Associate Professor in III-V Semiconductor Quantum Device Technology

About the job

Quantum enhanced technologies are anticipated to drastically increase the performance of consumer devices and services, from medical diagnostics and imaging to high-precision navigation and the Internet of Things (IoT). There have recently been large advances in quantum materials, incl. semiconductors, 2D van der Waals, topological, Dirac, and Weyl materials promising for device ideas based on new concepts for information transport, sensing, logic, optics, memory, and communication technology. At the same time, quantum communications hold promises for next generation internet, ultra-high frequency (>THz) communications and secure information exchange. Hence, to strengthen this strategic area at IES, we open one Associate Professor position on molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) synthesis of novel III-V semiconductor nanostructure materials for quantum communication.

The hired person shall contribute to and expand the ongoing research in the nanoelectronics and photonics (NF) group at IES, particularly with research on III-V semiconductor nanowire-based materials for quantum communication. The candidate is also expected to develop interdisciplinary collaboration outside the NF group.

The candidate is expected to contribute, as well as establish, externally funded research programs and contribute effectively to the Department's undergraduate and graduate teaching missions. Candidates with ambitions to apply for ERC grants are encouraged to apply.

The MBE lab at IES comprises a Veeco Gen 930 MBE system (installed 2015) used for epitaxial growth of III-As and III-Sb semiconductor materials and a recently upgraded Veeco Gen II MBE system for epitaxial growth of III-N semiconductor materials. IES has several characterization labs, including a nanophotonics lab. IES also has access to advanced micro- and nanofabrication at NTNU Nanolab. The Department hosts the Centre for Geophysical Forecasting (a center for research-based innovation) and the strategic research area Energy Efficient Computing Systems.
IES is also part of the strategic research initiative Enersense focusing on the nexus of energy efficiency, energy storage and sensor technologies.

The hired Associate Professor’s immediate leader is the Discipline/Group leader at the Department.

Duties of the position

• Teaching at undergraduate and graduate level in the field of electrical and electronic engineering.
• Developing and maintaining an internationally recognized research activity within the subject area.
• Take part in interdisciplinary research collaborations, both within the NF group, and with other national and international partners. Securing research funding from national and international funding agencies.
• Contribute with developing an innovative course portfolio at the undergraduate and graduate level in quantum technologies.
• Educate and supervise students at MSc level. Supervising PhD and postdoctoral fellowships.

Required qualifications 

The successful candidate is an experimentalist strong in the fundamentals of MBE synthesis of heterostructured III-V semiconductor materials with documented ability to apply theoretical concepts and advanced analysis for experimental realizations. Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to:

• III-V semiconductor MBE synthesis of quantum materials including nanowires and quantum dots.
• III-V semiconductor device technology for quantum communication based on MBE-synthesis.

You must have the qualifications required for the position of Associate Professor in the field of nanoelectronics and photonics, as outlined in the regulations concerning appointment and promotion to teaching and research posts 

The candidate must

• have a PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or similar and a demonstrated record of excellence in research with the potential to establish an independent research program.
• be an experimentalist with strong background in the fundamentals of MBE synthesis of III-V semiconductor nano/quantum materials and device structures.
• have documented expertise in at least one of the following areas:

III-As/III-Sb based MBE synthesis and characterization of nano/quantum materials and device structures.
III-N based MBE synthesis and characterization of nano/quantum materials and device structures.

• have good oral and written communication skills in English.

You must document relevant basic competence in teaching and supervision at a university/higher education-level, as referenced in the Norwegian national Regulations. If this cannot be documented, you will be required to complete an approved course in university pedagogy within two years of commencement. NTNU offers qualifying courses. 

New employees who do not speak a Scandinavian language by appointment is required, within three years, to demonstrate skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language equivalent to level three of the course for Norwegian for speakers of other languages at the Department of Language and Literature at NTNU.  

