Researcher Position in Computational Chemistry & Nanotechnology – University of Oslo

Job Vacancy: Researcher in Computational Chemistry & Nanotechnology 

Are you passionate about computational chemistry, catalysis, and nanotechnology? The Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN) at the University of Oslo is looking for a talented Researcher to join their team!

🔬 Position: Researcher (1-year contract, possible extension)
📍 Location: Oslo, Norway
🗓️ Start Date: No later than November 1, 2025
⏳ Application Deadline: June 2, 2025

About the Role

Join the groundbreaking CUBE project (ERC-Synergy Grant), aiming to unlock the secrets of copper-based catalysts for C-H activation—a key step toward sustainable methanol production from methane and oxygen.
You’ll work with a highly international, interdisciplinary team, applying computational methods and machine learning to design and study new catalysts based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Collaborate closely with experimental chemists and leading institutions across Europe!

Key Responsibilities

• Use DFT and computational tools to study C-H bond activation in Cu-based MOFs
• Apply machine learning to screen and design new catalytic materials
• Collaborate with partner labs in Norway, Italy, and Germany (possible research stays)
• Work hand-in-hand with experimentalists for a holistic research approach

Who Should Apply?

Required:

• PhD (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related field (thesis must be approved by the deadline)
• Experience with DFT methods for reaction mechanisms in metal-organic complexes
• Skills in grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations
• Programming and machine learning experience
• Fluent in English (oral & written)

Bonus Points For:

• Experience with QM/MM for reactivity studies and MOF data handling
• Knowledge of C-H bond activation reactions
• Collaborative experience with experimental researchers

What’s on Offer

• Salary: NOK 579,700–708,000/year (depending on experience)
• Membership in Norway’s best pension scheme
• Excellent welfare benefits and career development opportunities
• Supportive, diverse, and inclusive work environment
• Access to state-of-the-art supercomputing facilities
• Up to 1.5 hours/week of exercise during working hours!

How to Apply

• Submit your application via Jobbnorge
• Include:
  • Cover letter (motivation & research interests)
  • CV
  • Copies of degrees/transcripts
  • List of publications (up to 5 key works)
  • Names & contact details of 2–3 references

All documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Questions?

• Scientific Contact: Ainara Nova | [email protected] | +47 46221700
• HR Contact: Elin Thoresen | [email protected]

Ready to advance your career in computational chemistry and nanotechnology? Apply by June 2, 2025, and join a world-class team at the University of Oslo!