About the position

A position as PhD Research Fellow in Experimental Nuclear Physics is available at the Department of Physics. 

The fellowship period is 3 years. A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that normally consists of teaching. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. 

Starting date as soon as possible.

Job description

The research of the Nuclear Physics group is focused on the study of atomic nuclei and their role in astrophysically significant nuclear reactions. Clustering in light nuclei gives rise to states and resonances with interesting structures; the calculation of which remain the benchmark for cutting-edge ab initio theories. Some of these structures play a significant role in astrophysically important nuclear reactions. 

This PhD project is focused on studying structures in light nuclei such as 12C and 16O, with a particular focus on developing new direct/indirect methods for constraining the associated the triple-alpha and 12C(α,γ)16O reactions at both medium and high temperatures. For the triple-alpha reaction, experiments have been approved at the Oslo Cyclotron Laboratory (OCL, UiO) and iThemba LABS (South Africa), with a further experiment planned at Berkeley Lab. For the 12C(α,γ)16O reaction, an experiment has already been approved at IJCLab (Orsay, France) and a further experiment is to be proposed at iThemba LABS. 

The candidate is expected to contribute to the experimental efforts and take responsibility for data analysis, including the development of relevant data analysis techniques. This includes Monte Carlo (GEANT4) simulations of the experiments and calculations related to R-matrix theory, with codes such as AZURE2. The experimental results will be compared to theoretical calculations, which will be partly performed by the candidate and partly in collaboration with international partners. This project is directly relevant for the Norwegian Nuclear Research Centre (NNRC) and specifically, for Research Theme 1 (RT1): Nuclear Properties

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.

Required:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in physics, with specialization in either experimental nuclear physics or theoretical physics which is applicable to nuclear clustering. Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) must correspond to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system.
• A scientific profile relevant for the research program as outlined above.
• A solid background in scientific computing, including proficiency in C++ or Python programming.

Desired:

The following qualifications are considered strongly desirable and will be used in the ranking of the candidates:

• Experience with relevant data analysis techniques related to magnetic spectrometers, Monte Carlo simulations (e.g., GEANT4) and R-matrix theory.
• Experience with theoretical models of clustering which are applicable to light nuclei.

Grade requirements:

The norm is as follows:

• The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. 

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position.

For more information see here.

Personal skills

• Good communication skills
• Ability to work in an international research environment
• Ability to work independently

We offer

• Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement 
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Career development programmes
• 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 and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, previous positions and academic work)
• Copies of educational certificates and transcripts of records 
• Documentation of English proficiency
• List of any publications and academic work 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)
• Applicants who are interested in teaching need to add to this application a description of their motivation for and (if any) experience with teaching.

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.

Interviews will be part of the hiring process.

The research area for the position may include technologies referred to in the Ministry's export control regulations and all candidates will be evaluated in accordance with these regulations.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

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.

UiO has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

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: Associate Professor Kevin Ching Wei Li email: k.c.w.li@fys.uio.no

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser: email: elin.thoresen@mn.uio.no

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