There is a vacancy for a PhD position in cheminformatics and molecular design at Department of Chemistry. The position is allocated to an interdisciplinary project within energy transition funded by the University of Bergen and involves close collaboration, and co-supervision of the PhD student, between Department of Chemistry and Department of Department of Informatics. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years with the possibility of a 4th year with compulsory other work (e.g., teaching duties). 

The project group develops leading cheminformatics-based methods for molecular design, in which molecules are evolved to exhibit desired properties using evolutionary algorithms. Working at the interface between chemistry and informatics, the PhD student will add specific new capabilities to these design methods and, among other things, draw upon concepts of machine learning (a project-group strength) to improve convergence toward molecules with superior properties and principles of software design (another project-group strength) to implement the new capabilities in effective computer programs.

The PhD student will also use the new methods and programs to predict new catalysts for transformation of nitrogen and water to ammonia. Ammonia is the basis for the fertilizer production on which much of the world’s food supply relies and is also a very promising carbon-free energy carrier projected to help reduce CO2 emissions in particular in the transport sector. The project will help realize this potential by identifying catalysts for a water-based, benign, and sustainable ammonia production process that could replace the current energy-intensive and CO2-emitting production process (Haber-Bosch).

A more detailed description of the position is available.

• Applicants must either hold a master’s degree or the equivalent in chemistry or other molecular or materials sciences (including interdisciplinary fields such as nanoscience, bioinformatics, and cheminformatics). Master students can apply provided they complete their final master exam before 22.12.2021. It is a condition of employment that the master’s degree has been awarded.
• The candidate must have a background in quantum and/or classical molecular modeling, with documented experience in practical applications of such modeling.
• Experience with modeling of transition metal compounds is an advantage.
• Experience or training in cheminformatics is an advantage.
• Experience with scripting languages is required.
• Experience with object-oriented programming and code development is an advantage.
• Experience in data analysis and/or machine learning is an advantage.
  • The successful candidate must have
  • Well-developed critical thinking and writing skills.
  • The ability to work independently, in a structured manner, and also be able to cooperate with others.
  • Proficiency in both written and oral English.

Personal qualities and social skills will count in the assessment of the applicants. Ambitions and potential for scientific career will also be considered and given substantial weight.

As a PhD Research Fellow, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. The deadline for applying for admission to the PhD programme at The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences is 2 months after you start your position or after the start of the research project that will lead to the PhD degree. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.

• A good and professionally stimulating working environment
• Salary at pay grade 54 (Code 1017/Pay range 20, alternative 10) in the state salary scale. This constitutes a gross annual salary of NOK 491 200. Further promotions are made according to length of service in the position.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Good welfare benefits

• A brief account of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position
• The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must 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. If you have not yet completed your master’s degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming the expected date of award of your master’s degree. Your master’s degree must be documented with transcripts and/or diploma, alternatively a confirmation from your institution on completed degree and your grade, by 22.12.2021.
• Relevant certificates/references
• Approved documentation of proficiency in English (if required, cf. English language requirements for PhD admission)
• 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.

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.