Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Chemistry
Institute:
University of Oslo
Country:
Norway
Research Field:
Organic Chemistry, Catalysis
Posted Date:
NA
Deadline:
Apr 01, 2026
Offer Period:
3 Years
Offer Start Date:
no later than Oct 01, 2026
Postdoc Position in Catalysis and Organometallic Chemistry
Project Description:
- The successful candidate will play a key role in establishing an experimental research line within Associate Professor Ainara Nova’s research group in the Section for Catalysis and Organic Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry. The group has extensive experience in computational modelling, reaction mechanisms, and machine learning for catalyst design and discovery. Nova is also a Principal Investigator at the Hylleraas Centre for Quantum Molecular Science, a Norwegian Centre of Excellence dedicated to the development and application of advanced computer simulations, including AI-based methods.
- The project associated with this position aims to take advantage of a virtual library of more than 1 million organometallic bifunctional catalysts, optimised for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. The successful candidate will select and synthesise ligands and organometallic complexes from the library, including pincer ligands, and evaluate their catalytic performance in hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, and hydrogen transfer reactions. Detailed characterization and kinetic studies will be performed to test computational predictions and microkinetic models, and to refine machine learning models.
- The successful candidate will collaborate with other groups in the Section for Catalysis and Organic Chemistry to incorporate these catalysts into solid networks (MOFs), taking advantage of the section’s expertise and facilities. In addition to conducting research, this position will involve laboratory management and supervision of MSc and PhD students conducting experimental work. The position will begin in the new Life Science Building, with access to state-of-the-art equipment and a large interdisciplinary environment spanning chemistry, pharmacy, bioscience, and medicine.
- The Section for Catalysis and Organic Chemistry comprises of approximately 35 members, divided into six groups, focusing on the synthesis, characterisation, and performance testing of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, including metal-organic frameworks and zeolites.
- The Section for Catalysis and Organic Chemistry is part of the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN). The SMN is a highly interdisciplinary centre within the Faculty of Chemistry and Physics, focusing on renewable energy, materials science, and nanotechnology.
- The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- Full degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in chemistry with a focus on organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis or a closely related field. The doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defence are eligible for appointment
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
- Documented research output (peer-reviewed publications) in relevant areas to the position
- Solid experience with air- and moisture-sensitive synthesis (Schlenk line and/or glovebox)
- Proven experience in the synthesis and characterization of organometallic complexes or coordination compounds
- Proficiency with multinuclear NMR spectroscopy
- Experience with standard analytical methods (e.g. GC, HPLC, MS, IR, UV–Vis) for reaction monitoring and product analysis
- Experience conducting homogeneous catalytic reactions
- Hands-on experience with kinetic studies: time‑resolved experiments, determination of reaction orders, TOF/TON, and basic mechanistic interpretation
- Familiarity with laboratory safety, particularly for high-pressure hydrogenation, flammable gases, and air-sensitive reagents.
- Willingness and ability to contribute to teaching at BSc/MSc level (e.g. exercises, lab courses, project supervision) within chemistry and/or related programs.
Preferred Qualification:
- Experience in the synthesis of pincer ligands and/or bifunctional organometallic catalysts
- Experience working with high‑pressure reactors/autoclaves
- Experience with borrowing‑hydrogen (hydrogen autotransfer) reactions
- Familiarity with microkinetic modelling and computational chemistry (e.g. DFT) applied to catalysis
- Experience in organizing and maintaining a research laboratory (equipment maintenance, inventory, coordination of shared facilities)
- Documented contributions to writing scientific manuscripts, grant applications, or project reports
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- The fellowship period is three years.
- A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25% which is devoted to career promoting work, usually in the form of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the Department of Chemistry.
- No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.
Benefits:
- Exciting and meaningful tasks in an organization with an important societal mission, contributing to knowledge development, education, and enlightenment that promote sustainable, fair, and knowledge-based societal development
- Committed colleagues in a good working environment
- Good welfare schemes.
- Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours.
- A workplace with good development and career opportunities
- Postdoctoral development programmes.
- Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes
- Salary in position as Postdoctoral Fellow, position code 1352 in salary range NOK 595 000 - 690 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- 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
- A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
- Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
How to apply:
- Application with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system Jobbnorge, click "Apply for this job".
- When applying for the position, we ask you to retrieve your education results from Vitnemålsportalen.no. If your education results are not available through Vitnemålsportalen, we ask you to upload copies of your transcripts or grades. Please note that all documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
Established in 1811, the University of Oslo (UiO) is Norway's oldest and highest-ranked institution, consistently placing among the top 100 universities globally according to the Shanghai Ranking. Originally named the Royal Frederick University, it played a central role in Norway’s nation-building and today serves as a premier research hub with eight faculties, including Law, Medicine, and Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The university's presence is split between the historic neoclassical campus in the city center—home to the Faculty of Law—and the modern, green Blindern campus located on the western outskirts of the capital. UiO is internationally recognized for its research excellence, boasting an impressive legacy of five Nobel Prize laureates and three Turing Award winners. It maintains a strong global outlook, offering over 800 courses in English and approximately 40 Master’s programs taught entirely in the language. Students benefit from a vibrant campus life with over 200 student-led organizations and proximity to Norway's stunning natural landscapes, such as the Nordmarka forest. Through its commitment to sustainability and innovation, the University of Oslo remains a beacon of academic freedom and societal progress in the Nordic region.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a postdoctoral position?
Postdoctoral positions are open to candidates who have completed a PhD or will complete their doctoral degree before the start date. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the funding scheme and host institution.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most postdoctoral positions are open to international applicants. Visa sponsorship and work permit support are usually provided by the host institution, subject to local regulations.
Is prior postdoctoral experience required?
In most cases, prior postdoctoral experience is not mandatory. However, candidates with relevant research experience beyond the PhD may be preferred for certain positions.
What is the typical duration of a postdoctoral contract?
Postdoctoral contracts typically range from six months to three years, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance.
Are teaching responsibilities included?
Teaching responsibilities vary by institution and position. Some postdoctoral roles are research-only, while others may include limited teaching or supervision duties.
Can I apply for multiple postdoctoral positions?
Yes. Candidates are encouraged to apply for multiple suitable postdoctoral positions to increase their chances of selection.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.