Researcher in Vehicle Emission Characterization by Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometry

About the position

Position as Researcher available at the the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo.

Starting date is 01.01.2025 and no later than 01.04.2025.

End date is 31.12.2026.

Knowledge development in a changing world - Science and technology towards 2030

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Job description/project description:

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to join the team of Prof. Armin Wisthaler at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oslo (UiO) as a researcher in the project “AEROSOLS:  Air quality and health impact of primary semi-volatile and secondary particles and their abatement” (Home - AEROSOLS). 

The EU- and UKRI-funded project aims at developing reliable methods for characterizing emissions of volatile and low-volatility organic compounds from passenger vehicles and their conversion to particulate organic matter under simulated atmospheric conditions. A UiO team shall, in collaboration with an industrial partner, deploy two state-of-the-art  proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometers (PTR-ToF-MS, CHARON FUSION PTR-TOF-MS) for measuring organic compounds in freshly emitted and aged vehicular exhaust. 

The work will include method optimization and characterization in UiO’s laboratories, participation in measurement campaigns in France and in the United Kingdom, analysis of complex mass spectrometric data and the writing of scientific publications.

Qualification requirements:

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe's leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian Master's degree (for position code 1108) or Doctoral degree (for position code 1109) in a technical/natural science discipline with a strong environmental chemical-analytical focus
  • Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
  • Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and completed defence are eligible for appointment
• Applicants must have a solid and documented (e.g., publications, lecture or course certificates, reference letter) background in analytical mass spectrometry
• Applicants must have hands on experience in setting up and troubleshooting complex analytical instrumentation and laboratory equipment. The experience should be described in the cover letter to the application
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

• Previous experience in using PTR-ToF-MS or a related online CIMS technique
• Previous experience in conducting smog chamber measurements and/or aerosol flow tube measurements
• Previous experience in measuring low-volatility organic compounds in the atmosphere 
• Previous experience in analyzing complex and extensive mass spectrometric data sets

The previous experience must be described in the cover letter to the application.

Personal skills:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of an international team 
• Ability to work abroad and under pressure (e.g., during international measurement campaigns)
• Strong sense of responsibility towards the research group
• Ability to deliver reliably and in time

We offer:

• Salary NOK minimum 585 400 – 692 000 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher with PhD degree (position code 1109) or Salary NOK minimum 540 000 – 585 400 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher without PhD (position code 1108)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

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
• A complete list of publications and 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)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations:

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact persons:

For further information about the position please contact:

Professor Armin Wisthaler, e-mail: armin.wisthaler@kjemi.uio.no.

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: 

HR-adviser Olga Holmlund, e-mail: olga.holmlund@mn.uio.no.