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Vacancies
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Applications are submitted online on the Icelandic State Recruitment (ISR) website. You can switch the language to English by clicking the flag at the top right corner. If you haven't registered yet, start by creating an account before signing in.

Assistant professor in Physiotherapy - School of Health Sciences - University of Iceland

A full-time assistant professor position is open for application at the Department of Physiotherapy, within the Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland.The position primarily involves teaching and research in the field of physiotherapy, as well as administrative duties.

Field of work

  • Manage courses and teach content in the field of physiotherapy, with an emphasis on the applicant's area of specialization.
  • Supervise undergraduate (BS) and master's (MS) projects related to physiotherapy.
  • Develop research within the program, focusing on the applicant's specialization and supervise students in research-oriented postgraduate studies.
  • Participate in the administration of the Department of Physiotherapy.

Qualification requirements

  • Ph.D. degree in the field.
  • Clinical experience in physiotherapy.
  • Expertise in one or more of the following areas: cardiovascular and pulmonary physiotherapy, rheumatology and chronic pain, pediatric physiotherapy, and motor control/motor learning.
  • Research activity in the applicant's field of specialization.
  • Experience in teaching/supervision at university level and management is an advantage.
  • Strong collaboration skills and adeptness in interpersonal communication.
  • Applicants must be able to teach and interact with staff and students in the program in Icelandic and/or English.

Application process

Salary according to the current collective agreement between the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Icelandic Association of University Teachers.

The hiring process will aim to match the candidate's qualifications with the circumstances and needs of the Physiotherapy Program.

The successful candidate will be hired for five years with the possibility of a permanent contract at the end of this period, cf. paragraph 3, Article 31 of the Regulation for the University of Iceland no. 569/2009. 

Ideally, the successful candidate will start work as soon as possible or after further agreement, after the hiring committee has fulfilled its responsibilities. 

Required Documents:

Applicants are required to submit the following documents with their application: 

  • Cover letter stating how the applicant meets the qualification requirements.
  • Certificates of education or, where applicable, documentation of academic achievements.
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • List of publications.
  • Report on scholarly work and other work carried out.
  • Outline of proposed research and teaching plan. 
  • Contact information for three referees willing to provide a reference. 

The applicant must list up to eight of their most important publications, in relation to this position. The applicant must include a copy of these publications with the application or indicate where they can be accessed electronically. When multiple authors are listed on a publication, the applicant must include an account of their contribution to the publication. Applications and accompanying documents, which are not submitted in electronic form, must be sent in duplicate to the Division of Science and Innovation, University of Iceland, Main Building, Saemundargata 2, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland.

Additional Information:

Processing of applications, evaluation of applicants' competence and hiring shall be in accordance with the Act on Public Higher Education Institutions no. 85/2008 and the Regulation for the University of Iceland no. 569/2009

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are stored for six months after the application deadline.

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

The Department of Physiotherapy program offers a five-year course leading to professional qualifications in physiotherapy: a three-year BS program in physiotherapy studies and a two-year MS program in physiotherapy. Every autumn, 40 students are admitted based on performance on the entrance exam. The program aims to educate physiotherapists who are critical thinkers, base their practice on evidence-based knowledge, achieve results, adhere to ethical guidelines, and engage in lifelong learning. Upon graduation, students are expected to have developed professionalism and social responsibility. Currently, the program employs eight staff members in academic positions and three project managers. All staff members conduct ambitious research and development projects in various areas of physiotherapy and health sciences, in collaboration with international and domestic entities. The appointee is expected to further broaden and strengthen the research area of the program.

 

 

 

Application deadline

Application deadline is 25.04.2025

For further information contact

Sólveig Ása Árnadóttir

saa@hi.is

5254074

Apply now

Ph.D. student position in Statistical Seismology and Engineering Seismology

A Ph.D. position in statistical seismology and engineering seismology is open for applications at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland. The Ph.D. candidate will work within the research project "OEFIS: A Short-term Operational Earthquake Forecasting System in Southwest Iceland," funded by the Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNÍS) for three years. 

Field of work

The Ph.D. student will contribute to developing an Operational Earthquake Forecasting System for the short-term forecasting of volcanic and tectonic seismicity in Southwest Iceland. This project addresses the region's increasing seismic and volcanic activity, particularly in the Reykjanes Peninsula, where tens of thousands of microearthquakes and multiple significant seismic events have occurred since 2019. The area has also experienced several magma intrusions and eruptions.

