Act, the Export Control Act and the Act on the Implementation of International Sanctions (Sanctions Act) cannot be considered.

Information concerning employment as a Postdoctoral fellow at NMBU, see: Postdoctoral fellow | NMBU

Remuneration and further information

The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1352 Postdoctoral Fellow in salary range NOK from NOK 604900-796600 depending on qualifications. The position follows ordinary meriting regulations.

Relocation information for international researchers:

• EURAXESS Norway provides information, assistance, and services free of charge to mobile researchers via https://www.euraxess.no/ 
• Employment at NMBU and residence in Norway longer than 12 months provide the basis for membership in the National Insurance Scheme
• Our social security system supports families with parental benefits, cash-for-care benefits for parents, and care benefit days. Other benefits include sickness benefits and pension rights

For further information, please contact

Professor Helen Kristine French, telephone: +47 67231814 or Gudny Okkenhaug, NGI, telephone: +47 95014159.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NMBU

General Information to applicants

Application

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply for this job' button above. 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: 7.august, 2025

Up to ten publications selected by the applicant as most relevant must be attached to the application. If it is difficult to identify the contribution of the applicant in multiple-author publications, a short explanation about the applicant’s part of the work is suggested. 

Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to present verified copies of diplomas and certificates.

Your application must include a CV and a brief research proposal. Applications without mandatory attachments may not be prioritised. Both CV and research proposal must follow the templates and requirements provided below:

• Research proposal
• CV

Please note that the report from the expert committee will be sent to all applicants.

About The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management

The 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.