About the position

We are announcing a Post Doctor position in the Functional Materials and Materials Chemistry group (FACET) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). FACET is a vibrant group within the Department of Materials Science and Engineering concerned with research topics from active biomedical ceramics to functional topological systems, utilizing methodologies from synchrotron diffraction to density
functional theory: Functional Materials and Materials Chemistry group (FACET)

The position is embedded in and financed through the Nano2021 project “EPIC - Self-sufficient Electromechanical Implants: Enabling Piezoelectric Functionality for in vivo Devices”, which involves collaboration partners both at NTNU, in Austria and Germany. The project is concerned with investigations of solid-liquid interfaces, which occur when ceramic materials are used as in vivo implants. We are interested in a fundamental understanding of the chemical interactions at these interfaces and the mutual influence on functionality of both the living and non-living component. The materials in focus are piezoelectric ceramics, which could be used to stimulate cell growth in hard tissue implants or neural scaffolds, or for in vivo sensing or energy harvesting.

Duties of the position

The main scope of the open Post Doctor position is the development and construction of a one-of-its-kind streaming potential setup. This will allow the characterization of the piezoelectric functionality in liquid environments mimicking the situation a piezoelectric implant would experience. As piezoelectric materials change their surface charge state, when a mechanical load is applied, the envisaged setup will combine the streaming potential component with the possibility to apply mechanical load. The Postdoc on this position will be responsible for a broad range of tasks from planning, building and optimizing the novel setup to synthesis and characterization of the piezoelectric ceramics. Training and supervision of the two PhD students on the project and the Master students on related projects is another essential task.

Required selection criteria

A postdoctoral research fellowships is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. You must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics or equivalent or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree is required.

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.

Preferred selection criteria

The desired background and experience include:

• Solid experience with practical development of sample environments
• Streaming potential measurements
• Fluid dynamics modelling
• Inorganic materials
• Mechanical characterization techniques
• Fluent written and oral English language skills

Personal characteristics

We search for a person, who is keen to develop a novel system from scratch and brings the diligence and patience that is takes to bring this project from first sketch to final trouble shooting. The Postdoc on the position should as such be creative, innovative, hands-on and able work independently. As the project relies on close collaboration within the group as well as with technicians and international colleagues, good communication and collaboration skills are essential. Being fluent in both spoken and written English is a prerequisite. Being willing to travel to our collaboration partners in Germany and Austria is a plus.

We offer

• a 3-year Postdoctoral position in a challenging and novel research field the possibility to develop your CV in all aspects needed to become competitive for the next academic level
• 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

The Post Doctor position is set to start at the 01.12.2020 and will run for 3 years. 
Women are especially encouraged to apply. Currently, the proportion of women in Post Doctor and researcher positions in FACET is 25%.

Postdoctoral candidates are placed in code 1352, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 542 400 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 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 (ta stilling til dette)

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. 

To apply for this position please hand in the following documents:

• Cover letter
• CV (including education, previous positions, scientific publications)
• Copies of the original PhD certificate
• Documentation of English proficiency
• Names and contact details of at least 2 references

The cover letter should include a statement about the applicants experience in the following topics:

• Fluid dynamics
• Sample cell design
• Processing and Characterization of Inorganic Materials

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

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.

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.

For more information about the position please contact: Associate Professor Julia Glaum, Julia.glaum@ntnu.no. Information about the department and the research group can be found online at: https://www.ntnu.edu/ima & https://www.ntnu.edu/ima/research/facet

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 NV- 82/20 when applying

Application deadline:15.09.2020

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 September 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Jobbnorge ID 190877