The doctoral candidate will focus on:

  • Developing a Bayesian spatiotemporal epidemic-type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model using advanced statistical and physical models to incorporate volcanic seismicity and magma dynamics, analysing earthquake-triggering mechanisms and crustal stress changes.
  • Quantifying short-term probabilistic seismic hazard, calibrating Icelandic ground motion models to include smaller magnitudes, improving hazard forecasting, and updating hazard assessments based on ongoing seismic activity.
  • Creating a harmonized instrumental seismic catalogue for Southwest Iceland 
  • Conducting statistical analyses following the CSEP (Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability) guidelines to ensure transparency and unbiased evaluation of seismic forecasting models.

The doctoral student's work on the project will form the basis of the doctoral thesis. The results will be incorporated into an operational earthquake forecasting system for Iceland. The PhD candidate will collaborate closely with an international, multidisciplinary research team of experts from the University of Iceland, the Icelandic Meteorological Office, University College London, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, University of Naples Federico II, and the Swiss Seismological Service of ETH Zurich. 

Qualification requirements

  • Master's degree in geophysics, physics, statistics, seismology, engineering seismology or engineering.
  • Experience in earthquake clustering modeling (e.g., ETAS model), seismic hazard assessment, statistical modeling, and machine learning, is desirable. 
  • Proficiency in computer programming (e.g., Python) for statistical modeling and data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English skills.
  • Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team

Application process

Application Process:

Applicants are required to submit the following documents with their application:

  • Cover letter (max 2 pages), stating the applicant's interest in the project and relevant qualifications.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Certified copies of academic degrees (B.S. and M.S. diplomas, or an official letter from a supervisor confirming the planned M.S. defense date) and official transcripts with grades from B.S. and M.S. studies.
  • Copies of master's thesis and/or other relevant publications (if applicable).
  • Names and contact information for two referees and how they can be reached.
  • TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent test results

The appointment is conditional on the applicant submitting a formal application for PhD studentship at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Iceland and that the application is approved by the faculty.

The principal investigator primary academic advisor of this project is Dr. Atefe Darzi, Research Specialist at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Dr. Benedikt Halldórsson, Research Professor at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Coordinator of Seismic Hazard at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, will act as the administrative advisor.

The applicant is expected to start on  September 1st. 2025, or according to further agreement. 

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after the application deadline. 

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Action Policy of the University of Iceland.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

The University of Iceland is a thriving knowledge society and a diverse and vibrant workplace. Academic freedom, professionalism and equality are the values of the university, and great emphasis is placed on flexibility and staff participation in the development of studies and research. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs around 390 people in research and teaching in the fields of engineering and natural sciences. The working environment is international, with a quarter of both staff and postgraduate students in the department being foreign, and this proportion is constantly increasing. The department has around 2000 students, around a quarter of whom are postgraduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences prides itself on its diversity and reform-oriented environment where knowledge acquisition and dissemination are paramount.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 22.05.2025

For further information contact

Benedikt Halldórsson

skykkur@hi.is

Atefe Darzi

atefe@hi.is

Apply now

PhD position in Geography

A PhD position in Geography is open for applications at the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, for three years. The PhD research examines the impacts of climatic perturbations, especially orbitally- and AMOC-enforced episodes of atmospheric cooling across the North Atlantic, on the Icelandic terrestrial ecosystems in the highlands. The preferred start period is September 2025. 

Field of work

The Icelandic highlands are now mostly barren lands, desert's among the largest in Europe. They constitute dynamic ecosystems, highly responsive to external determinants of ecosystem change. The general consensus is that the Icelandic highlands sustained more vegetation and ecosystem stability in the past, and that climate deterioration and land use over the last millennium has led the current ecosystem degradation. Prior orbital-driven cooling may have reduced their resilience to external stressors. In context with current debates about potential disruptions and slow-down of the AMOC, this research enhances understanding of the impacts of such episodes over the course of the Holocene. For the execution of the project, the candidate is expected to build high resolution proxy data for soil erosion, vegetation change and climate of the past, with focus on episodes of cooling. The student will benefit from both domestic and international collaboration and support. The doctoral project is performed in collaboration with the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

The work will include (but is not exclusive to): 

  • Fieldwork to collect materials from which to build the required palaeoenvironmental datasets.
  • Building of geochronological frameworks for soil/lake sediment profiles using tephrochronology and 14C, as well as other radiometric techniques.
  • The construction of high-resolution palaeoenvironmental datasets from a series of lake sediment/wetland/soil sequences, from whom land cover and stability can be inferred. These can be, for example, pollen analysis, lipid biomarkers, sedimentary proxies, etc.
  • Communicate the arising data and results in relevant peer-reviewed international journals, conferences, and seminars.
  • Synthesise research outcomes in a doctoral thesis.

