Job description

A two years position as a researcher within the field of computational inorganic materials chemistry is available at the Department of Chemistry/Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN), research group NAFUMA - nanostructures and functional materials.

The starting date is no later than February 2023.

Job description

The Researcher will work on the project DENT “Discovery and exploration of novel materials for tandem solar cells” which is a collaborative project between the NAFUMA research group and the LENS research group in physical electronics and semiconductor physics. The project is funded under the umbrella of a UiO: Energy Thematic Research Group by the University of Oslo.

We are searching for a creative, skilled and ambitious researcher with solid experience in computational materials science, who will be responsible for the sub-activity connected with search for candidate materials by means of modelling approaches. Promising materials will be synthesized and investigated by other team members. In addition to the DENT team of two researchers, the activity will benefit from skills and collaboration with a number of PhD and post doctor fellows /researchers in the two involved research groups (NAFUMA and LENS). External collaboration with other academic research groups will be encouraged. The candidate should expect, for a limited time, to involve in related projects using his/her skills within the mentioned methods below.

Traditional trial-and-error methods are too time-consuming to keep pace with the rapid evolution of demands. Compared with chemical synthesis` trial-and-error methods, computational simulation is advantageous for providing useful experiments over which one has full control of the relevant variables. Ab initio computation plays an important role in accelerating the discovery and design process for novel photo-voltaic materials. The research focus is to explore novel n-type single-phase, stable materials with 1.1-1.6 eV band gap, higher dipole transition, good SLME (Spectroscopic Limited Maximum Efficiency), and low EM (effective mass) via data-driven computational modeling combined with machine learning and artificial intelligent algorithms.

Qualification requirements

The applicant must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian PhD degree within chemistry, physics or a related field, and with relevant specialization within inorganic chemistry, nanochemistry, or computational materials science.

Candidates for the position are expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

The following qualifications will be given major weight in the evaluation of the candidates:

• Good knowledge of DFT modeling of inorganic materials and their stability and properties
• Expertise in Python programming and database management
• MD modeling combined with machine learning skills
• Experience with applying ML and AI in relevant research work

In the cover letter, as well in the CV, the applicant should describe his/her experience (expertise) within the above-mentioned areas.

The applicant must also have fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

We offer

• Salary NOK 544 400 – 648 700,- 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 the four areas mentioned above)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone 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

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.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition.

Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

• Professor Helmer Fjellvåg; tlf: +47 22855564, e-mail: helmer.fjellvag@kjemi.uio.no

For technical questions regarding recruitment system JobbNorge, please, contact:

• HR Advisor Olga Holmlund, e-mail: olga.holmlund@mn.uio.no

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