Job description

A position as PhD Research Fellow in catalytic chemistry is available at the Center for Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo.

Starting date no later than 01.05.2020.

The fellowship period is 3 years devoted to research education as part of the project entitled: “Adsorption and reaction studies of functional nanoporous materials with a Temporal Analysis of Products (TAP) reactor”

About the position

The transition from a fossil-based to a circular production of consumer goods requires the development of new chemical processes, especially for the energy-efficient and sustainable conversion of carbon-containing biomass, biogas, and CO2 into higher value products. Rational design of sorbents and catalysts for such processes requires precise characterization of gas-solid reactions occurring at materials interfaces. The core methodology employed in this project - Temporal Analysis of Products (TAP) - provides unique time-resolved data on the intrinsic kinetics of gas-solid interactions.For a short description of the TAP technique, see:

https://www.mn.uio.no/kjemi/forskning/grupper/katalyse/laboratorier/tap.html

One of the most promising routes for selectively converting C1 building blocks into valuable products is via methanol production, followed by acid-catalyzed methanol coupling into hydrocarbons. In the current project, we will focus on the TAP studies of the adsorption and reaction kinetics of CO2 and light alkenes in highly relevant classes of functional materials - zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). This activity will extend the on-going fundamental and application-oriented TAP studies in our team.The PhD position is primarily focused on conducting experiments using an advanced TAP instrument in the home laboratory, performing data analysis, and occasionally participating in synchrotron studies at, for example, Max IV laboratory in Lund, Sweden.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. 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 project will involve advanced experimentation and data analysis employing a complex instrument (TAP), which differs from synthesizing materials or using standard characterization tools. A successful candidate must possess

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry. The Master’s degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS
• The basic understanding (undergraduate level) of transport phenomena (i.e. mass transport) and reaction kinetics, especially in the area of catalysis by porous materials
• Prior hands-on experience with vacuum equipment, mass-spectrometry, catalytic reactors and/or gas-flow systems is highly beneficial
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Candidates without a Master’s degree have until February 28th, 2020 to complete the final exam
• The ability to work effectively within a diverse group of researchers, bal-ancing self-reliance and integration of the workflow with other team members.

Please describe in your application your motivation for the position and how you meet the qualification requirements above.

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 edu-cational system
• fluent oral and written communication skills in English. Proof of English proficiency must be provided latest at the interview. Failure to do so will lead automatically to disqualification for the position.

Application and admission to the PhD programme in natural sciences:

http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/application/application.html

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:

http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/

https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

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

We offer

• Salary NOK 479 600 – 523 200 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow, (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement,
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter - describe in your application your motivation for the position and how you meet the qualification requirements above.
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records and letters of recommendation
• Documentation of English proficiency
• List of 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)

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.

Applicants may be called in for an interview.

Formal regulations

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

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

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 appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

• Prof. Unni Olsbye, phone: +47 228 55456, e-mail: unni.olsbye@kjemi.uio.no
  
• Dr. Evgeniy Redekop, e-mail: evgeniy.redekop@smn.uio.no

For questions about the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Ørjan Pretorius, orjan.pretorius@mn.uio.no

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