The project will be carried out using facilities at the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland. Supervisor: Prof. Egill Erlendsson.

Qualification requirements

  • Applicants should hold an M.Sc./MA degree in Geography (physical), Earth Science, Botany, Ecology, or related fields
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required (IELTS overall score of 7.0 or TOEFL overall score of 100)
  • Proficiency in Icelandic is preferred
  • Prior experience with palaeoecological and geochronological work is preferred
  • Skills to communicate research outcomes in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and local and international conferences

The selected candidate must send a formal application for PhD studentship at the University of Iceland and the position is contingent on acceptance into the PhD program.

Application process

Position starts in September 2025.

Applications must include:

  • A Curriculum Vitae
  • A motivation letter (max. 1 page) stating what the applicant is interested in about the project, what the applicant has to offer in designing and executing the project and the expectation for the doctoral study
  • Transcripts of diplomas and grades at previous university faculty, at both the undergraduate and master¿s levels
  • Two reference letters and contact information for the two referees
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • The language of application must be English

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be notified of the job placement once a decision has been made. Applications can be valid for up to six months from the end of the application deadline.

Further information on the position can be obtained from: Prof. Egill Erlendsson (egille@hi.is), Dr. Susanne C. Möckel (susanne@lbhi.is), Dr. Wesley R. Farnsworth (wesleyf@hi.is).

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland - https://english.hi.is/about-ui/policies/policies-ui/equality-action-plan.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy - https://english.hi.is/about-ui/policies/policies-ui/language-policy

The University of Iceland is a flourishing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the development of the study programs and research in all fields within the realm of the University. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs ca. 390 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, where currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international, and that number is increasing each year. The school has around 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its¿ diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing is paramount.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 05.05.2025

For further information contact

Egill Erlendsson

egille@hi.is

Apply now

PhD position in Electrical- and Computer Engineering

Applications are invited for a full-time PhD student position in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The position lies in the interdisciplinary field of hybrid quantum-classical computing for Earth Observation, leveraging modular supercomputing and digital-analog quantum systems. The project is fully funded for three years by the Icelandic Research Fund (RANNIS) and involves close collaboration between the University of Iceland and the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany), as well as with other international institutions and companies active in this domain.

Field of work

Quantum technologies encompass various fields such as quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum computing. Although the practical applications of these areas are still in their early stages, they hold tremendous potential. Research has demonstrated that quantum computers can solve complex problems, such as factoring large numbers and decrypting encoded messages, significantly faster than traditional computers.

This project integrates classical computing methods with quantum approaches to solve computationally intensive problems in geosciences and remote sensing. This type of data consists of images and measurements collected by satellites and other sensors, which are essential for monitoring environmental conditions.

The project will develop a hybrid quantum-classical approach, leveraging high-performance computing (HPC) to analyze large-scale remote sensing data. By combining supercomputers with quantum computing, the project aims to overcome current quantum computing challenges, such as limited qubit availability and quantum noise. This hybrid model is designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility in remote sensing data processing.

Key responsibilities:

  • Conduct in-depth analyses of remote sensing methods and identify hardware requirements for hybrid quantum-classical computing approaches.
  • Develop and implement hybrid quantum-classical computing methods on HPC systems, addressing current limitations of quantum techniques.
  • Adapt these methods to specific remote sensing applications, which will be used to evaluate their effectiveness.
  • Participate in and contribute to educational events such as courses and hackathons designed for researchers from diverse backgrounds.
  • Assist in preparing detailed and regular progress reports on the project's development.
  • Present research findings to stakeholders and the broader scientific community at meetings, conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualification requirements

  • A Master's degree (MSc) in quantum physics, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a related field.
  • Proficiency in Python programming.
  • Experience with quantum computing programming through courses or personal projects.
  • Knowledge of machine learning techniques is an advantage.
  • Strong spoken and written English skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

The hiring is contingent on the candidate applying formally for the Ph.D. program at the University of Iceland at the corresponding department and that the application is approved by the faculty.

Application process

The PhD student position starts no later than the spring of 2025.

Applications should include:

  • A cover letter
  • A CV (stating relevant work experience, knowledge in computer programming, and a list of publications if any)
  • Copies of university diplomas (BS and MS), course listings with grade information (in English)
  • One-page statement of research interests
  • Names and full contact information of two professional referees (including their relationship to the applicant)
  • TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent test results

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after the application deadline. 

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Action Policy of the University of Iceland.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

The University of Iceland is the largest teaching, research and science institute in Iceland. The University of Iceland is a growing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism, and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the progression of the studies and research in all fields within the realm of the University.

