Job description

Position as Researcher in Solid-state electrochemistry available at Department of Chemistry / Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN), University of Oslo.

The fellowship period is for 2 years. Starting date between 01.08.2020 and 1.10.2020.

More about the position

We seek a highly motivated researcher with a PhD in solid-state electrochemistry and with appropriate experience and interest to take on the task to understand systems operation involving proton ceramic electrochemical cells in an intermittent energy landscape. The position is a part of the user-driven project DYNAPRO. Coordinator and project owner is CoorsTek Membrane Sciences AS and the project is partially financed through the NANO2021 program at the Norwegian Research Council. Active partners are University of Oslo (host of Researcher) and Instituto de Tecnologia Quimica (CSIC-ITQ), Valencia, Spain.

The core technology in the project is proton conducting ceramics applied for hydrogen production through ammonia decomposition, steam methane reforming, steam electrolysis and for direct ammonia fuel cells. The work will focus on materials characterization and reactor testing from single cells to modules, but can also involve some ceramic fabrication. The DYNAPRO project also involves a PhD Research Fellow at UiO and several team members at CoorsTek Membrane Sciences and at CSIC-ITQ - the Research candidate will as such be part of a larger team focusing on development of the technology.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition is 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

• The candidate must have a PhD or corresponding degree, preferably in solid-state electrochemistry. Specialization in ceramic electrolysers/fuel cells (electrolytes and electrodes), ceramic proton conductors, materials synthesis and fabrication, and microstructural and electrochemical characterization techniques is desired.
• Good command of English, good cooperation and communication skills, interdisciplinary way of thinking, and independent initiative are required.

We offer

• salary NOK 523 200 – 583 900 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Application letter describing briefly and clearly the motivation, academic background and merits, and how the applicant does and/or does not meet each of the requirements and preferences described above for the position.
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, 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. 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).

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

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 etc.

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 questions and further information about the project, contact:

• Professor Truls Norby, phone: +47 22840654, e-mail: truls.norby@kjemi.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Ørjan Pretorius, email: orjan.pretorius@mn.uio.no

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