PhD Research Fellow in Hydroxide-ion Conducting Metal-Organic Frameworks: Development and Testing

28th February 2023
Languages
English

• English

English
PhD Research Fellow in Hydroxide-ion Conducting Metal-Organic Frameworks: Development and Testing
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Job description

A position as PhD Research Fellow in the synthesis and testing of hydroxide-ion conducting metal-organic frameworks is available in the Catalysis Section as part of the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology  (SMN) at the Department of Chemistry , University of Oslo, Norway.

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

The starting date is no later than October 1, 2023.

The fellowship period is 3 years.

A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25% that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

Knowledge development in a changing world - Science and technology towards 2030

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

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More about the position

The position will effectively establish a new line of work in the Catalysis Section. It is aimed at the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with mobile hydroxide-ion content, and their characterisation in terms of ion mobility, stability and processability. Importantly, the ion conductivity will be assessed thoroughly and ion-conduction mechanisms will be rationalised in terms of framework composition, topology, and conditions.

Metal-organic frameworks are porous organic-inorganic hybrid materials with tuneable topologies and chemistries and potential use in a number of applications, including solid-state ion conductors. Hydroxide-ion conductors, albeit a relatively underexplored class of materials, are of pertinence to several energy technologies, particularly electrolyser and fuel cell applications.

The primary focus of this project is to develop and assess a novel class of hydroxide-ion conducting metal-organic frameworks with mobile hydroxide ions. The two cornerstones of the project lie in the materials development and the establishment of a mechanistic model and methodology for ion conductivity in such materials. This work will eventually lead into developing understanding of the structure-composition-conductivity relationships. In order to gain deep insight into material properties, the candidate will have the opportunity of accessing advanced methodologies at large-scale neutron facilities.

We are looking for an excellent candidate holding a Master's degree or equivalent in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering.

The candidate will perform the synthesis of functional metal-organic frameworks and their functionalisation such as to contain mobile hydroxide ions, and carry out extensive characterisation of these materials using X-ray diffraction and absorption, nuclear magnetic resonance and vibrational spectroscopy, etc.

The candidate will also carry out conductivity measurements and evaluate the results to gain mechanistic insights into and develop models of hydroxide ion mobility in porous materials. Hands-on, practical experience with either measurements of ionic conductivity of materials or synthesis and characterisation of materials (ideally porous materials), or both, is desired. As eventually we will aim at developing a mechanistic model of the ionic conductivity, experience in using computational methods, e.g. density functional theory, is of advantage.

The fellowship is based in the Catalysis group  under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr Petra Ágota Szilágyi and in collaboration with the Electrochemistry Group co-supervised by Prof. Truls Norby at the Department of Chemistry and associated with the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology.

SMN works at the frontiers of materials science and nanotechnology for sustainable energy technologies.

Employment at the Catalysis and Electrochemistry groups will provide the successful candidate the opportunity to work in a highly cross-disciplinary field in internationally competitive research groups with extensive international collaboration.

Jarli og Jordan/UiO
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.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in materials science, chemistry, or chemical engineering
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system 
• Solid knowledge of materials chemistry or electrochemistry

Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 30 June, 2023 to complete the final exam.

The position's subject area may require licensing under the Norwegian Export Control Act. In order to be considered for the position, it is a prerequisite that UiO must be able to be granted such licence: https://www.uio.no/english/studies/admission/master/export-control.html

The following desired qualifications will be given weight in the evaluation of candidates:

• A strong background within at least one of the following two areas a) and b):
  • a) Experience with materials synthesis and basic characterisation (NMR, FTIR spectroscopies, surface area measurements, X-ray diffraction, etc.)
  • b) Practical experience with electrochemical techniques, such as impedance spectroscopy and conductivity measurements and their analysis
• Experience with porous material preparation and functionalisation techniques (i.e. metal-organic frameworks)
• Familiarity with advanced catalyst characterisation (e.g. X-ray spectroscopies, electron microscopy)

Grade requirements
The norm is as follows:

• The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

• Fluent oral and written communication skills in a Scandinavian language is required for a 4-year fellowship including teaching duties

English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements: https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see: http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/ and http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

Personal skills

• Ability to conduct high-quality independent research within a broad collaboration
• Interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
• Self-motivation, creativity, genuine curiosity about the subject, work discipline, professional ethics, and ambition

We offer

• Salary NOK 501 200 – 544 400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Career 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 and research interests

PLEASE NOTE: In the cover letter to your application, please specify how your background is suited to meet the challenges of the project and be specific about how your competence meets those requested. Try to answer the question: How will you contribute?

• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records
• Documentation of English proficiency (applies for non-EU citizens)
• 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.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the g uidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships 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.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees , aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

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 information

For further information regarding this position and recruitment process, please contact:

Assoc. Prof. Dr Petra Ágota Szilágyi, phone: +47 228557045, e-mail: [email protected]

For technical questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact:

HR Adviser Olga Holmlund, e-mail: [email protected]

About the University of Oslo 

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.

The Department of Chemistry is Norway's largest institution within research and education in chemistry. Our research excels internationally and we educate students to a wide variety of jobs in industry, academia, research institutions, schools and public administration. Our research ranges from the core topics of chemistry to applied science within in environmental, health, energy and materials.

The Department has extensive contacts with industry, research and educational institutions at home and abroad. As partner in the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology our researchers contributes to a significant interdisciplinary efforts in cooperation with the Department of Physics. The Department of Chemistry has its own school laboratory as a great resource for teachers, public outreach and the didactics of chemistry.

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Deadline

28th February 2023

Employer

University of Oslo

Municipality

Oslo

Scope

Fulltime (1 positions) Fulltime (%)

Duration

Engagement

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