Postdoctoral Research Fellow (tenure track) automation of operations / analyses in chemical synthesis

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (tenure track) automation of operations / analyses in chemical synthesis

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow (tenure track) in automation of operations and / or analyses in chemical synthesis

At the Department of Chemistry, there is a vacant position as a postdoctoral fellow (tenure track) within automation in chemical synthesis, including automation of in- or at-line reaction analytical technology. The position is a fixed-term appointment for six years, with the possibility of a permanent position as Associate Professor at the end of the employment period. The position is associated with the Norwegian Open Laboratory for High-Throughput Experimentation and Scale-up (NorHTE) with the function as Head of laboratory for the UiB-node. Expected starting date for the position is the first half of 2026.

About the department

Chemical knowledge, technology, and competence are essential factors in meeting society's growing demands in sectors such as health, environment, and sustainable energy and materials, to name but a few areas that lie at the core of UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs). The Department of Chemistry contributes to creating, applying, and disseminating chemical knowledge through research and education of high quality and in collaboration with relevant regional, national, and international stakeholders. The department offers modern and up-to-date education at bachelor's, master's and PhD levels and hosts or co-hosts several study programs including chemistry, medical technology, energy, and pharmacy. Currently, we have about 250 students, 80 employees, including 25 associate professors and professors, and about 40 PhD candidates. Department of Chemistry has invested strategically in modern research infrastructure, including a laboratory for high-throughput experimentation, HTE@UiB. The department also hosts the national NMR platform in Norway.

Work tasks

We seek candidates with an interest for and a track record in the development, adaptation, and application of modern robotics and AI technologies to synthetic chemistry, including high-throughput experimentation (HTE) and automated reaction analytical technology. The successful applicant must show the ability and willingness to develop a line of research that interacts synergistically with other ongoing synthetic efforts at the department, including but not limited to medicinal chemistry and catalysis. The position entails teaching responsibilities within automation of synthetic chemistry and high-throughput experimentation. We seek candidates who demonstrate a collegial approach to teaching and a deep appreciation for the societal role of university education.

As a matter of strategic decision, Department of Chemistry has acquired a facility for high-throughput experimentation (HTE@UiB), covering both batch and flow modes. Recently, the department has also received funding to establish a national infrastructure for robotic and high-throughput experimentation (NorHTE), serving both academic and industry researchers across Norway. Combined, the HTE@UiB and NorHTE facilities will constitute a powerful platform for developing and executing collaborative research projects that benefit from the synergy of modern robotics, AI technologies, and experimental chemistry. It will also be a hub for training students in these modern approaches to synthetic chemistry. The successful applicant will be appointed Head of the HTE@UiB laboratory and the UiB node of NorHTE. We seek a creative and enthusiastic scientist and educator with well-developed organizational and people skills who will develop a strong line of research.

Qualifications and personal qualities

• Applicants must have a doctoral degree within chemistry or other similarly relevant disciplines. PhD-students may apply if defense of the PhD-thesis is completed by 1 October 2025. It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded.
• Applicants must document competences in research within areas relevant to technology-driven synthetic chemistry.
• The successful candidate must document research of high international standard.
• Applicants must be effective team players and leaders in both research and educational settings, with strong collaborative and organizational abilities.
• Excellent command of oral and written English is required.
• The successful candidate is expected to contribute to externally financed research activities. Documented experience in drafting competitive research proposals is an advantage.
• Teaching experience within areas relevant to technology-driven synthetic chemistry will be considered an advantage.
• A demonstrated interest in and talent for applying methods to real-world problems is considered an advantage.
• A strong international network is considered an advantage

Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Research experience, ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.

Special requirements for the position :

The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications. If necessary, the university will apply for an export license before an offer of employment is made. If UiB has not received a positive response to the export license application within 12 weeks, the position may be offered to another applicant.

About the tenure track position

The aim of the employment in a tenure track position is to recruit the most highly qualified candidates to permanent top-level academic positions. The appointed candidate will have responsibilities related to teaching, dissemination of results, and administrative duties. The proportion of the position dedicated to these tasks will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and the department’s needs and will be determined in consultation with the Head of Department at the time of appointment.

The faculty and the department are obligated to facilitate the further development of the appointee’s qualifications in teaching, research, dissemination, and innovation.

The successful candidate is expected to participate in research and education similarly to our current academic staff. This includes teaching and supervision of bachelor and master students.

We can offer

About The University of Bergen (UiB)

The University of Bergen is a renowned educational and research institution, organised into seven faculties and approximately 54 institutes and academic centres. Campus is located in the centre of Bergen with university areas at Nygårdshøyden, Haukeland, Marineholmen, Møllendalsveien and Årstad.