Job description

Position as PhD Research Fellow in computational chemistry e available at Centre for materials Science and Nanotechnology, University of Oslo.

The fellowship is for a period of 3 years

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Starting date 01.08.2021.

More about the position

The fellowship is based at the Catalysis Section at the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN).

The Catalysis section at the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology/ Department of Chemistry is studying the correlation between catalyst composition and their effects on chemical reactions. The catalysts can be of organic and/or inorganic origin. The Catalysis section has approximately 30 members, subdivided into three groups: the zeolite group synthesizes and characterizes zeolite and zeotype materials and studies catalytic reactions over those materials; the MOF-group does the same with metal-organic frameworks; the homogenous catalysis group synthesizes metal-organic complexes and studies their catalytic reactions.

The CUBE project is a joint project between the University of Oslo, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, the University of Turin and the Max-Planck Institute for Energy Conversion, funded by the ERC Synergy program.

The aim of the CUBE project is to understand the key mechanistic features of copper-catalyzed C-H activation via a holistic approach in which biological and synthetic catalysts are studied side by side, and use the resulting design principles to develop new catalysts with rationally designed functionality.

The PhD student will use computational methods (mostly DFT) to study the mechanism for C-H bond oxidation reactions catalysed by organometallic complexes and MOF-based catalysts. In this study, molecular and periodic models will be used to determine the geometries and energies for the intermediate and TSs of the reaction and to simulate spectroscopic data (IR, NMR, UV-VIS…). This work will be done in close contact with the experimental members of the project.

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.

• Master’s degree in Chemistry (desired) or related disciplines.
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Applicants must have documented training in computational chemistry.
• Documented experience with molecular modeling of organometallic complexes and/or periodic systems is desired.
• Knowledge in catalytic processes, oxidation reaction and/or electrochemistry is an advantage.

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
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

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:

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

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

Personal skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good oral and writing communication skills
• Self-motivation and creativity

We offer

• Salary NOK 482 200 – 526 000 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, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records
• 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 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, e-mail: unni.olsbye@kjemi.uio.no or
  
• Ainara Nova, e-mail: Ainara.nova@kjemi.uio.no

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

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