UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT The Arctic University of Norway with its main campus located in Tromsø is the northernmost university in the world. Its focus on climate and environment is clearly dictated by the geographical location at the edge of the Arctic. The main task of the Faculty of Science and Technology is to conduct research and teaching at high national and international level. Prioritized research areas include energy, climate, environment, maritime, marine, nano-, space-, and information technology; addressing both general topics and topics relevant for the High North.

The Department of Physics and Technology announces a vacant position of a Researcher attached to the project “Mid-Infrared Cryptophane-enhanced On-chip Sensor (MICRO-Sense)” funded by the Research Council of Norway. The main responsibility of the Researcher is to guide the development of on-chip spectroscopy sensors for trace gas monitoring.

---- We offer an interesting position combining academic research with applied tasks of project management and outreach, good remuneration, and fantastic work environment within the stunning landscape of Tromsø.

The position is formally attached to the Ultrasound, Microwaves and Optics group of the Department of Physics and Technology, which has the strongest track record in optical waveguide technology in Norway, and currently involves 15‑20 people, 70 % of them from abroad. Its research is at the forefront in the areas of super-resolution imaging using nanophotonic waveguides and optical sensor technology. Within this group, the Laser Spectroscopy team, led by assoc. prof. Jana Jágerská, focuses on the development of photonic instrumentation for trace gas sensing, to be primarily deployed for measurements of methane and CO2 emissions in the Arctic. Its research is funded from three external projects, among others a prestigious ERC Starting Grant. By the end of 2018, the group will count 7 members, of it 4 PhD students, 1 Postdoctoral Fellow and 2 Researchers.

The position is available for commencement from autumn 2018, and the appointment is for a period of two years with a possibility of prolongation.

Further information about the position, UiT, and project details is available by contacting Associate Professor Jana Jágerská by email jana.jagerska@uit.no or telephone +47 776 45166.

The position’s field of research

The ambitious goal of this project is to develop a methane sensor based on a photonic chip, which will be 2‑3 orders of magnitude more sensitive than existing chip-scale sensors. The successful candidate will mainly work on the development of new waveguides optimized for gas sensing in the mid-infrared range, and coordinate their design and fabrication. Integration of the waveguides into a laboratory prototype, optimized for drone-conducted quantification of methane sources in the Arctic, will be the primary focus at a later stage of the appointment. Principal external collaboration includes NTNU Trondheim (Norway), Optical Research Center at the University of Southampton (United Kingdom), ENS Lyon (France), ETH Zürich (Switzerland), and Norwegian industrial partners SINTEF, Norut and NEO Monitors.

The working hours will be utilised for research, co-supervision of two PhD students, and dissemination of results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Overseas research stay during the appointment period will be encouraged, and financed from existing funding.

Qualifications

The position requires a Norwegian doctoral degree in photonics, experimental physics, micro‑/nanotechnology or similar, or a corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognised as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree. Other requirements include:

• Solid background in experimental physics, in particular optics. Prior experience with optical waveguides (theory, simulation, processing, characterization)
• Hands-on experience in optical or photonic laboratory and experience with relevant measurement techniques and instrument control
• Excellence in applicant’s previous work
• Excellent work ethic and commitment to the job
• Excellent command of English, both written and verbal. Interest in Norwegian language and culture is welcome.

In addition, it is an advantage that the applicant has:

• Direct experience in cleanroom processing of (optical) integrated devices
• Experience with optical sensors, sensor functionalization
• Strong written communication skills
• International experience and cultural awareness

Emphasis is also given on the applicant's independence, and personal suitability. Priority will be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than five years before the application deadline, unless special circumstances exist.

Application

Your application must include:

• Application and motivation letter (max one page)
• CV including track record and a short description of past research projects (max two pages)
• Three references, preferably including the PhD supervisor

• Academic works, up to three. The doctoral thesis is regarded as one work
• Diplomas and transcripts

All documentation has to be in English or a Scandinavian language. The application must be submitted electronically through Jobbnorge.

We offer

We offer an interesting position combining academic research with applied tasks of project management and outreach, good remuneration, and fantastic work environment within the stunning landscape of Tromsø.

Remuneration of Researcher positions is in salary code 1109, normally starting at salary grade 59 on the pay scale for Norwegian state employees corresponding to approx. 42 400 NOK/month in 2018. There is a 2 % deduction for contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. In addition, UiT pays 12 % directly to the pension fund on top of the salary.

UiT has good welfare arrangements for employees, including beneficial arrangements for pension, insurances and loans in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

More information about moving to Norway: https://uit.no/mobility

General

We make the appointment in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway wishes to increase the proportion of females in senior research positions. In the event that two or more applicants are found to be approximately equally qualified, female applicants will be given priority.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway has HR policy objectives that emphasize diversity, and encourages all qualified applicants to apply regardless of their age, gender, functional ability and national or ethnic background. The university is an IW (Inclusive Workplace) enterprise, and we will emphasize making the necessary adaptations to the working conditions for employees with reduced functional ability.

We process personal data given in an application or CV in accordance with the Personal Data Act. You may request to not be registered on the public list of applicants, but the University may decide that your name will be made public. You will receive advance notification in the event of such publication.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Apply for position

Søknadsfrist: 12.07.2018

Web: www.uit.no

Kontakt: Associate Professor Jana Jágerská

Telefon: +47 776 45166

E-post: jana.jagerska@uit.no