The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim represents academic eminence in technology and the natural sciences as well as in other academic disciplines ranging from the social sciences, the arts, medicine, teacher education, architecture to fine art. Cross-disciplinary cooperation results in innovative breakthroughs and creative solutions with far-reaching social and economic impact.

Faculty of Natural Sciences and TechnologyDepartment of Materials Science and Engineering

POST DOC POSITION IN STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF LEAD-FREE RELAXOR PIEZOELECTRICS

A three year Post doc position is available at the Department of Material Science and Engineering in the field of lead-free relaxor piezoelectric oxide materials. The position is financed by the Research Council of Norway through the project «Local structure of lead-free relaxor piezoelectrics.»

The main goal of the project is to understand the microscopic mechanisms of piezoelectric response in lead-free relaxor perovskite oxides through experiments and simulations. The experimental work will consist of material synthesis, dielectric and piezoelectric characterization and structural analysis by X-ray diffraction with particular emphasis on the local and intermediate range structure probed by pair distribution functions (PDF). PDFs will be collected both in-house and at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations will be used to obtain fundamental insight to the structure-property relationships in lead-free relaxor piezoelectrics.

The post doc will be part of a research group with strong traditions in research on functional oxides, including lead-free piezo- and ferroelectrics, enjoying excellent laboratory facilities for synthesis and characterization of materials. More information about the research group can be found at http://www.ntnu.edu/mse/research/ceramics

The applicant must hold a PhD in materials science, materials chemistry or solid state physics. Experience with collecting and analyzing PDFs from synchrotron X-rays or neutrons, with characterization of piezoelectric materials or with DFT calculations using the VASP software package is considered an advantage. The candidate must document ability to work independently and in groups, and ability to publish scientific papers. The project will start as soon as possible after January 1 2014.

The appointment of the Postdoc will be made according to Norwegian guidelines for universities and university colleges and to the general regulations regarding university employees. Post doc positions are normally remunerated in salary code 57 on the Norwegian Government pay scale, gross NOK 473100 per year before tax. There is a 2% deduction for superannuation contribution.

The national labour force must reflect the composition of the population to the greatest possible extent. NTNU wants to increase the proportion of women in its scientific posts. Women are encouraged to apply. The position adheres to the Norwegian Government’s policy of equal opportunity regardless of ethnicity, age and gender.

Further information regarding the position can be obtained by contacting Associate Professor Sverre Magnus Selbach, e-mail: selbach@material.ntnu.no, tlf. +47 91646302 or Professor Tor Grande, e-mail: grande@ntnu.no.

The application should contain:

• CV including certificates from Bachelor, Master and PhD as well as Reference letters.
• List of publications with bibliographical references.
• Documentation of English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) if English or a Scandinavian language is not the applicant's mother tongue.
• A statement on when the applicant can start in the position if selected.

Applications must be submitted electronically through this page (jobbnorge.no). Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered.

The reference number of the position is NT-77/13.

Application deadline is November 10, 2013.