Job description

Position as a Postdoctoral Research fellow (SKO 1352) available at the Department of Chemistry/ Hylleraas Centre for Quantum Molecular Sciences, University of Oslo. The fellowship is for a period of up to 3 years with no compulsory work. Starting date is during the first half of 2020 but no later than 31.08.2020.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

Job/project description

The Hylleraas Centre for Quantum Molecular Sciences is a National Centre of Excellence established in 2017 by the Norwegian Research Council, shared by the Theoretical Chemistry groups at the University of Oslo (UiO) and UiT-the Arctic University of Norway. The research at the Hylleraas Centre is interdisciplanery within chemistry, physics and applied mathematics and is dedicated to modelling chemical systems in complex and extreme environments, with a strong focus on the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. The Hylleraas Centre activities are structured in six Research Themes, covering the different research lines present in the centre, and organised as illustrated in the figure. For more information about the Hylleraas Centre and its Research Themes, please visit http://www.hylleraas.no

The present call opens a postdoctoral position at UiO for a project within the RT1: Electronic Structure Research Theme (RT). The objective of RT1 is to extend the reliability, applicability, and affordability of electronic-structure methods. The position, under the supervision of Dr. Andre Laestadius, is meant to strengthen the theoretical foundations of the research at the Hylleraas Centre. The research project aims at the development of mathematical theory and implementation of error estimates within the coupled-cluster formalism. One of the main objectives of the project is to combine mathematical analysis and computational chemistry to study excited states using, e.g., the equation-of-motion coupled-cluster scheme. Also, since local strong monotonicity has previously been used for the analysis of ground-state coupled-cluster theory, this property will be studied with the goal of obtaining alternatives or generalizations. The future postdoctoral research fellow is expected to take part in this work either through the development of cutting-edge computational tools or the formulation of new mathematical results. The research project has established international collaborations that allow for possible research stays abroad.

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.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in quantum chemistry, applied mathematics, or equivalent. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English (evt.) and a Scandinavian language.

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

For the position, we seek a talented young researcher with either of the following skills/experience (or a combination of both):

• Strong background in applied mathematics within quantum mechanics. Knowledge of quantum chemistry and programming is preferred.
• Documented experience with method development in electronic-structure theory, including efficient implementation in computer programs. Experience with high-performance computing is preferred.

In both cases, fluent English (written and spoken) is strictly required. Experience with the coupled-cluster method, either theoretical or its implementations in computer programs, is desirable.

We offer

• salary NOK 523 200 – 605 500 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter with a statement of motivation and research interests (max 2 pages). The research statement should outline how previous research of the applicant contributes to the project. (The full project description can be requested by email to Andre Laestadius.)
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• 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 the 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 Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow 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 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 regarding the position please contact:

• Researcher Andre Laestadius, andre.laestadius@kjemi.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the application system, please contact Adviser Ørjan Pretorius, orjan.pretorius@mn.uio.no

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