Researcher in chemistry/material science with focus on investigations of zeolite catalyst deactivation

Job description

A position as researcher is available at the Center for Materials Science and Nanotechnology/Department of Chemistry.

The position is for a period of 2 years. Preferred starting date is second quarter 2022.

We are seeking a Researcher to join the Catalysis Section with a genuine interest in zeolite science. Key competence areas are diffraction methods; multiscale simulations; as well as experimental studies of the zeolite catalyzed conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons.

This position is part of the TomoCAT project, which is funded by the Research Council of Norway. The project is a collaboration between the University of Oslo (project owner), the University of Torino, and the Danish industrial partner Haldor Topsøe A/S. The overreaching objective of TomoCAT is to develop the tools that might pave the way for a more efficient utilization of industrial catalysts. Such catalysts are always shaped into millimeter sized catalyst objects suitable for large scale industrial use.

The key feature of TomoCAT is to achieve a description of how various chemical phenomena, such as catalyst deactivation, occur in these shaped objects, resolved both in time and space. Time in this context means the time of use in an industrial process, whereas space means spatial resolution across shaped catalyst objects. This requires a combination of catalyst preparation, extensive basic and spectroscopic characterization and performance measurements in the home laboratory, utilization of national research infrastructures and very advanced synchrotron methods for 3D imaging and tomography, as well as kinetic and diffusion simulations. In this position, you will be part of the international and highly motivated Catalysis Section, which consists of approximately 30 professors, researchers, post docs, technical and administrative staff, PhD students and master students.

The position is based in the Catalysis Section. Our vision is to carry out rational design of new and improved catalysts based on fundamental mechanistic insights studies. The Catalysis Section is subdivided into three activities: 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 activity.

The position is associated with the Center for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN). SMN is a cross disciplinary center, promoting research in materials science and nanotechnology. The Centre is an international player on basic science within functional materials and nanoscience, with application within energy, life science, environment and ICT.

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 researcher will be extensively involved in advanced investigations of the deactivation of zeolite catalysts. Within the project group, we will use a variety of characterization methods and various imaging techniques, including space resolved techniques such as synchrotron X-ray diffraction computed tomography, optical spectroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging. Experimental data collection, catalytic testing and preparation of deactivated samples, and data analysis and simulation are relevant key areas. Secondments with partners are planned as part of the project activities.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or physics. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defense are eligible for appointment
• Documented competence within at least one of the following key areas is required. Experience within more than one topic will be considered highly beneficial:
  • A strong background in diffraction methods and experience with the application for beam time and the planning and execution of synchrotron based experiments
  • Documented experience with multiscale simulations of reaction and deactivation of complex catalytic reactions from the atom scale to the reactor scale
  • Extensive understanding of zeolite science and in particular experimental studies of the zeolite catalyzed conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons
• Experience with programming and handling of large datasets is required
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Experience with catalyst preparation is desirable

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 to 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 534 400 - 615 800 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)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records
• 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).

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 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 e.g. rights to research results.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. We also want to have employees with diverse expertise, combinations of subjects, life experience and perspectives. We will make adjustments for employees who require this.

If there are qualified applicants with special needs, gaps in their CVs or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups to an interview.

Contact information

For further information please contact: Prof. Stian Svelle, phone: +47 228 55454, e-mail: Stian.Svelle@kjemi.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR Advisor Olga Holmlund, e-mail: olgaba@mn.uio.no

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