Postdoctoral researcher in experimental physics with focus on coherent X-ray microscopy

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A position as a Postdoctoral Researcher in experimental physics within the field of coherent X-ray microscopy is available at the Department of Physics, NTNU.

Starting date early fall 2021 or as agreed upon.

The position is for 2 years.

We are searching for a creative, skilled and ambitious candidate for our activities on coherent X-ray microscopies within the ICONIC project funded under the FRINATEK program of the Norwegian Research Council. The candidate will work in an international team of several principal investigators, PhD students, postdocs and master students. External collaboration with other academic research groups and industry actors is an important part for the position.

The ICONIC project aims to utilize recent breakthroughs in coherent X-ray diffraction imaging (CXDI) to image biomineralisation mechanism by studying the progression from the earliest nucleation events to the final mineral phases. The project will be implemented by development of in-situ and liquid-phase CXDI in combination with time resolved small-angle (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). The candidate will be involved in the development and implementation of CXDI in liquid phase to study dynamic processes and establishment of appropriate computational tools for data analysis. ICONIC is collaboration between NTNU, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in Belgium, ESRF in France, University of Oslo in Norway and the University of Le Mans in France.

You will report to Research scientist Dr. Basab Chattopadhyay 

The research work will involve designing, constructing and using state-of-the-art experimental setups. Sophisticated analysis and modelling of large datasets, also using statistical and machine learning (artificial intelligence) methods will be important topics. Major emphasis is put on developing sophisticated 4-dimensional (3D + time resolution) microscopy methods based on scattering and phase contrast. The key scientific motivation for the project is to solve imminent and long-standing challenges of huge societal impact through innovative imaging methods. In addition, the candidate is expected to participate actively in the group activities, including mentoring and co-supervision of students.

The successful candidate has completed/ about to complete a Norwegian doctoral degree in Physics or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree.

The position requires a strong interest in experimental physics and data analysis. Experience from nanoscale studies using scattering, diffraction or high-resolution microscopy methods is a compulsory requirement. The candidate is expected to have experience working in synchrotron facilities and proficient in analyzing large datasets. Strong computer programming skills (e.g. Matlab, Python or C) and hardware building skills are desired.

The successful candidate should be creative, ambitious and enthusiastic, with a strong ability to work independently and goal oriented. Excellence in scientific writing and good oral presentation skills are requested. He/she should enjoy interdisciplinary research and take keen interest in learning and working in teams, which is of high importance in this multidisciplinary project. The position requires spoken and written fluency in English.

The following requirements on qualifications will be given major weight in the evaluation of the candidate. In the cover letter (or in the CV), the applicant must specifically describe his/her expertise in relevant fields like X-ray scattering/diffraction/imaging, analysis of large datasets, artificial intelligence / machine learning, computer programming.

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.

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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 .

Preferred selection criteria

Working knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language would be evaluated positively.

The employment period is 2 years.

Postdoctoral candidates are placed in code 1352, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 545 300 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.

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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.

The position is subject to external funding.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

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:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)                                                     

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.

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. 

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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.

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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.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Research Scientist Dr. Basab Chattopadhyay,  email: basab.chattopadhyay@ntnu.no .

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered.

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.

Please refer to the application number NV-13/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 07.03.2021

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The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Physics

Our research and teaching are both experimental and theoretical, covering a wide range of disciplines. Our activities contribute to development of new medical technology and to finding solutions for the next generation’s communication technology, energy utilization and development of materials. The Department of Physics  is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences .