Job description

Position as Researcher available at the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology/Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo.

The position is for a period of 1 year.

Starting date of the position is 1. September 2021

More about the position

The fellowship is based at the Catalysis Group and associated with the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN).

The Catalysis section at the Center for Materials Science and Nanotechnology at the Department of Chemistry is studying the correlation between catalyst composition and their effects on chemical reactions. The catalysts can be of organic and/or inorganic origin. The Catalysis section has approximately 30 members, subdivided into three groups: the zeolite group synthesizes and characterizes zeolite and zeotype materials and studies catalytic reactions over those materials; the MOF-group does the same with metal-organic frameworks; the homogenous catalysis group synthesizes metal-organic complexes and studies their catalytic reactions.

This position is part of on-going projects on CO2 valorization. Valorization of CO2 as carbon source for fuels and commodity products is an integral part of a future circular economy scheme. The on-going projects are devoted to conversion of CO2 and H2 to light hydrocarbons by cascade reactions over bifunctional nanocatalysts.

The researcher will be responsible for catalytic testing of mono- and bifunctional catalysts for reaction feeds containing mixtures of CO2, CO, H2, methanol, dimethyl ether and/or water, under medium temperature - high pressure conditions. Emphasis will be set on kinetic and mechanistic studies, as well as modelling thereof, leading to insight in structure-composition-function correlations as basis for further catalyst optimization. The researcher will collaborate closely with partner labs.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this ambition, and are 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 chemistry or chemical engineering. The Doctoral thesis must be approved by the time of application.
• Documented experience with high-pressure catalyst testing, kinetic modelling and mechanistic studies is required
• Experience with methanol-to-hydrocarbons and CO2 hydrogenation research will weigh positively in the assessment and ranking of applicants.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English is required

Personal skills

• Ability to conduct high-quality independent research within a broad collaboration
• Interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
• Willingness work together with PhD and/or Master/Bachelor students in specialty field
• Self-motivation, creativity, genuine curiosity about the subject, work discipline, professional ethics, and ambition

We offer

• Salary NOK minimum 526 000 – 608 200 per annum 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

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest, including a bullet point list of qualifications within: 1. High-pressure testing 2. Kinetic modelling 3. CO2 hydrogenation and/or methanol to hydrocarbons research)
• 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 applicant’s 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 of 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 information

For further information please contact:

• Prof. Unni Olsbye phone: +47 228 55456 e-mail: unni.olsbye@kjemi.uio.no

For question reguarding our recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Ørjan Pretorius, e-mail: orjan.pretorius@mn.uio.no.

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