PhD Fellowship position in Visualization of Quantum Theory

Faculty of Technology, Art and Design, Department of Computer Science

Oslo Metropolitan University is Norway's third largest university with almost 22,000 students and over 2,500 employees. We have campuses in central Oslo and at Romerike. OsloMet educates students and conducts research that contributes to the sustainability of the Norwegian welfare state and the metropolitan region.

The Faculty of Technology, Art and Design (TKD) offers higher education and research and development (R&D) activities within technical subjects, arts and design. The Faculty has approximately 4.000 students and 400 staff members and is situated at Pilestredet Campus in downtown Oslo and at Kjeller Campus in Viken.

The Department of Computer Science offers three bachelor's degree programmes, a master's degree programme, and is part of a cross-departmental PhD program. Academic staff at the department are pursuing research in a wide range of areas including computer science, the natural sciences, and innovation and management. Both students and researchers are also involved in an increasing number of interdisciplinary initiatives across the university.

The Department of Computer Science has a vacant PhD Fellowship position within the field of visualization of quantum theory. The project is a novel and innovative research collaboration that combines technology and art and is a newly established collaboration between the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Art, Design and Drama. The successful applicant will be affiliated with the Mathematical Modeling group and the newly established OsloMet Quantum Hub. In addition, work within the project will be carried out closely with various local, national, and international collaborators.

Area of research

Quantum theory is a branch of physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales, such as electrons in atoms and molecules. This theory provides a framework for understanding the fundamental nature of the universe, including the properties of matter, energy, and their interactions.

Quantum literacy refers to a basic understanding of the principles of quantum mechanics. A person who is quantum literate has a rudimentary understanding of the key concepts and phenomena of quantum mechanics, such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum tunnelling. By understanding the principles of quantum mechanics, individuals can better appreciate the importance and the role that science and technology play in the society. Enhancing visual understanding of quantum mechanics is an interesting research field in itself. Moreover, visualization is an important aspect of quantum mechanics, and is something that has been around since its early days. For example, chemists think in terms of “orbitals”, and diagrammatic drawings in the form of Goldstone diagrams is used in different sub-fields of quantum mechanics.

The overall objective of the research project is to investigate how to further the understanding of quantum mechanics to researchers, students and the general public and investigate how different audiences respond to different visualization techniques, and how these techniques can be optimized to enhance learning and understanding with focus on the importance of visualizations on learning outcomes. The PhD project aims at developing new visualization techniques for illustrating the effects of, e.g., exchange, correlation, entanglement, superposition, tunnelling and “chemical bonds”, just to mention some possible examples. By combining artistic innovation and contemporary art dissemination strategies, one can experiment with varied formats aimed at different target groups. VR technologies, for instance, gives possibilities of interactivity and engagement on different levels. Public engagement with scientific results has become more important in international research, and we find numerous projects in what is sometimes named the SciArt field. In Norway, this is still not well developed, with the FeLT project being an important exception.

The successful applicant's primary duty is to carry out and publish research connected to the above described aims as well as the dissemination of such results. The preferred candidate should have good knowledge of quantum mechanics/quantum theory and be able to write and understand computer codes in, for example, Python. Experience and/or strong motivation to work with visualization, pedagogical and/or SciArt aspects of quantum mechanics is desirable. The position involves working closely with researchers in quantum theory, for example with team members of the quantum project REGAL hosted within the OsloMet Quantum Hub.

The candidate is also welcomed to contributes to the public outreach activities of the Quantum Hub. This could, e.g., involve giving seminars at summer/winter schools and public dissemination work.

The position is advertised as a 3-year position with 100% research, or a 4-year position with 75% research and 25% other tasks (teaching, supervision and/or administrative work). The goal must be to complete the PhD program/degree within the decided time frame. The decision on a 3- or 4-year position will be discussed as part of the interviews in the hiring process. The start date of the position is 01.10.2024 at the latest.

Qualification requirements and conditions

Master's degree in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science or other related fields. The degree must contain 120 credits (ECTS). All exams for the master's degree must be completed by 30 June 2024.

An academic profile that suits the project's and the department's needs.

Good communication skills in English, oral and written.

The following grade requirements are a condition for employment in the position:

Minimum average grade B on subjects included in the master's degree.

