Job description

Position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow available at the Department of Geosciences / Center for Earth Evolution and Dynamics, within the Norwegian Research Council (NFR) project “HIDDEN”.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo. Starting date January 2022.

The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of up to three years

We seek a postdoctoral research fellow to study the partitioning of noble gases between the Earth’s mantle and the core during the processes of core formation and crystallization of the magma ocean. The methodology envisaged is to compute the partitioning between liquid silicates and molten iron-based alloys using first-principles molecular-dynamics calculations coupled with thermodynamic modeling and /or machine learning force fields.

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.

Qualification requirements

The candidate must have a PhD or other corresponding education equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in mineralogy or condensed matter physics or chemistry.

We require:

• (1) experience with ab initio molecular-dynamics methods based on density-functional theory
• (2) experience with thermodynamic integration or with generating interatomic potentials using machine learning methods
• (3) a solid basis in thermodynamics

Knowledge of python is a particular advantage.

A strong record of successfully communicating research results via publications and conference presentations are assets.

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition is 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 mineralogy or condensed matter physics or chemistry. 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 are mandatory.

We offer

• Salary NOK 534 400 – 615 800 per year 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

How to apply

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. 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. 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 further information please contact: Dr. Razvan Caracas; razvan.caracas@geo.uio.no

For questions regarding the electronic recruitment system, please contact HR officer Ole Rustad: ole.rustad@mn.uio.no

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