About the position

A four-year position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Theoretical High-Energy Physics is available at the Department of Physics. The fellowship is connected to the research project “Turning the tables on dark matter nightmare scenarios” financed by the Research Council of Norway.

Within the framework of the position, duties may be assigned. Starting date no later than October 1, 2025. Note that it is not possible to be appointed for more than one fixed-term postdoc position at the same institution.

Job/ Project description / Development plan:

The nature of the cosmological dark matter is one of the greatest unsolved puzzles in fundamental physics. In many well-motivated dark matter theories, in fact, dark matter particles would interact too weakly with ordinary matter to ever leave traces in Earth-based detectors. The aim of the research project is to develop methods for probing such scenarios, instead, with cosmological and astrophysical observations.

The postdoc position's main aim is an assessment of how gravitational waves can be used to infer properties of dark matter and/or the potentially rich dark sector it is part of. The successful candidate will also participate in identifying complementary probes of dark matter particles in such 'nightmare' scenarios, as well as in precision calculations of the cosmological dark matter abundance.

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

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.

• The successful candidate must have a strong research background in gravitational wave probes of new physics, adding to complementary expertise in particle physics phenomenology and cosmology. Additional research experience with dark matter model building beyond WIMPs and corresponding dark matter production scenarios constitutes a significant advantage. 
• A doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment depends on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Good programming skills and experience with relevant software is essential, familiarity with high-performance computing a plus. 
• A good command of English is required 

Personal skills:

The project involves a network of high-level international collaborators, and the candidate will furthermore interact closely with local master and PhD-students. Thus, collaborative abilities and communication skills are very important.

We offer:

• Salary NOK 575 400 – 657 300 per year depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (position code 1352)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Postdoctoral development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

The application must include:

• Application letter
• CV (summarizing education, positions, scientific awards and achievements, and other qualifying activity)
• A complete list of publications
• A scientific research plan aligned with the general project description above (maximum 4 pages)
• Copies of educational certificates and transcript of records
• Three letters of recommendation sent directly to torsten.bringmann@fys.uio.no 

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). Applications with documents missing will not be considered further. Original documentation may be requested.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

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 Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed twice as a Postdoctoral fellow financed with funds from The Research Council of Norway (NFR).

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.

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 persons:

For further information about the position please contact: 

• Professor Torsten Bringmann, Email: Torsten.bringmann@fys.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Elin Thoresen, e-mail: elin.thoresen@mn.uio.no

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