Job description

Two positions as Postdoctoral Research fellow available at the Department of Chemistry / Hylleraas Centre for Quantum Molecular Sciences

Each fellowship is for a period of up to 3 years. Starting date as soon as possible.

About the position

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 dedicated to modelling chemical systems in complex and extreme environments, with a strong focus on the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. Based on solid new methodological research, the goal is to develop an integrated approach to the investigation of complex molecular systems, allowing us to predict and explain the most diverse phenomena, ranging from the attosecond response of small molecules in strong laser pulses to microsecond reorganization of soft-matter aggregates. 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 two postdoctoral positions at UiO, one in each of the following Research Themes:

RT1: Electronic Structure

RT2: Multiscale Modelling

The two positions, under the supervision of Profs. Thomas Bondo Pedersen (RT1) and Michele Cascella (RT2), are meant to strengthen the theoretical foundations of the research at the Hylleraas Centre and to provide a direct link between methodological advances and computational applications. In particular, the two postdoctoral fellows are expected to bring together more formal theoretical development in electronic structure into feasible models to address problems of chemical relevance, and to contribute to the research lines going on at the Hylleraas Centre.

More about the each position

RT1: Electronic Structure

The objective of RT1 is to extend the reliability, applicability, and affordability of electronic-structure methods. Research in RT1 is expected to deliver improved computational tools to accelerate research in RT3 (Spectroscopic Processes), RT4 (Extreme Environments), and RT5 (Chemical Transformations), while at the same time providing quantum-mechanical models that can be used as part of the multiscale modelling frameworks developed in RT2. Key challenges include the development of accurate, affordable models for describing both static and dynamic electron correlation for use in RT2, RT3, RT4, and RT5, and development of software that supports complex wave functions, which is needed for real-time simulations of spectroscopic processes in RT3 and non-perturbative treatments of strong magnetic fields in RT4. Over the past decade, we have developed linear-scaling algorithms implemented in the LSDALTON software package, which may be leveraged for further development in these directions.

RT2: Multiscale Modelling

The objective or RT2 is to develop methodologies related to the simulation of systems in the condensed phase across large dimensional and temporal scales. Particular emphasis is on multi-resolution models, combining both quantum chemical and mechanical methods, and all-atom/coarse grained resolutions. The future collaborator in RT2 will contribute to the development the hybrid particle/field-molecular dynamics method (Milano and Kawakatsu JCP 2009), especially toward the simulation of complex soft-bio/material interfaces (see Cascella and coworkers, JCTC 2018, 2019). The candidate is also expected to collaborate with groups in computational catalysis (RT5), in particular facilitating the people involved in RT5 to use of state-of-the-art ab initio MD and QM/MM methods, as well as the newer methods developed in RT1, RT2.

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 PhD in a discipline pertinent to the proposed research. This includes Theoretical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Computational Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Statistical Physics, Computational Biophysics, Computer Sciences and Engineering, and related topics. Applications by PhD candidates will be considered under the condition that the applicants defend their PhD prior to the start of the contract.
• 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.

For each position, we seek a talented young researcher with the following skills/experience:

• RT1: documented experience with method development in electronic-structure theory, including efficient implementation in computer programs. Good knowledge of one or more of the subjects of the other RTs of the Hylleraas Centre. Experience with high-performance computing is preferred.
• RT2: solid experience with ab initio, QM/MM and/or classical molecular dynamics of (bio)chemical systems in the condensed phase, and enhanced sampling methods (in particular with metadynamics). Good knowledge of statistical mechanics, and programming.

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 candidates need to enclose the following documentation together with the application:

• Cover letter with a statement of motivation and research interests
• A brief (max 2 pages) research proposal, outlining how the proposed research contributes to achieving the goals of RT1 or RT2
• 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.

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

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 about the positions, please contact:

• RT1: Professor Thomas Bondo Pedersen,email: t.b.pedersen@kjemi.uio.no
• RT2: Professor Michele Cascella, email: michele.cascella@kjemi.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR-Adviser Ørjan Pretorius, email: orjan.pretorius@mn.uio.no

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