Postdoctoral Position in Computational Chemistry Studies, Norway

SINTEF Materials and Chemistry is seeking 2-year postdoctoral position in computational chemistry studies of nitrogen oxide reactions on oxide surfaces

The institute:
SINTEF Materials and Chemistry is one of SINTEF’S 8 concerns, with approximately 400 employees divided between administration and 8 scientific departments in Oslo and Trondheim. The institute offers a high level of expertise within the fields of materials technology, applied chemistry and applied biology, carrying out research and development-based projects in addition to offering research-based consultancy and laboratory services. Activities involve close cooperation with industry to develop advanced materials, products, processes, and tools in addition to finding new environmentally friendly methods for preparation and processing that can results in increased productivity and quality.

The department:
The department of Hydrocarbon Process Chemistry has its focus on the development and improvement of catalysts and adsorbents for application within the chemical and petrochemical industry. Our main portfolio is within processes related to upgrading of oil and gas products, environmental processes (CO2, DeNOx), in addition to development and application of high throughput technology (Combinatorial). The department has a close cooperation with the University of Oslo, through a Gemini-centre within catalysis (CATMAT) and a Centre for Research-based innovation (INGAP).

The postdoc position:
SINTEF Materials and Chemistry and K. A. Rasmussen AS collaborate on the development of novel catalysts for the Ostwald process (ammonia combustion). The main goal is to reduce the amount of NNO as a byproduct, either by improving the selectivity of the combustion catalyst itself or by the use of a secondary catalyst for decomposing NNO. To include atomistic modeling in the project, a postdoctoral fellow will be hired in 2009.

The main body of the work will involve the study of elementary reaction steps of nitrogen oxide reactions on different oxide surfaces, using slab model band structure calculations and possibly also cluster model calculations.

The successful candidate will work at SINTEF’s department of Process Chemistry in Oslo. We have a scientifically diverse, easy-going and quite international environment. The project will rely on the national Norwegian high performance computing resources (www.notur.no) for hardware resources.

Applicants must hold a PhD in quantum chemistry or computational solid-state physics, preferably involving band structure calculations on surfaces. A strong ability to work independently is appreciated, as well as the ability to view the computational work in a wider context, collaborating with experimentalists. Experience in installing and tuning software for efficiency on high performance computing resources would be an advantage. A good working knowledge of the English language is necessary.

Any inquiries regarding the position should be addressed to research scientist Ole Swang, ole.swang[ at ]sintef.no

Applicants interested in the position should send an application with the standard information attached (CV with references and publication list) via e-mail to HR officer Anne Larsen at anne.larsen[ at ]sintef.no before April 30th, 2009.