Researcher in Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometry

About the position

Position as Research available at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo.

Starting date: 01.02.2025 (no later than 01.03.2025)
End date: 31.03.2027

The appointment is a fulltime position (100%).

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

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Job description/project description:

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to join the team of Prof. Armin Wisthaler at the Department of Chemistry of the University of Oslo as a researcher in the project “EPHEMERAL: Detection and Speciation of Gas-Phase Atmospheric Peroxy and Criegee Radicals” (https://ephemeralercproject.wordpress.com). This ERC Advanced Grant project, led by Prof. Barbara Nozière (KTH, Stockholm), aims at further developing the proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) technique for detecting organic radical species. The highly skilled candidate is expected to make major technical modifications to a commercial PTR-ToF-MS analyzer. The work will include instrument design, construction and characterization in the laboratory, participation in international laboratory studies and field measurement campaigns, and the writing of scientific publications.

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 Analytical Chemistry, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Experimental or Applied Physics, or related fields with a strong instrument development focus.
• Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date.Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defense are eligible for appointment.
• Applicants must have at least three years of experience in PTR-ToF-MS or a related MS technique. The experience shall not be limited to simply using such an instrument, but must include instrument development and characterization work. The experience should be described in the cover letter to the application.
• Applicants must have experience in assembling/disassembling mass spectrometry and high vacuum equipment. The experience should be described in the cover letter to the application.
• Applicants must have fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

• Skills in the analysis of complex mass spectrometry data are desirable.

Personal skills:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work under pressure (e.g., during measurement intensives)
• Ability to deliver results reliably and in time
• Strong sense of responsibility towards the research group

We offer:

• Salary NOK 610 000 – 692 000 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
• Postdoctoral development programmes 
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

The application must include:

• Cover letter with statement of the motivation related to the project, summarizing scientific work and research interest and detailing how the candidate meets the mandatory qualification requirements listed above
• CV (summarizing education, positions, and other qualifying activity, list of publications)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records
• Names and contact details of two 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, the project description, and the quality of the project as well as the candidate’s 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.

Contact persons:

For further information about the position please contact: Armin Wisthaler, e-mail: armin.wisthaler@kjemi.uio.no (PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS – use the online submission system)

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