Vacancies

Field of work

The successful candidate will be expected to teach and develop undergraduate and graduate courses in ecology, including advanced  course in marine or freshwater ecology. The candidate will also be responsible for guidance of research projects in both undergraduate and graduate studies, developement of independent research in the field of marine or freshwater ecology at the department, for obtaining external research grants. The position will also involve participation in the department's management and other academic service and administrative tasks. 

Qualification requirements

• Ph.D. in ecology or biology with a focus on marine or freshwater organisms or ecosystems.
• Experience in teaching at the university level is essential, and experience in course management and teaching development at university level is an advantage.
• Research experience in the field of marine or aquatic ecology and peer-reviewed research articles in acknowledged journals in the field.
• Expert knowledge in marine or freshwater ecology, e.g. focusing on organisms, their interactions or ecosystems.
• Experience in managing research projects and obtaining research grants.
• Good oral and written English skills.
• Good cooperation and agility in interpersonal relations, initiative and independence.
• Good Icelandic skills are an advantage 

The selection process will take into consideration how well the applicant fits the needs and goals of the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences.

Lectures in undergraduate courses are generally given 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 assists foreign staff in learning and mastering the Icelandic language as needed.

Application process

The tentative starting date is August 1st. 2025, or by further agreement provided the work of the committees dealing with the matter will be completed by then.

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

1. Cover letter where it is stated 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 carried out.
6. Outline of proposed research and teaching plan, if hired.
7. 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 along with the application or indicate where they can be accessed electronically. When multiple authors are listed in 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, 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 can 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

For further information contact

Arnar Pálsson

apalsson@hi.is

5254265

Gunnar Þór Jóhannesson

gtj@hi.is

5254055

Apply now

Field of work

The main duties of the assistant professor include teaching and research in the field of German studies/German as a foreign language. The assistant professor will teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels and participate in developing distance learning and teaching methods in the field. The assistant professor is also expected to take on the role of subject area coordinator and other administrative tasks within the department.

Qualification requirements

• A PhD in German studies, German as a foreign language (DaF, DaZ), linguistics, literary studies, or other humanities fields related to the assistant professor's duties.
• Excellent command of the German language, both spoken and written, equivalent to native proficiency.
• Experience teaching German as a foreign language at the university level.
• Active involvement in research in German studies/German as a foreign language (in the fields of linguistics, literary studies, language acquisition, or teaching German).
• Good collaboration skills and ease in interpersonal interactions.
• Knowledge of Icelandic is desirable.

When appointing the assistant professor, emphasis will be placed on finding the best match for the needs and circumstances of the Department of Languages and Cultures.

Application process

The tentative starting date is August 1st. 2025, or by further agreement provided the work of the committees dealing with the matter will be completed by then.

It is expected that applicants without Icelandic language skills will be able to acquire a good command of Icelandic within two years of employment. The University of Iceland assists international staff with learning Icelandic, as needed.

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

1. Cover letter where it is stated 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 carried out.
6. Outline of proposed research and teaching plan, if hired.
7. 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 along with the application or indicate where they can be accessed electronically. When multiple authors are listed in 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, 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 can 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 the largest educational, research, and scientific institution in Iceland. It provides students with comprehensive education across all major academic fields and serves institutions, businesses, and government for the public good. The University of Iceland offers a diverse range of education at all levels and is the only university in the country offering both undergraduate and graduate programs in all major academic fields.

Application deadline

For further information contact

Oddný Guðrún Sverrisdóttir

oddny@hi.is

Apply now

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

For further information contact

Benedikt Halldórsson

skykkur@hi.is

Atefe Darzi

atefe@hi.is

Apply now

Field of work

The PhD candidate will work with advanced computational models (CSMP++) to: 

• Investigate the effects of key geological variables, such as rock permeability, magma flux, intrusion depth, and fluid composition, on hydrothermal cooling dynamics in continental and oceanic crust.
• Quantify time-dependent heat fluxes from magmatic intrusions and the evolution of magma crystallinity in response to hydrothermal cooling.
• Model dynamic geological processes, including caldera collapse, and their influence on hydrothermal cooling processes.

The research will leverage unique data from the Krafla geothermal system, where a deep well encountered the magma-hydrothermal interface, making this a rare and exciting opportunity for innovative and impactful research.

The PhD student will be supervised by Dr. Samuel Warren Scott and Prof. Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson at the Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Iceland, and work closely with a multidisciplinary team of leading international experts in geothermal energy, volcanology, and numerical modeling from institutions such as GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, the Icelandic Meterological Office, and Landsvirkjun (Iceland¿s National Power Company).

The position includes opportunities for international collaboration and short research stays abroad, as well as fieldwork at the Krafla geothermal field.

Qualification requirements

• A Master's degree in geosciences, engineering, physics, or a related field
• Experience in processing and interpreting numerical data, including the use of numerical modeling
• Programming skills in Python, C++, or a similar language
• Knowledge in geothermal systems, fluid flow, and heat transfer
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Application process

Applications should include:

• A cover letter describing your motivation, research interests, and relevant experience
• A detailed CV, including academic achievements and programming skills
• Academic transcripts (Bachelor's and Master's degrees)
• Names of two referees and information on whether and how they can be contacted

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

The PhD program is expected to begin in the fall of 2025, but some flexibility is possible for the right candidate.

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

For further information contact

Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson

mtg@hi.is

Samuel Warren Scott

samuels@hi.is

Apply now

Field of work

The project involves the development of new statistical methods that make the best use of available data for predicting extreme precipitation at sub-daily scales in a changing climate, and to make predictions on extreme precipitation accessible for end-users. A statistical model for the estimation of intensity-duration-frequency curves will be set forth. The model takes into account the dependence between intensities at different duration lengths along with the spatial extremal dependence. The project will provide future predictions of extreme precipitation that take into account changes in climate according to established climate change scenarios.

Qualification requirements

• MS degree in statistics, data science, applied mathematics or a related field 
• Previous experience of analyzing climate model data would be beneficial but not essential
• Good knowledge of programming
• Excellent command of written and spoken English 
• Strong cooperation and communication skills

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 scholarship position starts on September 1st, 2025, or negotiable.

Applications should include:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Copies of university diplomas (BS and MS) and degrees and transcripts of the BS and MS courses and grades (in English)
• TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent test results
• 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.

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 Relocation Services webpages.

Application deadline

For further information contact

Birgir Hrafnkelsson

birgirhr@hi.is

Apply now

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

For further information contact

Egill Erlendsson

egille@hi.is

Apply now

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

For further information contact

Gabriele Cavallaro

gcavallaro@hi.is

Apply now