The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs around 400 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. Currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international. The school has 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its' diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing is paramount.

For further information please visit the University of Iceland and International Staff Services webpages.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 30.04.2025

For further information contact

Gabriele Cavallaro

gcavallaro@hi.is

Apply now

PhD position in transcriptional regulation of cell fate commitment - BioMedical Center, University of Iceland

A Ph.D. position focusing on transcriptional regulation in mouse embryonic stem cells and primodial germ cells is open for applications at the University of Iceland, Reykjavík.The project is supported by the Icelandic Research Council for three years. The studentship is in the Biomedical Center (www.lifvisindi.hi.is) and is associated with the Faculty of Medicine and the Graduate Program in Molecular Life Sciences (GPMLS).  Erna Magnúsdóttir, associate professor at the Faculty of Medicine, will be the project¿s supervisor. The group's website can be found at http://magnuslab.is/.The graduate program is a joint program between research groups at the University of Iceland and research organizations associated with the University. The main objective of GPMLS is to create a dynamic interdisciplinary educational program and to advance research and education in the field of molecular life sciences. The program offers research and education opportunities in a stimulating environment for students working towards MSc. or PhD.

Field of work

The student will investigate transcriptional mechanisms in mouse embryonic stem cell fate commitment, with an emphasis on primordial germ cell specification, with the aim of generating a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of early embryonic development. The approach will rely on directed differentiation and culture of mouse primordial germ cells in conjunction with assays such as to assess the binding of transcription factors to chromatin, such as CUT&RUN, CRISPR-Cas9 based genome editing, single-cell RNA sequencing, as well as classical molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology techniques.

Qualification requirements

  • MSc degree in cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
  • Good experience working on research in a laboratory setting using biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology assays.
  • Skills in mammalian cell culture.
  • Good Computer skills is preferred.
  • Fluency in both written and spoken English.
  • Work independency and strong communication skills.

PhD applicants must fulfill the requirements for registration in PhD studies in the School of Health Sciences. 

Application process

The applicant is expected to start no later than September 2025.

Please include the following with the application:

  • A cover letter with a description of how the applicant meets the requirements, their interests in the project and how he/she can contribute to the project (max 2 pages).
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Certificates of education (BS and MSc degree) and distribution of grades.
  • The name, telephone number and e-mail address of two referrals (including their relationship to the applicant). 
  • Overview of publications.
  • Applicants are also invited to send a PDF of their MS thesis (in any language) and any other relevant publications if available (max 5 documents).

Only complete applications will be considered.

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. 

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 30.04.2025

For further information contact

Erna Magnúsdóttir

erna@hi.is

Apply now

PhD student position in Physics

The Department of Physics seeks applicants for a PhD student position within the field of semiconductor device physics. The position is funded  by the Icelandic Research Fund for three years. 

Field of work

This Ph.D. project is focused on the electrical properties of SiC/dielectric interfaces. This interface forms the insulating gate in SiC metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs). Today, power modules based on SiC MOSFETs are inside virtually all electric cars. During the 30 years of development physicists have played a vital role in this evolution first by inventing crystal growth processes for SiC and later advancing the necessary physical understanding of the SiO2/SiC interface. However, despite the commercial success the SiC MOSFETs are still far from optimized and would enter new markets if the interface between SiC and the gate dielectric would be improved further. The Ph.D. work includes processing of SiC MOS devices in a semiconductor grade clean room. A substantial part of the work is detailed electrical characterization of the fabricated devices and comparison with devices obtained from international collaborators. The student will be expected to communicate results at international conferences and in scientific journals.

The supervisors will be Einar Sveinbjörnsson, Professor of Physics at the Faculty of Physical Sciences, and Dr. Arnar Már Viðarsson, post-doctoral researcher at the Science Institute. The research group is based at the Nanotechnology Center of the University of Iceland and the PhD work is made in close collaboration with several research groups abroad.

Qualification requirements

  • MSc degree in physics, engineering physics, materials science, electrical engineering or related fields
  • Experience within the field of semiconductors as well as some experience working in a clean room facility is preferable
  • Applicant must be able to work independently and as part of a team
  • Proficiency in both written and spoken English 

The hiring is contingent on the candidate applying formally for the Ph.D. program at the University of Iceland at the corresponding department and that the application is approved by the faculty.

Application process

Applications should be submitted via the University's online application system. Applications shall include:

  • A cover letter describing the student's research interests and reasons for applying (1 page maximum)
  • Curriculum vitae (3 page maximum)
  • Copies of university diplomas (BSc and MSc) and course listings with grade information (in English)
  • Names and contact information of two potential references

The start date of the PhD position is negotiable, but preferable around September 1st , 2024.

