PhD Candidate in Theoretical Chemistry (development, implementation and application of methods for molecular properties in solution)

The Department of Chemistry has a vacant PhD position for applicants who wish to obtain the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD). The appointment is for a period of four years. The successful PhD candidate will work on the development and applications of PCMSolver.

The position is organized under the Department of Chemistry and the research group in Theoretical Chemistry. The PhD candidate will be part of the Hylleraas Centre for Quantum Molecular Sciences. The Hylleraas Centre is a Norwegian Centre of Excellence, established by the Research Council of Norway in 2017 for a period of 10 years. About 50 scientists, post-doctoral fellows and PhD students in the field of theoretical and computational chemistry are active at the centre.

Further information about the position and the project is available from Associate professor Luca Frediani:

- phone: +47 776 44082 / 47 323 585

- e-mail: luca.frediani@uit.no

The position’s field of research/field of work

The PhD-student will have her/his main work area in the calculation of solvent effect on molecular properties. The work will consist in the development of the underlying theory for the solvent effect (either with QM/MM or continuum methods), implementation of the developed methods in PCMSolver, development of the interface to quantum chemistry programs (both existing and additional ones), use of the integrated programs (quantum chemistry code interfaced to PCMSolver) to demonstrate the new functionality.

Most chemical processes happen in a medium (a solution, a cell, a material). It is therefore important to be able to include the effect of the environment in modelling and calculations. PCMSolver is a modern software module, which describes the solvent effect and can potentially be interfaced with any quantum chemistry program (Dalton, LSDalton, Dirac, ReSpect, Koala, Psi4 and Madness have already been interfaced with PCMSolver), to then compute how the environment affects molecular properties. The successful candidate will work with the development of PCMSolver to extend its capabilities, its interface with additional Quantum Chemistry programs to expand the potential applications, and finally employing the new developments to relevant quantum chemistry problems.

Qualification requirements

The successful applicant must document competence in computational chemistry, quantum chemistry or simulation methods at the master level. Experience with modern programming (C++ and Python will be preferred, but also C and Fortran will be considered positive) will be an advantage for this project. Knowledge in modelling of biochemical systems or material science will also be regarded positively, as well as a strong background in mathematics or physics.

The applicant must fulfil the requirements for admission to the faculty’s PhD programme. To gain admission to the PhD programme, you must have a grade average of C or better. The applicant must be able to document proficiency in English that satisfies the Norwegian Higher Education Entrance Qualification. All information about requirements for admission to PhD studies are available here: https://uit.no/nt/phd

International applicants from non-Nordic countries (except students with English as their mother tongue), must also meet Department of Chemistry's requirement of a score of 6.5 on each part of the IELTS test, or at least 22, 22,22 and 25 (reading, listening, speaking and writing respectively) on the TOEFL test.

Due to teaching obligations, proficiency in a Scandinavian language will be regarded as advantageous. The successful candidate should be highly motivated for scientific work and have good analytical, writing and collaboration skills. Emphasis is attached to personal suitability.

Working conditions

Remuneration of PhD positions are in salary code 1017, and normally start at salary grade 51 on the pay scale for Norwegian state employees. There is a 2% deduction for contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The appointment is for a period of 4 years, and the nominal length of the PhD program is three years. The fourth year is distributed as 25 % of each year, and will consist of teaching or other duties for the Department of Chemistry.

The PhD position is for a fixed term, with the objective of completion of research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Admission to a PhD programme is a prerequisite for employment, and the programme period starts on commencement of the position. The PhD Candidate shall participate in the faculty’s organized research training, and the PhD project shall be completed during the period of employment.

More information regarding the PhD programme is found here: https://uit.no/nt/phd

A shorter period of appointment may be decided when the research fellow has already completed parts of his/her research training programme or when the appointment is based on a previous qualifying position (PhD Candidate, research assistant, or the like) in such a way that the total time used for research training amounts to three years.

Application

The application must be submitted electronically via www.jobbnorge.no. The application must include:

• Letter of application
• CV (containing a complete overview of education, supervised professional training and professional work)
• Diplomas and transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, or equivalent degree
• Documentation on English language proficiency for PhD-studies, and the Departments requirements: a score of 6.5 on each part of the IELTS test, or at least 22, 22,22 and 25 (reading, listening, speaking and writing respectively) on the TOEFL test.
• Master thesis
• Diploma Supplement for completed degrees
• List of academic works and description of these, and works (published or unpublished) which the applicant wishes to be taken into consideration during the assessment process
• A short project description (max 2-3 pages) if the candidate wishes to provide one
• List of references with contact information (name, connection with the applicant, email address and telephone number)

All documentation that is to be evaluated must be certified and translated into English or a Scandinavian language. Information and material to be considered during the assessment must be submitted by the stipulated deadline. Applications sent as email will not be accepted.

Assessment

The applicants will be assessed by an expert committee. During this assessment process, emphasis will be attached to the applicant’s potential for conducting research at PhD level as shown by:

• Master’s thesis or equivalent
• Any other academic works
• Relevant research experience
• Academic performance

In addition, consideration may be given to work experience or other activities of significance for the implementation of the PhD studies. Teaching experience and/or qualifications will be considered an advantage. Proficiency in a Scandinavian language will be considered positively.

You have to be qualified for and participate in our PhD study program. As many as possible should have the opportunity to undertake organized research training. If you already hold a PhD or have equivalent competence, we will not appoint you to this position.

The applicants who are assessed as the best qualified will called to an interview. The interview shall among other things aim to clarify the applicant’s personal suitability for the position.

General

We make the appointment in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway has HR policy objectives that emphasize diversity, and encourages all qualified applicants to apply regardless of their age, gender, functional ability and national or ethnic background. The university is an IW (Inclusive Workplace) enterprise, and we will emphasize making the necessary adaptations to the working conditions for employees with reduced functional ability.

We process personal data given in an application or CV in accordance with the Personal Data Act. You may request to not be registered on the public list of applicants, but the University may decide that your name will be made public. You will receive advance notification in the event of such publication.

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