About the position

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

The position is for a period of 24 months.

Starting date is no later than July 1, 2024.

Job description/project description:

We are searching for a skilled, creative and ambitious researcher to join our scientific activities within the field of battery materials.

The candidate will work in a dynamic team of approximately 10 PhD/MS students and researchers and, therefore, should be skilled to work in team as well as independently.

The successful candidate will be involved in the development of the materials for Ca-ion and Li-ion batteries and their advanced characterization under the projects CalciumBat, MoreIsLess and LongLife funded by the Research Council of Norway. The candidate will focus on synthesis of materials, electrochemical evaluation and operando characterization including data acquisition, development of electrochemical cells for X-ray based operando techniques and data treatment. Experiments using synchrotron facilities are foreseen, depending on access and travel regulations.

The candidate will work closely with all group members, who are involved in similar research activities and should have knowledge and understanding of the electrochemical characterization of battery materials in addition to the advanced knowledge in X-ray based characterization techniques.

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 chemistry or material technology. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and completed defence are eligible for appointment.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Documented experience within the field of battery materials and X-ray-based characterization (XRD, PDF, XAS)
• Documented experience with anode materials for chemistries beyond Li-ion batteries
• Documented experience (or training) with Ca-ion and Li-ion batteries
• Documented experience with operando methods for characterization of battery materials
• Documented experience with simultaneous acquisition of PDF/XAS in operando conditions
• Expertise with use of large-scale facilities (ESRF, Diamond, etc), from proposal to experiment execution
• Crystal structure and total scattering/PDF analysis
• Knowledge of chemistry of battery materials for Ca-ion and Li-ion batteries
• Knowledge of electrochemical characterization of battery materials
• 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

Personal skills:

• Ability to conduct high-quality independent research within a broad collaboration
• Self-motivation, creativity, genuine curiosity about the subject, work discipline, professional ethics, and ambition
• Good social, communication and collaboration skills and ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary scientific environment
• Interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
• We are looking for a candidate who is willing and able to quickly learn and apply new methods and teach the other members of the group

We offer:

• Salary NOK minimum 575 400 – 700 00,- 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

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation demonstrating suitability for the position, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• 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 about the position please contact:

• Associate professor Alexey Y. Koposov, phone: +47 96694531, e-mail: alexey.koposov@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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