Post Doctoral Research Position in Mineralogy / Materials Science

Job description

A position as Post Doctoral Researcher is available at the Natural History Museum (NHM). The position is for a period of two and half years. Preferred starting date is 01.07.2021, but no later than 01.09.2021.

We seek a research enthusiast with a PhD, who presents appropriate work performance and interest in investigating the potential of natural minerals as new filter materials for cleaning water from heavy metal pollutions.

The position is associated with the project NATSORB (Dypingite - A superior NATural SORBent for management of heavy metal water pollution?) funded by the Research Council of Norway. The project is owned and coordinated by the Natural History Museum (NHM) at the University of Oslo (UiO), and the research will be done in collaboration with the Department of Technology Systems (ITS) and the Department of Geology, both at UiO, SINTEF, NIVA and University of Münster.

NATSORB will study the fundamental processes related to heavy metal sequestration by natural and synthetic dypingite-like minerals, and explore the possibility of translating the gained knowledge into technological solutions. This will be achieved by integrating the fieldwork (carrying out primarily around Røros) with laboratory studies to provide the complete characterization of the investigated materials and processes involved. The examinations will include the chemical (e.g. SEM-EDX, EPMA, ICPMS) and structural (e.g. X-ray/neutron diffraction, TEM, AFM, spectroscopic analysis) characterization of samples.

The main activity will be carried out at UiO, SINTEF an NIVA; however, a part of the research will also be conducted abroad. The NHM is the largest natural history museum in Norway and the collections are the base for our research. At NHM the position is hosted by the Mineralogy Research group that works on characterizing the fundamental properties of minerals and their occurrences in nature. The position is shared with the Department of Technology Systems (ITS), which is a new and growing department at UiO, located in Kjeller, with internationally recognized research groups providing training and education for students and researchers. The department is a part of the Kjeller Science Park, which is one of the largest research and development environments in Norway. ITS focuses on application-driven research, where we address issues relevant to enabling sustainable solutions for current and future technological applications.

More about the position

The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a periode of two and a half years.

Qualification requirements

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

Must have skills:

• Applicants must hold, or will have obtained before starting date, a PhD or a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree, preferably in mineralogy, geology, material science or inorganic chemistry
• Solid scientific background in chemical characterization techniques, e.g. EPMA and ICPMS
• Experience with structural characterization methods, in particular X-ray and/or neutron diffraction techniques (qualitative and quantitative)
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Ability to travel abroad occasionally, to participate in the material characterization at collaborating groups’ laboratories and present results at conferences

Preferable skills

• Familiarity with spectroscopic techniques
• Field experience
• Documented research experience with layered carbonates and their structural /functional characterization is an advantage
• Familiarity with techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) or chromatography

Personal skills

• High interest in the research topic
• Quick learning
• Proactiveness
• Interdisciplinary mindset
• Collaborative and open attitude
• Ability to work independently in a well-organized, attention-focused and timely manner
• Ability to express yourself, orally and written, in a clear and concise way

We offer

• Salary NOK 526 000,- to 608 200,- per annum depending on qualifications in position as Post Doctoral Researcher (position code 1352)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo has family-friendly surroundings with rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications

• 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. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications as well as the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

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.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. We also want to have employees with diverse expertise, combinations of subjects, life experience and perspectives. We will make adjustments for employees who require this.

If there are qualified applicants with special needs, gaps in their CVs or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups to an interview.

Contact information

For question and further information about the project please contact:

• Henrik Friis (supervisor; henrik.friis@nhm.uio.no) or
• Matylda N. Guzik (supervisor; m.n.guzik@its.uio.no)

For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR-adviser Anita M. Hansen (a.m.hansen@nhm.uio.no)

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