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PhD Research Fellow in Solid State (condensed matter) Physics

Deadline: 28.02.2023

Universitetet i Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.


The research at the Department of Physics covers a broad range of subfields within physics and technology: From space research to medical physics. A good proportion of the research is interdisciplinary, and conducted in close cooperation with collaborators in Norway and abroad.


Education and teaching are other essential activities. We offer a broad range of courses, and the Department is involved in several study programmes at bachelor’s and master’s level. Some of the best lecturers in Norway are amongst our employees, and we are proud of our prizewinning teaching and learning environment. The Department has 200 employees, of which 50 are permanent scientific positions. On a yearly basis 20 students complete their Ph.D. and 50 finish their M.Sc. degree.

Job description

Position as PhD Research Fellow in Solid State (condensed matter) Physics is available at the Department of Physics and the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Starting date no later than October 1, 2023.

The fellowship period is 3 years. A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that normally consists of teaching. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

More about the position

We are seeking a PhD Research Fellow with a genuine interest in solid-state or condensed matter physics. You must be a team player with the ability to work well independently and in interdisciplinary scientific teams.

The overall aim of this project is to utilise the interactions between electrons and spin waves (magnons) to develop ultra-low-energy-consuming devices. The specific aim of this Ph.D. project is to improve the fundamental understanding of electron-magnon interactions and to investigate the material parameters which can lead to control and maximisation of this coupling.

The project (as a whole) will involve experimental studies, mostly using Angle Resolved Photo-Electron Spectroscopy (ARPES) and potentially electron, helium or neutron-based methods too. Some experimental work will be carried out in the home laboratories at UiO, but we will also make significant use of large international facilities (synchrotron accelerators) worldwide. The project will also involve developing models, calculations and simulations of electron-boson interactions in solids and developing advanced analysis methods such that the best understanding can be made from the experimental observations.

The PhD student will play a key role in the project and take responsibility for at least one aspect of this work (i.e. sample preparation, measurements, analysis, modelling, or theory). Ideally, the student should be interested in all aspects and maintain a basic understanding of the whole project. You will be part of our semiconductor physics group LENS (Light and electricity from novel Semiconductors) with around 30 highly dedicated professors, researchers, postdocs, PhD fellow researchers, engineers, administrative staff and master students. The project group should maintain good communication such that all aspects of the project make progress in parallel.

The nature of the project will involve frequent travel to relevant experimental facilities (i.e. synchrotron facilities and visits to collaborating groups)

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:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in physics, nanotechnology, or a closely allied subject
  • Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system

Desired:

  • Background in condensed matter physics
  • Experience in relevant experimental methods (Ultra-high vacuum, ARPES, photoemission in general, synchrotron methods in general — or other relevant techniques)
  • Experience with relevant computation and numerical methods, or experience with condensed matter theory
  • Experience with practical maintenance or upgrading of equipment

Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 30 June, 2023 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
  • For candidates who would like to apply for a fourth year including teaching, good knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is strongly preferred.
  • English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements

Personal skills:

  • Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and have the ability to cooperate with others.
  • Applicants must demonstrate an ability to communicate and work in a group environment, and to demonstrate suitable social and interpersonal skills.
  • Applicants must be willing to travel internationally to research facilities as required.
  • Applicants must have an enthusiasm for science.
  • Applicants must contribute to a sustainable social environment.

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:

The position's subject area may require licensing under the Norwegian Export Control Act. In order to be considered for the position, it is a prerequisite that UiO must be able to be granted such licence.

We offer

  • Salary NOK 501 200 – 544 400 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 the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, 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)
  • Applicants who are interested in teaching need to add to this application a description of their motivation for and (if any) experience with teaching.

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.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships 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.

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:

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

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