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland. http://www.hi.is/haskolinn/jafnrettisaaetlun#markmid2

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy. https://www.hi.is/haskolinn/malstefna_haskola_islands 

The University of Iceland is a growing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the progression of studies and research in all fields within the realm of the University. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs ca. 400 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. Currently about a quarter of all employees and graduate students are international. The school has around 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing are paramount.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 28.04.2025

For further information contact

Einar Örn Sveinbjörnsson

einars@hi.is

Apply now

Assistant Professor in Biochemistry

A full-time Assistant Professor position in the field of biochemistry at the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, is open for applications. The position involves teaching and research in biochemistry as well as administrative tasks.

Field of work

The Assistant Professor will be expected to develop independent research of international merit, financed by external grants. The research will pertain to the Science Institute and facilities will be in Askja. The Assistant Professor will, among other things, teach and supervise courses in biochemistry, as well as contributing to teaching development. They are also expected to guide undergraduate and graduate students in research studies in the same fields. The position also involves participation in department management and other academic service and administrative tasks.

Qualification requirements

  • Ph.D. in biochemistry or a related field.
  • Experience in teaching at the university level is essential, preferably in biochemistry.
  • Research experience in biochemistry as reflected in published peer-reviewed research articles in acknowledged journals on recognized platforms.
  • Strong collaboration skills and adaptability in interpersonal relationships along with initiative and independence.
  • Established research collaboration and the aqcuisition of external grants are desirable.
  • Good Icelandic skills are an advantage.
  • Good oral and written English skills are essential.

The selection process will take into consideration how well the applicant fits the needs and goals of the study programme in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Undergraduate teaching is generally in Icelandic, and the candidate is expected to be able to teach in Icelandic within five years of starting the position. The University of Iceland offers Icelandic language courses to foreign staff.

Application process

The tentative starting date is August 1st. 2025, or by further agreement.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents with their application:

  1. Cover letter stating how the applicant meets the qualification requirements.
  2. Certificates of education.
  3. Curriculum Vitae.
  4. List of publications.
  5. Report on scholarly work and other work they have carried out.
  6. Outline of proposed research and teaching plan, if hired.
  7. Contact information for three referees that can be contacted.

The applicant should list up to eight of their most important publications in relation to this position. The applicant must include a copy of these publications along with the application or indicate where they can be accessed electronically. The applicant must summarize their contribution to publications with multiple authors. Applications and accompanying documents, which are not submitted in electronic form, must be sent in duplicate to the Division of Science and Innovation, University of Iceland, Main Building, Sæmundargata 2, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.

The successful candidate will be hired for five years with the possibility of a permanent contract at the end of this period, cf. paragraph 3, Article 31 of the Regulation for the University of Iceland no. 569/2009.

Processing of applications, evaluation of applicants' competence and hiring shall be in accordance with the Act on Public Higher Education Institutions no. 85/2008 and the Regulation for the University of Iceland no. 569/2009.

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications remain valid for six months after the application deadline.

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

The University of Iceland is a flourishing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the development of the study programs and research in all fields within the realm of the University. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs ca. 390 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, where currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international, and that number is increasing each year.

At the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences undergraduate teaching in the fields of biology, molecular biology and biochemistry takes place, as well as the education of MSc and PhD students in the relevant fields. Emphasis is placed on basic research and the dissemination of scientific knowledge to the society.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 25.04.2025

For further information contact

Snædís Huld Björnsdóttir

snaedis@hi.is

Gunnar Þór Jóhannesson

gtj@hi.is

Apply now

PhD position in Physical Chemistry (experimental)

A PhD position in Physical Chemistry is available at the Science Institute of the University of Iceland. The project is called Local structure and ionic conduction in amorphous garnets for solid-state batteries and is funded for three years from the Icelandic Research Fund. The development of SSBs that can be manufactured at a large scale is one of the most pursued targets of the battery industry this century and demands innovative fundamental research.

Field of work

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) revolutionized portable electronics but are reaching their limit in terms of theoretical energy density and there is critical need for alternative high-energy battery technologies. Solid-state batteries (SSBs) have the potential to offer higher energy density, improved safety, and innovative design. Crystalline LLZO is a leading solid electrolyte due to its high Li-ion conductivity and electrochemical stability, but challenges such as high annealing temperature, low reproducibility, and dendrite growth hinder commercialization. This project explores amorphous LLZO (am-LLZO) to overcome these challenges and pave the way for sustainable, high-performance solid-state batteries fabricated at low temperature. Combining experimental and computational approaches, am-LLZO's local structure and ion conduction mechanisms will be studied with the goal of optimizing ionic conductivity. The project involves thin film synthesis using magnetron sputtering where the deposition process parameters are studied in detail. The thin film will be investigated with different characterization methods including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and various spectroscopic methods.