Preferred qualifications

• Interest in didactic development for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Semiconductor Quantum Device Technology.
• Experience with leading research and supervising students at master and PhD level.
• Experience with initiating and leading research projects and writing grant proposals.
• Experience in teaching and formal pedagogical qualifications.
• Minimum two years of research experience after the PhD. This experience should be within the core area of the position.
• Experience with device processing in cleanroom.
• Experience with quantum communication devices.

Personal qualities

• Goal- and result oriented, proactive and with great ability to implement
• Collaborative abilities/network builder
• Strategic/analytical
• Team builder with a positive attitude who values initiatives and viewpoints from others
• Communicate in a clear, precise, and structured manner thereby achieving acceptance for ideas and plans

Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

We offer 

• exciting and challenging 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 

Application Process

You can find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

Salary and conditions

As a Associate Professor  (code 1011 ) you are normally paid from gross NOK 560 000 – NOK 760 00 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. As required by law, 2% of this salary will be deducted and paid into 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 on a daily basis. 

About the application

Your application and supporting documentation must be in English. 

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.

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.

Your application must include:

• CV, diplomas, and certificates
• A teaching portfolio, in which your teaching competence is compiled and presented systematically,   (See guidelines for applicants: Documentation of teaching qualifications in applications and appointments to academic positions at NTNU)
• Academic works – published or unpublished – that you wish to be considered during assessment of your application (up to 10 items)
• A description of the scientific/artistic works you consider most relevant, which you particularly wish to be factored into the assessment
• A list of your previous works, with details on where they have been published
• A research plan
• Details of projects for which you have served as project manager, including information on financing, duration, and scope
• Names and contact information for three relevant referees

Joint work will also be considered. If it is difficult to identify your specific input to a joint project, you must include evidence of your contributions.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates. Our assessment of the pedagogical skills will be based on documented pedagogical material, forms of presentation in your academic works, teaching experience, PhD, and Masters supervision, and any other relevant pedagogical background. Both quality and scope will be taken into consideration.

NTNU is obliged by the evaluation criteria for research quality in accordance with The San Fransisco Declaration on Research Assessment – DORA. This means that we will pay particular attention to the quality and academic range demonstrated by your scientific work to date. We will also pay attention to research leadership and participation in research projects. Your scientific work from the last five years will be given the most weight.

Your application will be considered by an expert committee. Candidates of interest will be invited to an interview, and to deliver a trial teaching session.

General information

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is a strength. We want our faculty and staff to reflect Norway’s culturally diverse population and we continuously seek to hire the best minds. This enables NTNU to increase productivity and innovation, improve decision making processes, raise employee satisfaction, compete academically with global top-ranking institutions and carry out our social responsibilities within education and research. NTNU emphasizes accessibility and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender identity, ability status, periods of unemployment or ethnic and cultural background.

NTNU is working actively to increase the number of women employed in scientific positions and has a number of resources to promote equality. (tas bort hvis ikke aktuelt)  

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 continually maintain and improve your professional development and be flexible regarding any organizational changes.

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

For the sake of transparency, candidates will be given the expert evaluation of their own and other candidates. As an applicant you are considered part of the process and is stipulated to rules of confidentiality.

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Bjørn-Ove Fimland, tel. +47 91897784, e-mail Bjorn.Fimland@ntnu.no.

If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact, e-mail rekrutteringsteam@ie.ntnu.no.

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation. 

Application deadline: 15.03.2023.

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 Electronic Systems

The digitalization of Norway is impossible without electronic systems. We are Norway’s leading academic environment in this field, and contribute with our expertise in areas ranging from nanoelectronics, phototonics, signal processing, radio technology and acoustics to satellite technology and autonomous systems. Knowledge of electronic systems is also vital for addressing important challenges in transport, energy, the environment, and health. The Department of Electronic Systems is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering .

Deadline 15th March 2023
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Permanent
Place of service Gløshaugen