Postdoctoral Fellow in soft matter physics/experimental fluid mechanics: vibration based adhesion

About the position

A three-year postdoctoral research fellowship is available at the Department of Mathematics, Section for Mechanics at the University of Oslo (UiO).

Starting date preferably before November 1, 2024.

The appointment is a fulltime position and is for a period of three years.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.

The position is part of a large project funded by the Research Council of Norway for the development of a new vibration-based soft robot. More specifically, the project has an ambitious aim to demonstrate the feasibility of vibration-based soft robots. At the core of the project lies an understanding of the dynamics of its adhesion cup, requiring the development of a fundamental understanding of the coupling between the fluid flow and the elastic deformations of the soft robot. The postdoctoral fellow will develop the soft robot and perform detailed measurements of its dynamic interface, as well as exploring use of complex materials and actuation principles. This would involve measurements of the fluid flow as well as obtaining an understanding of the elastic deformations of the soft interface. The project also involves local collaboration with the Norwegian Institute for Sustainability Research (NORSUS) as well as international research groups at Harvard University and McMaster University.

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.

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

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.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in mechanics, physics or applied mathematics or similar. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defence are eligible for appointment. 
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
• A strong track record in fundamental research in experimental fluid mechanics or soft matter physics or robotics or mechanics/physics.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience within fluid mechanics, elastic materials and/or complex fluids will also be considered beneficial.
• A strong experimental background in developing and performing experiments in fluid mechanics or soft matter physics or physics. 

We offer:

• Salary NOK 575 400 – 657 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (position code 1352)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Postdoctoral development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works 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).

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

Formal regulations:

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

If an applicant has applied for and been granted funding for a fulltime research stay abroad while being employed as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the employment will be prolonged with the equivalent time as the research stay, but for no longer than of twelve months ( thus extending the employment to a maximum of four years)

No one can be appointed twice as a Postdoctoral fellow financed with funds from The Research Council of Norway (NFR).

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.

The University of Oslo 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 persons:

For further information about the position please contact: 

Professor Andreas Carlson, phone: +47 22 85 72 23, web: https://acarlson-uio.github.io, e-mail: acarlson@math.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Ole Rustad, e-mail: ole.rustad@mn.uio.no

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