The project is supervised by Dr. Anna B. Gunnarsdóttir and Research Prof. Friðrik Magnus and is funded through the grant Local structure and ionic conduction in amorphous garnets for solid-state batteries from the Icelandic Research Fund. The selected candidates will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment. We have extensive international collaborations with both theoretical and experimental groups. The research will take place in a scientifically stimulating, international environment alongside other PhD students and Postdocs, and international collaborators. The salary is competitive, and funding is provided for attending international conferences as well as for research visits abroad. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team. If you are passionate about sustainable materials chemistry and the development of new solid-state battery technology, this opportunity could be for you.

Qualification requirements

  • MSc in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or related fields.
  • Ability to work both independently and strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English.

The selected candidate must send a formal application for PhD studentship at the University of Iceland and the position is contingent on acceptance into the PhD program.

Application process

The starting date is negotiable but preferred if the applicant could start September 1st. 2025.

The application should include:

  • A cover letter (max. one page) describing the scientific background and how it aligns with the project
  • Grade transcripts
  • TOEFL/IELTS or something similar
  • CV including list of publications
  • Names and full contact information of two professional referees (including their relationship to the applicant).

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after the application deadline. 

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Action Policy of the University of Iceland.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

The University of Iceland is the largest teaching, research and science institute in Iceland. The University of Iceland is a growing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism, and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the progression of the studies and research in all fields within the realm of the University.

The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs around 400 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. Currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international. The school has 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its' diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing is paramount.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 30.04.2025

For further information contact

Anna Bergljót Gunnarsdóttir

annabg@hi.is

Friðrik Magnus

fridrikm@hi.is

Apply now

2025 University of Iceland's Post Doctoral Fund

The University of Iceland announces postdoctoral jobs, awarded for up to three years. The grants are intended for researchers who have completed their PhD in the last seven years (January 2019 and later) including those who will graduate before October 1st, 2025. Time spent on sick leave or parental leave is considered regarding the period since completing the PhD. A special committee, appointed by the rector will be responsible for evaluating, ranking, and awarding the grants. The committee will include one representative from each of the University¿s schools, along with a chairperson pointed by the rector without a nomination. The evaluation process will primarily focus on the applicant's research proposal and publications, while also considering the time since the completion of the PhD. The selection process aims for an equal distribution of applicants across the University's schools, to the greatest extent possible.  The University of Iceland's schools are the School of Social Sciences, School of Health Sciences, School of Humanities, School of Education and School of Engineering and Natural Sciences.

Field of work

 

A postdoctoral position is a temporary research position intended to provide further training and experience after completing a doctoral degree, preparing individuals for an academic career.

Qualification requirements

  • PhD degree

 

Application process

Applications must include. 

  1. CV and cover letter, 
  2. research proposal. The proposal should outline the scientific innovation, value and objectives of the research, along with a general description of the project that can be made publicly available. The proposal is confidential, except for the general description. 
  3. list of publications, 
  4. a copy of the PhD diploma or a letter from the applicant's university confirming that the doctoral thesis defense will take place before October 1, 2025 (signed by supervisor and/or relevant faculty), 
  5. a statement of support from the University of Iceland school/faculty/institute confirming that the applicant will have access to the necessary facilities and equipment (see template). 

All supporting documents must be in PDF format. Applicants are also required to arrange for two experts to submit reference letters confirming the quality of the applicant `s research and their ability to conduct the proposed postdoctoral research. It is preferred that one of the reviewers be associated with the applicant `s doctoral thesis. The reference letters should be emailed in PDF format directly to rannsoknasjodir@hi.is before the application deadline. 

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be notified of the decision when it has been made. Applications will be valid for six months from the end of the application deadline. 

Salary will be in accordance with the wage agreement between the Minister of Finance and the relevant trade union. Appointments at the University of Iceland consider the Equal Rights Policy.Please also note the University of Iceland Language Policy.For further information, including directions for obtaining statements of support, please contact the Division of Science and Innovation (rannsoknasjodir@hi.is). Applications should be submitted online; the application form and instructions can be found here.

