Postdoctoral fellow in Zero Emission Silicon and Manganese production through electrowinning, ZeSiM

21 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Department

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Research Field

Engineering » Materials engineering
Engineering » Chemical engineering
Physics
Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Norway

Application Deadline

8 Apr 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Oslo)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

37,5

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description
This is NTNU

NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

You can find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here .

About the job

A Postdoctoral fellow (PD) position for a new zero emission manganese production process is available. The PD will be part of a team at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NTNU, Trondheim, and work on the ZeSiM research project where NTNU, the research organisation SINTEF , and The Norwegian Ferroalloy Producers Research Association (Norwegian abbreviation: FFF)  are partners. The ZeSiM project is financed by The Research Council of Norway and FFF.

Today the FFF member companies produce silicon/ferrosilicon and ferromanganese by Submerged Arc Furnace processes with corresponding CO2 emissions and electrical energy consumption. The ZeSiM project is a part of FFF´s plans for future zero emission processes for silicon and manganese/ferromanganese production. It is based on electrowinning of metals, i.e. electrochemical deposition of silicon from a molten salt electrolyte and electrochemical deposition of manganese/ferromanganese from a molten oxide electrolyte. The primary objective of the ZeSiM project is to prove the feasibility of new CO2 free electrolysis processes for manganese/ferromanganese and silicon that could eventually could be an alternative process to or substitute the SAF processes. For more information on the project: ZeSiM

In the ZeSiM project one PhD research fellow and one PD will be employed. The PhD research fellow will work on the silicon process and the PD will work on the manganese process, both at DMSE. Although different processes, the two will work closely together and in collaboration with their supervisors and other experts from the partners.

Duties of the position

The PD for this particular position will by using several electrochemical methods study the deposition of liquid manganese and/or an liquid manganese-iron alloy in a molten oxide based on SiO2 and CaO with elements of MgO and Al2O3, all natural constituents of the Mn ore. The effects of electrolyte composition, operating temperature, current density, and electrode material on the Mn/FeMn electrodeposition kinetics, current efficiency, as well as the composition and purity of the deposited metal. Also, the the kinetics and electrode processes of an inert oxygen evolving anode in addition to the effects of the corresponding oxidizing atmosphere on the current efficiency, will be studied.

The PD will plan and conduct experiments and analyse results according to the project objectives with support from the supervisors and the larger project team. Information about the Electrochemistry group at DMSE can be found here.  The results of the project are expected to be published in scientific journals and at national/international conferences as well as presented to research partners in the ZeSiM project.

Required selection criteria

• A completed Norwegian doctoral degree or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree, preferably in the same or similar scientific area as the ZeSiM project. PhD research fellows who expect to complete their degree by summer 2024 are encouraged to apply. Employment might then be postponed until the doctoral degree is obtained. The obtained doctoral degree must be documented before employment.
• Good familiarity with electrochemistry and materials characterisation techniques, e.g. electron microscopy and XRD
• Ability to communicate fluently in English and have good communication skills

The appointment is to be made in accordance with Regulations on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, Ph.D Candidate, research assistant and specialist candidate.

Preferred selection criteria

A strong background in electrochemistry, both theoretical and experimental, a strong background in high temperature electrochemical experiments, good writing skills, and good skills in a Scandinavian language are considered as a plus.

Personal characteristics

In the evaluation emphasis will also be on education, experience, and personal suitability. The candidate should:

• take responsibility for own progress and work independently
• be able to collaborate closely with other members of the research team
• be diligent and able to show initiative on behalf of own work
• be structured, targeted and solution-oriented
• have a positive and friendly attitude and contribute to a good social environment
• be creative and innovative

Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

We offer 

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment 
• collaboration with industry through FFF and SINTEF
• an open and inclusive work environment  with dedicated colleagues 
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund 
• employee benefits 

Salary and conditions

As a Postdoctoral Fellow (code 1352) you are normally paid from gross NOK 594 500 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

The period of employment is 2 years. The period might be extended if teaching duties are assigned.

The starting date is Q3 2024 if not an individual agreement is made.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants , and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU.  

After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

About the application 

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must be attached to the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above.  

If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result. 

The application must include: 

• A cover letter describing the personal motivation, summarising scientific work, and how the applicant evaluates the background suitable
• A draft research proposal (1 or 2 pages) for the project, presenting ideas for the PD-work and how the ideas can be applied, based on the information about the position given in this advertisement. This proposal will be neither final nor binding for the project.
• CV and certificates 
• transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's-, master's- and PhD degrees. PhD research fellows who expect to complete their degree by summer 2024 are encouraged to apply. Employment might then be postponed until the doctoral degree is obtained. If you have not yet completed your Ph.D, you must provide confirmation on your estimated date for the doctoral dissertation, or that your PhD thesis has been submitted
• A copy of the doctoral thesis. If you are close to submitting, or have recently submitted your thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed doctoral degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment
• Documentation of English language proficiency.
• Name and contact information of three referees

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education. Description of the documentation required can be found here . If you already have a statement from NOKUT, please attach this as well. 
 
Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation. 

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA. 

General information 

Working at NTNU 

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is a strength. We want our faculty and staff to reflect Norway’s culturally diverse population and we continuously seek to hire the best minds. This enables NTNU to increase productivity and innovation, improve decision making processes, raise employee satisfaction, compete academically with global top-ranking institutions and carry out our social responsibilities within education and research. NTNU emphasizes accessibility and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender identity, ability status, periods of unemployment or ethnic and cultural background.

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The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.  

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As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted. 

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation . You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Espen Sandnes, email: [email protected] . If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Marie Kristiansen, e-mail: [email protected]

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation. 

Application deadline: 08.04.2024.

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Materials Science and Engineering  

We are Norway's leading educational and research environment in materials engineering, materials chemistry and materials science.  In collaboration with business and industry, we are a driving force for the development of innovative materials as well as new applications and manufacturing processes.  Activities in our disciplines are vital for the green shift. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering  is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences .

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering » Materials engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Chemical engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Country

Norway

City

Trondheim

Postal Code

7491

Street

Høgskoleringen 1

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/258774/postdoctoral-fellow-in-ze…

Contact

City

Trondheim

Website

http://www.ntnu.no

Street

Høgskoleringen 1

Postal Code

7491

STATUS: EXPIRED