About the position

Position as Researcher available at the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN), University of Oslo.

The position is for a period of 36 months (3 years). 

Preferred starting date January 1, 2025 and no later than April 1, 2025.

Job description / project description:

We seek a Researcher with qualifications and interest in materials science and renewable energy conversion technologies. The Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN) comprises University of Oslos (UiO) focus on renewable energy, materials science, and nanotechnology. The Centre is an interdisciplinary collaboration between five research groups in physics and chemistry, and spearheads the MN Faculty's efforts for sustainable energy solutions.

The researcher will be affiliated with the research group for Electrochemistry at SMN, UiO, located in Oslo Science Park, which consists of around 30 highly dedicated professors, researchers, postdocs, PhD fellows, engineers, admin, master and exchange students. The group is among the world-leading in solid-state electrochemistry and materials science of proton-conducting oxides for electrochemical energy conversion technologies such as proton ceramic fuel cells and electrolysers. These technologies are central in the transition to renewable energy and in the electrification of industrial processes.

The researcher position is part of the EU funded project “Hybrid protonic reactor for flexible energy conversion, storage and transmission by reversible organic electrolysis (HYPPER)” with partners from academic and research institutions in Europe as well as technology developers. The project deals with the development of a novel electrochemical reactor comprising proton ceramic electrolyte and novel hybrid electrocatalysts.

The researcher will be involved in tasks related to atomistic and multiscale modelling, fabrication and characterization of materials, and electrochemical characterization of cells. The emphasis of the project can be tailored to some extent according to the qualifications and academic interest of the top candidates including the possibility for combining experimental and simulation methods. Of particular interest, are atomic scale simulations using density functional theory (DFT) and/or finite element simulations.

Qualification requirements:

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe's leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in Materials Chemistry, Materials Science, Materials Physics or equivalent. Doc-toral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defence are eligible for appointment. 
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• The position's subject area may require licensing under the Norwegian Export Control Act. In order to be considered for the position, it is a prerequisite that UiO must be able to be granted such licence

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

Desired qualifications:

• Experience with density functional theory (DFT) simulations of ionic transport in solids, kinetic processes at oxide surfaces, etc.
• Experience with finite element simulations of electrochemical process, chemical kinetics, etc., using, e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics
• Experience with electrochemical characterization of solid oxide cells
• Experience with fabrication of solid oxide cells

Personal skills:

• Good social, communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary scientific environment across research institutions and technology developers

We offer:

• Salary NOK minimum 575 400 - 708 000 per year depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• Statement of motivation (demonstrating suitability for the position)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations:

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact persons:

For further information please contact: 

• Jonathan Polfus, phone: +47 228 40683, e-mail: jonathan.polfus@kjemi.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system please contact HR-adviser Olga Holmlund, e-mail: olga.holmlund@mn.uio.no

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