About the position

The Department of Chemistry has a vacancy for two PhD students within the field of plasmon-assisted chemistry. The earliest start date for the positions will be September 2021.

Each appointment has a duration of 4 years, with 25% teaching duties in agreement with the Department of Chemistry.

The two PhD Fellows will be part of a larger team investigating how metallic nanogaps and optical cavities may be used to control the chemical behaviour of molecules. The first project will be mainly theoretically focused, and will involve ab-initio modelling of molecules inside metallic nanogaps. The second project will be mainly experimentally focused, and will involve the fabrication and chemical application of metallic nanogaps. However, both candidates will be expected to carry out a combination of theoretical and experimental research.

Project Description

Metallic nanogaps have been extensively researched as essential elements of many nanoscale photonic and electronic devices. Of particular interest is their ability to manipulate light via interactions between photons and surface plasmons, which has been exploited in a variety of applications including nano-lasers, metamaterials and solar cells. One underexplored field of application for plasmonic nanogaps is in chemistry, where their ability to act as highly localised sources of light, heat or energetic electrons and their ability to couple with excited states of molecular systems can be used to induce chemical reactions or modify reaction outcomes. In this proposal we investigate the feasibility of using engineered arrays of metallic nanogaps as tuneable media for controlling chemical reactions via plasmonic and photonic interactions.

Duties of the position

The first studentship will involve:

• The development and implementation of models for molecules that strongly couple with plasmons and photons.
• Theoretical modelling of advanced spectroscopies for molecules in nanogaps.
• Computational modelling of plasmons in metallic nanostructures.
• Selected experimental studies.

The second studentship will involve:

• Fabrication and characterisation of metallic nanogaps with gap-widths down to 3-nm, using state-of-the art infrastructure at NTNU NanoLab.
• Spectroscopic studies of molecules in nanogaps.
• Statistical analysis of datasets.
•  Selected theoretical studies.

Regarding both studentships:

• Candidates are expected to participate actively in group activities, including mentoring and co-supervision of students.
• Candidates are expected to be flexible in regard to short-term and long-term international research stays.
• Travelling with respect to conferences, meetings, workshops may be expected as part of the position.

Required selection criteria

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in physics, chemistry, nanoscience, materials science or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.

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.

• Good written and oral English
• Strong analytical and/or experimental abilities
• Experience with quantum chemistry or nanofabrication

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience of programming (e.g. Fortran 2008, C++, python, Matlab) or computer aided design
• Experience with spectroscopic characterisation

Personal characteristics

• Positive, creative and enthusiastic.
• Seeks new challenges at work.
• Has keen interest working in interdisciplinary teams.
• Communicates information with clarity and ease, both orally and in writing.

We offer

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

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 482 200 per annum before tax. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is for 4years  with 25% teaching duties in agreement with the Department of Chemistry.
Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Chemistry 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.

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

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.

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

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.

Questions about the theoretical position should be directed to Prof. Henrik Koch (+47-73594165, henrik.koch@ntnu.no), while questions about the experimental appointment should be directed to Prof. John de Mello (+47-46827684, john.demello@ntnu.no). Questions about the recruitment process should be directed to Magnus Gautvik: magnus.gautvik@ntnu.no.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no 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 50/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 16.05.21

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 Chemistry  

We educate graduates for careers in environmental science, industry, the school system, research and public administration. Chemistry is also a basic discipline for medicine, biology and technology, and an important key in issues related to energy, climate, the environment, food, water and health. Research activities at the Department range from environmental chemistry to applied theoretical chemistry. The Department of Chemistry is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.  

Deadline 16th May 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime (2 jobs)
Duration Temporary
Place of service Department of Chemistry Trondheim