About the position

Position as PhD Research Fellow in experimental porous media physics is available at Centre of excellence (SFF) PoreLab at the Njord Centre/the Department of Physics.

PoreLab is a Norwegian Center of Excellence created in 2017 and situated at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, and the University of Oslo (UiO). It focuses on the physics of porous media using experimental, theoretical and computational methods. It is led by 8 principal scientists from physics, chemistry and geophysics.

The fellowship period is 3 years.

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

Job description

The post falls under the wide issue of understanding the fundamental physical mechanisms driving the coupled motion of liquids, gases, and granular materials, including magnetic particles. The researcher project's goal is to improve our understanding of how different forces, both short-range (e.g., capillary and friction forces) and long-range (e.g., viscous and gravitational forces), act in various flow regimes. These interacting forces can result in instabilities and emergence of complex patterns.

We are particularly interested in frictional fluids and the relationship between fluid motion, friction, as well as understanding the pattern formations that result. Experiments will be the primary emphasis of the research, including the development of experimental setups, design, image processing, data collecting, and analysis. 

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. 

Required:

• A general physics background on the master-level (MSc or equivalent) including statistical physics, hydrodynamics and soft condensed matter
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Experience with the design and execution of experiments
• Experience with experiments on granular materials or fluid flow in porous media

Desired:

• Experience with image analysis techniques (for example using Matlab, Python, ImageJ etc.)
• Good communication and outreach abilities.
• Background in numerical simulations

Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 30 July, 2024 to complete the final exam.

Grade and language 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: https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8 

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 here.

Personal skills

• Good communication skills
• Ability to work in an international research environment
• Ability to work independently

We offer

• Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 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, previous positions and academic work)
• Copies of educational certificates and transcripts of records
• Documentation of English proficiency
• List of any 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.

Interviews will be part of the hiring process.

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 Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

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.

UiO 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 information

For further information please contact:

• Professor Knut Jørgen Måløy, e-mail: k.j.maloy@fys.uio.no,
• professor Eirik G. Flekkøy, e-mail: e.g.flekkoy@fys.uio.no

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Elin Thoresen, email: elin.thoresen@mn.uio.no

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