Job description

A four-year position as Postdoctoral Research fellow in Theoretical Physics is available at the Department of Physics.

Starting date is no later than October 1. 2023.

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

The successful candidate is expected to take an active role in teaching at the Department, with an average teaching load of 25% over the four years.

More about the position

The section for Theoretical Physics is looking for a motivated and talented postdoctor that can contribute to research and collaborations in low-energy theoretical physics.

The current research focus of the low-energy part of the Theoretical Physics section is on

quantum magnetism and simulation methods for many-body systems, as well as on fundamental studies of quantum optics, various quantum phenomena, and physical realizations of qubits applied to quantum technology and information. The purpose of the opening is to strengthen the current research activity within the low-energy part of the Theoretical Physics section. Candidates with experience within one (or more) of these areas will be preferred: Strongly correlated electrons, fundamental studies of quantum optics, and physics of quantum information.

Besides research, the successful candidate is expected to acquire basic pedagogical competency by engaging in teaching activities for 25% of the time. The successful candidate will also be expected to offer master projects and supervise master students.

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidate 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 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 are 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 physics. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defense are eligible for appointment.
• A broad and solid experience in low-energy theoretical physics is required.
• A selection criterion will be how the candidate can contribute to the development and the needs of the Theoretical Physics section with regards to research field, collaboration synergies and teaching.
• High-level oral and written English skills are required. Although not a prerequisite, it may be considered an advantage if the candidate speaks a Scandinavian language, in order to participate in undergraduate teaching.

Personal skills

• Self-driven and independent, but with excellent social skills and teamwork capabilities.

We offer

• Salary NOK 544 400 – 626 300 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

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 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 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.

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 a.o.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

• Professor Susanne F. Viefers, email s.f.viefers@fys.uio.no
• Professor Johannes Skaar, email johannes.skaar@fys.uio.no
• Professor Olav F. Syljuåsen, email sylju@fys.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Elin Thoresen, e-mail: elin.thoresen@mn.uio.no, phone +47 22 85 71 96.

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