PhD Fellowship in Area of Solar Grade Silicon Production

About the position

A PhD fellowship is available at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, NTNU. The PhD research is about sustainable solar silicon production via metallurgical processes in the Norwegian Research Centre for Sustainable Solar Cell Technology.

Duties of the position

We are seeking candidates with strong interest in metallurgical processes holding Master degree in materials science and engineering. The PhD research is about “solar grade silicon production”, which is the main material for the photovoltaic industry. The position is in the Norwegian Research Centre for Sustainable Solar Cell Technology, FME-SUSOLTECH (https://susoltech.no/ ). The project focuses on the application of silicon purification techniques in which silicon is purified via various metallurgical techniques. The main goal of the project is to study the removal of the impurity elements from silicon to obtain a feedstock to further produce mono crystalline silicon. In particular, the project will focus on the removal of B and P, which are two problematic impurities in solar grade silicon production. The project will require the use of high temperature furnaces, materials characterization by advanced techniques, and hydrometallurgical treatment of silicon. Thermodynamic knowledge about reactive high temperature systems such as liquid-gas and solid-gas reactions is important. The candidates with research experience about silicon purification and hydrometallurgical processes are highly recommended to apply. We search for a person that is creative, innovative and can work independently, possesses good communication skills, and integrates well into a team. 

Required selection criteria

A PhD research fellowship is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. You must have completed a Norwegian Master degree in materials science, materials chemistry or corresponding foreign master degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian master degree.

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 appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.

Other required selection criteria

• The candidate must have, or complete before the December 2021, a Master degree in the field of materials science and engineering.
• Excellent written and oral English language skills as well as presentation skills are required.
• Previous experience in metallurgy, working with a variety of equipment in metallurgical lab. 

Personal characteristics

• The successful candidates can take responsibility for progress and can work independently.
• The candidates have good communication skills and can collaborate closely with other members of the research group.
• The candidates must be diligent and able to show initiative on behalf of their own work.

In the evaluation of which candidates are best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement.

We offer

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 491 200 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 3 years. 

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Materials Science within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

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.

The position is subject to the work package 1 in the Norwegian Research Centre for Sustainable Solar Cell Technology, supported by the Research council of Norway, and co-funded by the industry.

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

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 follow 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. 

The application must include:

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment.
• Name and address of three referees
• If you have publications or other relevant research work 

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 suitability.

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, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher 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

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

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.

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.

In accordance with The Public Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Jafar Safarian (tel +47 48061765, ([email protected] ). If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Hilde Martinsen Nordø, e-mail: [email protected]

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.n o with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI) .

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number NV-XX/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 15.12.2021

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 .

Deadline 15th December 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Trondheim