Researcher position in chemistry related to computations-based design for C-H activation reactions

About the position

A position as a Researcher in chemistry is available at the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN), University of Oslo.

The position is for a period of 1 year, with possible extension, upwards limited to the project end date (31.10.2026).

The starting date is as soon as possible, and no later than November 1, 2025.

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

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Job description/project description:

The position is associated with an EU funded ERC-Synergy Grant (ERC-SyG) project Unravelling the secrets of Cu-based catalysts for C-H activation (CUBE) (cubesynergy.eu). The aim of the CUBE project is to understand the key mechanistic features of copper-catalyzed C-H activation via a holistic approach in which biological and synthetic catalysts are studied side by side. The ultimate goal is the selective production of methanol from CH4 and O2. A promising strategy is to incorporate bioinspired catalytic motifs and second sphere components in solid porous materials, combining heterogeneous and homogeneous catalytic approaches. The unprecedented tunability, stability and high surface area of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) make them attractive as solid framework for this purpose.

Metal complex and materials synthesis, characterization, performance testing and mechanistic studies - using experimental and computational tools - are performed in a direct feed-back loop, involving organic and inorganic synthesis chemists, spectroscopists, computational chemists and enzymologists. The resulting design principles will be used to develop new catalysts with rationally designed functionality.

CUBE is a joint project between the University of Oslo (Norway), the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (Norway), the University of Turin (Italy) and the Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion (Germany).

The ERC-SyG project scheme implies that the successful candidates will collaborate closely with colleagues at all partner institutions, by regular virtual and physical meetings, by sample and data exchange, and by shorter and longer research stays at partner institutions. 

The Researcher will work with other researchers to apply computational methods to study C-H bond activation reactions catalysed by Cu-based single-site metal-organic frameworks. Microkinetic models will be used to compare the computational data with experimental results. A machine learning approach will be used to screen MOFs databases.

The Researcher will work in a highly international and interdisciplinary team collaborating closely with experimental chemists. Access to state-of-the-art supercomputing facilities will be given. 

The position will be part of the Section for catalysis and organic chemistry. The Section for catalysis and organic chemistry studies the correlation between catalyst composition/structure and their effects on chemical reactions. The catalysts can be of organic and/or inorganic origin. The section has approximately 35 members, subdivided into three groups: the zeolite group synthesizes and characterizes zeolite and zeotype materials and studies catalytic reactions over those materials; the MOFgroup does the same with metal-organic frameworks; the homogenous catalysis group synthesizes metal-organic complexes and studies their catalytic reactions.

The Section for catalysis and organic chemistry is part of Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN). Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary centre, collaboration between five research groups in physics and chemistry, and spearheads the MN Faculty's efforts for sustainable energy solutions. The Centre comprises UiO’s focus on renewable energy, materials science, and nanotechnology.

The Section for catalysis and organic chemistry has strong ties to the Hylleraas Centre for Quantum Molecular Science.

Employment in the Section for catalysis and organic chemistry will enable the successful candidate to work in a highly cross-disciplinary field in an internationally competitive research group.

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.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in chemistry or a related field. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and completed defence are eligible for appointment.
• Documented experience in using DFT methods for studying reaction mechanisms with metal organic complexes.
• Programming skills and previous experience in ML.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
• 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 license: https://www.uio.no/english/studies/admission/master/export-control.html

Desired qualifications

• Previous experience in the use of microkinetic models
• Knowledge of C-H bond activation reactions and Cu catalysis
• Experience working in collaborative projects with experimental researchers

Personal skills:

• Ability to conduct high-quality independent research within a broad collaboration
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
• Willingness to work together with PhD and/or Master/Bachelor students in
  speciality field
• Self-motivation, creativity, genuine curiosity about the subject, work discipline,
  professional ethics, and ambition

We offer:

• Salary NOK minimum 575 400 – 708 000 per year depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest, and how this relates to the targeted position)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates and 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 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).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. 

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations:

According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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.

The research area for the positions may include technologies referred to in the Ministry's export control regulations and all applicants will be evaluated in accordance with these regulations.

Contact persons:

For further information about the position please contact Ainara Nova, phone: +4746221700, e-mail: Ainara.nova@kjemi.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR-adviser Olga Holmlund, e-mail: olga.holmlund@mn.uio.no