About the position

A PhD research fellow in the field of functional materials for future spintronics is available at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The PhD candidate will perform experimental research using pulsed laser deposition of epitaxial thin films to build up novel materials layer by layer. Utilizing interface engineering we can control the anisotropy of functional materials, in particular controlling spin structures in magnetic complex oxides. The goal of the project is to make switchable antiferromagnetic spin structures for spintronic applications.

To enable engineered magnetic materials a deep understanding of surface chemistry, solid-state material engineering, nanotechnology and electronic structure is needed. This project is interdisciplinary, and the PhD candidate will be part of a larger group using pulsed laser deposition as a tool to engineer new quantum materials. The group is within the Functional Materials and Materials Chemistry Research Group (FACET – http://www.ntnu.edu/ima/research/facet). The appointment has a duration of four years and includes one year of teaching responsibilities.

Duties of the position

We are seeking a PhD candidate to join our team of thin film growers. The position will focus on performing experimental work, using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) epitaxy to engineer perovskite oxide thin films. In addition, the PhD candidate will use a range of different surface characterization, including work at NTNU NanoLab. For measurements of the antiferromagnetic properties the PhD candidate will use synchrotron and neutron facilities abroad. The candidate must hold, or soon obtain, a master’s degree within the field of materials science, nanotechnology, materials chemistry, electronics or physics.

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 [subject area] 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.

We search for a person that is creative, innovative and can work independently. The person we are searching for has excellent communication skills and enjoys collaborating with other PhD candidates, postdocs, and international researchers (applicants must be able to communicate fluently in English and Norwegian).

Background and experience in nanotechnology, functional oxides or physical deposition methods are desired.

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.

Personal characteristics

• The successful candidates can take responsibility for progress and work independently
• The candidate has good communication skills and are able to collaborate closely with other members of the group
• The candidates must be diligent and able to show initiative on behalf of their own work

In the evaluation of which candidates are best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement.

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, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The appointment has a duration of 3 years, possibility with an until 1-year extension with 25% teaching duties in agreement with the Department. (To undertake the teaching duties it is a requirement that the candidate speaks Norwegian or another Scandinavian language). 

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you be admitted to the PhD programme in Material Science 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

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 information about the position please contact: Ingrid Hallsteinsen email: Ingrid.hallsteinsen@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 NV-14/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 26.02.2021

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 26th February 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service