Fundamentals of Nucleation Followed by Coherent X-ray Micro

About the position

A position as PhD student in experimental physics within the field of coherent X-ray microscopy is available at the Department of Physics, NTNU. Starting date will be early fall 2020.

The appointment has a duration of 3 years with the possibility of until 1year extension with 25% teaching duties in agreement with the department.

We are searching for a creative, skilled and ambitious candidate for our activities on coherent X-ray microscopies and their applications for imaging nanostructured materials. The candidate will work in an international team of several principal investigators, PhD students, postdocs and master students. External collaboration with other academic research groups and industry actors is an important part for these positions. The ICONIC project is funded by the Norwegian Research Council through the FRIPRO program.

The ICONIC project aims to is to utilize recent breakthroughs in coherent X-ray diffraction imaging (CXDI) to image biomineralisation mechanism by studying the progression from the earliest nucleation events to the final mineral phases. The project will be implemented by development of in-situ and liquid-phase CXDI in combination with time resolved small-angle (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). The project will involve development of crystallization protocols suitable for in-situ CXDI experiments. ICONIC is collaboration between NTNU, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in Belgium, ESRF in France, University of Oslo in Norway and the University of Le Mans in France.

The project is associated with the recently funded Center of Excellence for Porous Media Laboratory (CoE PoreLab). A significant part of the research will be carried out at the premises of the international partners. The project partners are well positioned for this demanding project with an excellent knowledge base and outstanding research infrastructure.

For further information please contact: Research Scientist Dr. Basab Chattopadhyay, phone: +47 73559085, e-mail: basab.chattopadhyay@ntnu.no or Professor Dag W. Breiby, phone: +47 73593594, e-mail: dag.breiby@ntnu.no.

Main duties and responsibilities

• The research work will involve designing, constructing and using state-of-the-art experimental setups.
• Sophisticated analysis and modelling of large datasets, also using statistical and machine learning (artificial intelligence) methods will be important topics.
• Major emphasis is put on developing sophisticated 4-dimensional (3D + time resolution) microscopy methods based on scattering and phase contrast. The key scientific motivation for the project is to solve imminent and long-standing challenges of huge societal impact through innovative imaging methods.
• In addition, the candidate is expected to participate actively in the group activities, including mentoring and co-supervision of students.

Qualification requirements

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is completion of a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in physics. In exceptional cases, candidates with a background in related fields like biophysics, nanotechnology, chemical engineering, materials science, or photonics can also be considered, or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. Applicants with no letter grades from previous studies must have an equally good academic foundation. Applicants who are unable to meet these criteria may be considered only if they can document that they are particularly suitable candidates 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, postdoctor and research assistant

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

• We have a strategic ambition of being a leading research group, and the candidates are selected accordingly, expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.
• The position requires a strong interest in experimental physics and data analysis. Experience from nanoscale studies using scattering, diffraction or high-resolution microscopy methods would be considered a strong advantage. Some knowledge of organic chemistry could be helpful but is not considered essential. Strong computer programming skills (e.g. Matlab, Python or C) and hardware building skills are desired.
• The following requirements on qualifications will be given major weight in the evaluation of the candidate. In the cover letter (or in the CV), the applicant must specifically describe his/her expertise in relevant fields like physical optics, X-ray scattering/diffraction/imaging, analysis of large datasets, artificial intelligence / machine learning, physics of porous media, computer programming.

Personal characteristics

• The successful candidate should be creative, ambitious and enthusiastic, with a strong ability to work independently and goal-oriented.
• Excellence in scientific writing and good oral presentation skills are requested. He/she should enjoy interdisciplinary research and take keen interest in learning and working in teams, which is of high importance in this multidisciplinary project.
• The position requires spoken and written fluency in English.
• Working knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language would be evaluated positively.

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 479 600 before tax per year. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

As a PhD candidate, you undertake to participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period. A condition of appointment is that you are in fact qualified for admission to the PhD programme within three months.

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 criterias 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.

General information

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. Under the Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova), information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to have their name entered on the list of applicants.

About the application:

Publications and other academic works that the applicant would like to be considered in the evaluation must accompany the application. Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify the individual applicant's contribution to joint works, the applicant must include a brief description of his or her contribution.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.

Please refer to the application number 20/2939 when applying.

Application deadline: 16.02.2020

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

The Faculty of Natural Sciences

The Faculty of Natural Sciences is a key player in national and international research and education programmes in natural sciences and technology. Our research focuses on global challenges in the areas of energy, climate, the environment, food, water, health and welfare. The Faculty consists of eight departments as well as the Faculty Administration.

Deadline 16th February 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Trondheim