The advertisement is based on working procedures for the recruitment fund of the University of Iceland.SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATIONS HERE: POST DOC GRANT 2025

Application deadline

Application deadline is 08.05.2025

For further information contact

Maya Staub

maya@hi.is

Apply now

PhD position in Electrical- and Computer Engineering

Applications are invited for a PhD student positions in Electrical- and Computer Engineering. The project is in the field of medical image analysis. The position is fully funded by The Icelandic Research Fund (RANNIS) for three years and involves collaborations between the University of Iceland and extended international research teams of engineers and clinicians.

Field of work

The project involves the development of image processing and analysis strategies to study and characterize brain atrophy seen in patients with Parkinson plus syndromes. The PhD student will develop novel image processing methods for automatic segmentation of brain structures from magnetic resonance images (MRI), and in turn, develop a classifier for imaging biomarkers associated with Parkinson plus syndromes. The long term objective is to provide diagnostic aid for earlier diagnosis of these syndromes than is currently possible. The methods will be evaluated on extensive multi-site MRI patient data from Europe and the USA.

Qualification requirements

  • MSc degree in a relevant field, including electrical- and computer engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, and physics.
  • A background in AI, deep learning, or machine learning is a distinct advantage.
  • Ability to work independently and strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English.

The selected candidate must send a formal application for PhD studentship at the University of Iceland and the position is contingent on acceptance into the PhD program.

Application process

The PhD student position starts no later than fall 2025. 

Applications should include:

  • A cover letter
  • A CV (stating relevant work experience, knowledge in computer programming, and a list of publications if any)
  • Copies of university diplomas (BS and MS), course listings with grade information (in English)
  • One-page statement of research interests
  • Names and full contact information of two professional referees (including their relationship to the applicant).

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after the application deadline. 

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Action Policy of the University of Iceland.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

The University of Iceland is the largest teaching, research and science institute in Iceland. The University of Iceland is a growing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism, and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the progression of the studies and research in all fields within the realm of the University.

The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs around 400 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. Currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international. The school has 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its' diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing is paramount.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 02.05.2025

For further information contact

Lotta María Ellingsen

lotta@hi.is

Apply now

PhD position in Physical Chemistry (theoretical)

A PhD position in Physical Chemistry is available in the physical and theoretical chemistry group (https://theochemui.github.io/theochem-web/) at the Science Institute of the University of Iceland. The project is called Local structure and ionic conduction in amorphous garnets for solid-state batteries  and is funded for three years from the Icelandic Research Fund. The development of SSBs that can be manufactured at a large scale is one of the most pursued targets of the battery industry this century and demands innovative fundamental research.

Field of work

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) offer higher energy density, improved safety, and innovative design. Crystalline LLZO is a leading solid electrolyte due to its high Li-ion conductivity and stability, but challenges such as high annealing temperature, low reproducibility, and dendrite growth hinder commercialization. This project explores amorphous LLZO (am-LLZO) to overcome these challenges and pave the way for sustainable, high-performance solid-state batteries fabricated at low temperature. Combining experimental and computational approaches, am-LLZO's local structure and ion conduction mechanisms will be studied with the goal of optimizing ionic conductivity. Density functional theory (DFT) combined with molecular dynamics and rate theory will be used to model the amorphous structure and ion diffusion. Advanced simulation tools and software packages, such as EON, will be used for multi-timescale modeling, while machine learning approaches will be used to generate accurate interatomic potentials. The project will be performed in close collaboration with experimental work involving thin film synthesis and characterisation, electrochemical measurements, X-ray diffraction, and potential neutron diffraction and solid-state NMR.

The project is supervised by Prof. Hannes Jónsson and Dr. Anna B. Gunnarsdóttir and is funded through the grant Local structure and ionic conduction in amorphous garnets for solid-state batteries from the Icelandic Research Fund. The selected candidates will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment at the forefront of the development of theoretical and computational methods for atomic-scale modelling, including density functional based techniques and multiscale simulation approaches. We have extensive international collaborations with both theoretical and experimental groups. The research will take place in a scientifically stimulating, international environment alongside other PhD students and Postdocs, and international collaborators. Access to computational resources is provided through the Icelandic Research e-Infrastructure (IREI) project, which includes clusters with thousands of CPU and GPU cores. The salary is competitive, and funding is provided for attending international conferences as well as for research visits abroad. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team.

Qualification requirements

  • MSc in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or related fields.
  • Ability to work both independently and strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English.

The selected candidate must send a formal application for PhD studentship at the University of Iceland and the position is contingent on acceptance into the PhD program.

Application process

The starting date is negotiable but preferred if the applicant could start September 1st. 2025.

