The University of Oulu in Northern Finland, with approximately 15000 students and 3000 employees, is an international, multidisciplinary research university with a rich pool of creative and intellectual talent. The strengths of the University are broad, multidisciplinary research interests, a modern research and study environment, and wide cooperation with international research and educational institutes (http://www.oulu.fi/english).

The postdoctoral position is in the field of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), in the following specific topic: Development of metal-free catalytic systems for parahydrogen-based NMR hyperpolarization techniques.

The position is located at the NMR Research Unit (http://cc.oulu.fi/~nmrwww), in the Faculty of Science. We are an internationally established, combined experimental and theoretical team of about 20 people, of which 50% with a PhD degree. We develop experimental, theoretical and computational research methods based on magnetic resonance phenomena and apply those methods to topical problems in molecular and materials sciences. Our particular strength is in the tight connection between state-of-the-art measurements and calculations. We have an open and encouraging working atmosphere and have a substantial track record in successful funding applications both at the Academy of Finland and in EU programmes. We are a key user of the NMR laboratory facility of the University of Oulu, furnished with six spectrometers (300-600 MHz) suited for an unusually broad variety of studies (wide range of nuclei, gas/liquid/solid, different sample sizes, imaging capabilities, diffusion probe, micro CryoProbe, remote detection, spin-exchange optical pumping/parahydrogen-induced/SABRE hyperpolarization), two low-field, mobile NMR spectrometers as well as nuclear magneto-optic instrumentation. CPU-intensive computational research is carried out mainly using the facilities of the national supercomputer centre (2300 TFlop/s total capacity). Local linux clusters belonging to the Finnish Grid and Cloud Infrastructure are used for high-throughput production calculations.

Subject field and description of the position

The position is a part of Academy Project “Parahydrogen biosensors for hypersensitive NMR analysis” provided by the Academy of Finland.

The research direction of the position is briefly described in the following: The project aims at development of metal-free activators of H₂ molecules capable of producing nuclear spin hyperpolarization upon activation of parahydrogen, increasing NMR sensitivity by orders of magnitude. Typically, metal-containing activators/catalysts are used in parahydrogen-based hyperpolarization techniques. We develop more biogenic metal-free catalytic systems that can be used to create hypersensitive NMR biosensors for biomolecular monitoring.

The length of the position is two years. The starting date of the position is September 16, 2019, or as soon as possible thereafter.

A six-month trial period will be effective in the beginning of the two-year contract.

Required Qualifications and assessment

The successful applicant must have a completed PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field. The applicants must show a visible scientific profile. Significant experience in experimental NMR spectroscopy and other physical methods of analysis are to be documented for this position. Strong skills in synthetic and experimental organic chemistry are valuable to the project. Experience in the application of computational methods for studies of chemical reactivity is considered as an advantage. The project requires computer experience in data analysis (Excel, Origin, Matlab).

Fluent English, good communication skills and good teamwork skills are required. Further, demonstrated potential in acquiring supplementary (extramural) funding, and teaching experience will be taken as a merit when choosing the scientist. When assessing the applicant’s qualifications, issues to be considered will include scientific publications, thesis supervision, activity in the scientific community, practical familiarity with the field in question, scientific work abroad, and other international activities.

As part of the NMR Research Unit, the duties also include supervising scientific research of BSc, MSc and PhD students as well participation in important research activities of the group. Participation in teaching within the physics curriculum and acquiring research funding are naturally expected.

Salary

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for university–level teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The salary is thus in practice roughly 3400–4000 € per month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications, experience and the progress in the research.

Application Procedure

The following documents must be attached to the application:

1)      Brief curriculum vitae in English
2)      List of publications in international peer-reviewed journals
3)      Brief description of research merits
4)      Brief (1-2 pages) research and action plan in English
5)      Contact information of two persons whom may be asked to give a statement of the candidate

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using electronic application form by September 1, 2019 23:59 (Finnish local time).

Interview

The top candidates for the posts may be interviewed and asked to present their plans for running the post successfully.

For further information regarding the filling of this post:

Dr. Vladimir Zhivonitko, NMR Research Unit, University of Oulu, tel. +358-41-495 7904, email: vladimir.zhivonitko(at)oulu.fi