PhD in organometallic chemistry and catalysis

The Department of Chemistry has a vacancy for a PhD position in organometallic chemistry and catalysis. The position is for a fixed-term period of four years and is funded jointly by the University of Bergen and the Research Council of Norway.
About the project/work tasks:
The main goal of the research project “Sustainable and Selective Metathesis: From Fundamental Insights to New Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals” is to develop exceptionally stable and stereoselective, ruthenium-based olefin metathesis catalysts. Insight into catalyst decay pathways, obtained computationally or experimentally, will be used to develop long-lived catalysts less prone to decomposition. The stable catalysts will, in turn, form the basis for developing catalysts that combine high productivity with high content of the target cis- and trans-isomer in the product.

To achieve these goals, a strategy based on tight integration of experimental and molecular-level computational methods will be followed. While other project members will be responsible for the molecular-level computational studies, the PhD student will work experimentally, with the primary role being that of performing mechanistic studies (using, among other things, advanced NMR and MS techniques) as well as synthesizing, characterizing and testing new olefin metathesis catalysts. Alternatively, for candidates with the right motivation and background for computational work, some molecular-level calculations may also be performed as part of the PhD studentship, although emphasis should remain on experimental work.

The project involves close collaboration between the research groups of Prof. Vidar R. Jensen at the University of Bergen and Prof. Deryn Fogg at the University of Ottawa, Canada. As part of the collaboration, the PhD student will spend a total of one year working in the Fogg lab, and the rest in Bergen.

Further details about the project and the position: http://jensen.uib.no/stillingsomtale_PhD_SusMet.html.
Qualifications and personal qualities:
• The applicant must hold a master's degree or the equivalent in chemistry.
• Master students can apply provided they complete their final master’s exam before 01.08.2017. It is a condition of employment that the master's degree has been awarded.
• Candidates should have a strong background in organometallic chemistry in general, with emphasis on synthetic aspects. However, candidates whose experience from synthesis is limited to organic compounds only, may also be considered.
• Experience with standard structural characterization techniques such as NMR and MS is required.
• Experience with other characterization techniques such as IR, GC, GC-MS, and elemental analysis is an advantage.
• Candidates who apply for the position to do a combined computational/experimental PhD project (as described above) should additionally document knowledge of quantum chemical methods (e.g., coursework on quantum chemical theory) and/or experience with applied quantum chemistry.
• Work independently and in a structured manner, and have the ability to cooperate with others.
• Proficiency in both written and oral English.
About the PhD position (applies to university PhD positions)
The duration of the PhD position is 4 years, of which 25 per cent of the time each year comprises required duties associated with research, teaching and dissemination of results. The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed in a recruitment position.
About the research training
As a PhD Candidate, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. A final plan for the implementation of the research training must be approved by the faculty within three months after you have commenced in the position. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.
We can offer:
• a professional and international working environment
• a challenging and well-funded research project
• salary at pay grade 50 (Code 1017/Pay range 20, alternative 8) in the state salary scale. Further promotions are made according to qualifications and length of service in the position.
• enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• a position in an inclusive workplace (IA enterprise)
• good welfare benefits
Your application must include:
• a short statement describing your motivation for applying for the position (maximum 1 page)
• the names and contact information for two references. One of these can be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis
CV
• transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees; or, alternatively, official confirmation that the final master’s exam is scheduled to take place before 01.08.2017.
• relevant certificates/references
• a list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list)
• any publications in your name

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.
General information
Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting:

Prof. Vidar R. Jensen, phone +47-55583489 / e-mail: [Email Address Removed] or Prof. Deryn Fogg, phone +1-613-562-5800 x6057 / e-mail: [Email Address Removed].

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. Age and gender balance among employees is therefore a goal. It is also a goal to recruit people with immigrant backgrounds. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

We encourage women to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.