The application should include:

  • A cover letter (max. one page) describing the scientific background and how it aligns with the project.
  • Grade transcripts.
  • CV including list of publications.
  • TOEFL/IELTS or something similar.
  • Names and full contact information of two professional referees (including their relationship to the applicant).

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after the application deadline.

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Action Policy of the University of Iceland.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

The University of Iceland is the largest teaching, research and science institute in Iceland. The University of Iceland is a growing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism, and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the progression of the studies and research in all fields within the realm of the University.

The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs around 400 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. Currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international. The school has 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its' diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing is paramount.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 30.04.2025

For further information contact

Anna Bergljót Gunnarsdóttir

annabg@hi.is

Hannes Jónsson

hj@hi.is

Apply now

PhD student Position in Urban Hydrology

Applications are invited for a PhD student position in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering or Environmental Science, in the field of sustainable urban drainage (also called nature-based, blue-green stormwater solutions or low impact development, LID). The project is funded for three years by the Icelandic Research Fund (Rannís).Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) have been increasingly implemented as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to counteract the effects of urbanization and climate change. SUDS provide various benefits including flood mitigation, water treatment, cooling down cities, and carbon sequestration. However, SUDS functions deteriorate during winter due to frost, vegetation dormancy, and the lack of biological activity. The research conducted within the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Iceland in the past decades has demonstrated that cold maritime climate conditions such as intermittent snow, frequent rain-on-snow, and freeze-thaw cycles can negatively affect winter performance. Further information on the research project can be found here.

Field of work

The main goal of the PhD project is to assess of the hydrological water balance and carbon sequestration potential in two newly constructed bioretention cells receiving roof runoff from a building on University of Iceland Campus.

The successful candidate will be responsible for finetuning the experimental setup and collecting a comprehensive field data set for 2.5 years outdoors in all weather conditions. This includes, among other things, manually recording carbon sequestration rates in the bioretention cells and adjacent urban grass and green roofs every week, and operating self-recording instruments of hydrological load entering and exiting the bioretention cells, soil and weather conditions. The PhD student needs to have interest in conducting hands-on field data collection outdoors in cold climate with an interdisciplinary research team. The successful candidate will moreover analyze the data with statistical methods, and write the findings in the form of three scientific papers in English to be published in international peer reviewed journals. Furthermore, the PhD students will write a report/handbook detailing the local experience and design considerations of bioretention cells for practitioners/stakeholders in Iceland, as well as presenting results in local and international conferences. The candidate will contribute to a larger, interdisciplenary research team which includes a Masters and PhD student. 

Facilities for the candidate will be at the Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty at the University of Iceland. The work will be conducted in collaboration with the Land Restoration Programme at the Agricultural University of Iceland and the Soil Conservation of Iceland.

Qualification requirements

  • Master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering or Environmental Science.
  • Strong background in hydrological processes, environmental soil physics, and/or hydrological data analyses is preferred.
  • Good computer skills (such as Excel, Matlab, or R).
  • Reliability, initiative, and competence to work independently, along with good communication and cooperation skills.
  • Chemical laboratory training (handing chemicals safely, including acids) is an advantage.
  • Proficiency in English, both verbal and written.

The hiring of a PhD student is contingent on the candidate applying formally for the PhD program at the University of Iceland at the corresponding department and that the application is approved by the faculty.

Application process

The starting date for the position is September 1st 2025

Applications should include:

  • A two-page statement of research interests and how the candidate can contribute to the project.
  • A CV, stating relevant work experience including laboratory or field experiments, computer programming skills and a list of publications and presentations if applicable.
  • Copies of university diplomas (BS and MS), with course listings and grade information (in English or Icelandic). If MS degree is not finished, hand in a letter from thesis advisor with projected end date.
  • Names and full contact information of two professional academic referees (including their relationship to the applicant).

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after the application deadline.

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Action Policy of the University of Iceland.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

The University of Iceland is a flourishing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the development of the study programs and research in all fields within the realm of the University. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs approximately 390 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, where currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international, and that number is increasing each year. The school has around 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing are paramount.

The Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering conducts diverse research that relate to Sustainable Development Goals, e.g. nr. 6 Clean Water & Sanitation, nr. 7 Renewable Hydropower and Wind Energy, and nr. 11 Sustainable Cities. The Faculty has expertise in Hydrology, Environmental Technology, Environmental Footprint, as well as Transport, Geotechnical and Structural Engineering. Further information about the Faculty can be found here. 

Application deadline

Application deadline is 15.05.2025

For further information contact

Hrund Ólöf Andradóttir

hrund@hi.is

Apply now

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