Minimum grade B on the master's thesis.

Minimum average grade C on the subjects included in the bachelor's degree. If you have an integrated master's degree, the grades from the first three standard years of the degree will be assessed.

Admission to the doctoral program in Engineering Science at the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design within three months of employment is a prerequisite for the position. If you already have a doctorate in a related field, you will not qualify for the position.

In assessing the applicants, emphasis will be placed on the department's overall needs and the applicant's potential for research within the field.

General criteria for employment in academic positions are covered by the Regulations on employment conditions for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, scientific assistant and specialist candidate.

Preferred selection criteria

It is desirable with a documented background and good familiarity with quantum mechanics/theory.

Strong ability in disseminating science with experience and/or strong motivation to work with pedagogical aspects of quantum theory and/or quantum SciArts.

Strong motivation to successfully conduct a PhD education and a wish to develop the ability as a researcher.

It is important to OsloMet to reflect the population of our region, and all qualified candidates are welcome to apply. We make active endeavours to further develop OsloMet as an inclusive workplace and to make adaptations to the workplace where required. You are also welcome to apply for a position with us if you have had periods where you have not been in employment, education or training.

We can offer you

An exciting job opportunity at Norway's third largest and most urban university

Opportunities for professional development in the Mathematical modelling group.

To join a novel and innovative research collaboration that combines technology and art.

The chance to contribute significantly to developing and strengthening the newly established OsloMet Quantum Hub.

An active work environment.

Beneficial pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

Beneficial welfare schemes and a wide range of sports and cultural offers Free Norwegian language classes to employees and their partners/spouses

Practical information about relocation to Oslo and living in Norway.

The position is paid according to the pay scale for Norwegian state employees, position code 1017 PhD fellow, NOK 532 200 per year.

Application

To be considered for the position, you must upload the following documents by the application deadline:

Application letter describing your motivation and how your professional profile is relevant for this position. (1 page max).

Copies of diplomas and transcripts for bachelor's and master's degrees (which list subjects and grades) and certificates. Please note that a description of the grading system at the university/country where you took your degree must be attached. This must be an official document with a stamp from your university. Foreign diplomas must be translated into English by the university that issued the diploma.

If you have not completed your master's degree at the time of application, you must attach a preliminary transcript in English or a Scandinavian language from your university by the application deadline. It is desirable that you also attach an overview of subjects/exams you will complete during spring 2024.

Relevant applicants must also send an official confirmation from the educational institution by 30 June 2024, that all examinations for the master's degree, including the master's thesis, have been completed.

Name and contact information of two references (name, relationship, e-mail and telephone number).

Copy of master´s thesis and other scientific work that you want to be assessed. Relevant applicants who have not completed a master´s degreee at the time of application, must send a copy of the master´s thesis within 30.06.2024.

Applicants from countries where English is not a first language must submit the result of an official language test. The following applicants are exempt from this language requirement:

Applicants from EU/EEA countries.

Applicants who have completed at least one year of study in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain or the United States. Applicants who hold an “International Baccalaureate (IB)” diploma.

The following language tests are approved documentation: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). In these tests, you must have achieved at least the following scores:

TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (Internet-based test)

IELTS: 6.5, where none of the sections should have a lower score than 5.5 (only the Academic IELTS test is accepted).

Official diploma and transcript must be submitted before taking up the position, no later than 01.10.2024. If your educational institution is not able to deliver an official diploma by the deadline, you must submit documentation from the institution that confirms that your master´s degree is completed by the same deadline.

We only process applications sent via our electronic recruitment system and all documents must be uploaded for your application to be processed. The documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Translations must be authorized. You must present originals at any interview. OsloMet checks documents, so that you as a candidate will get a real evaluation and fair competition.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to OsloMet.

Other information

If you would like more information about the position, feel free to contact:

Associate Professor Andre Laestadius, email: [email protected], tel: +47 67 23 53 73

Group leader Boning Feng, email: [email protected], tel: +47 67 23 87 14

If you have administrative questions about the position, please contact [email protected] .

If you would like to apply for the position, you must do so electronically through our recruitment system.

Deadline for applications: (minimum three weeks after publication)

Ref.: 23/08715

OsloMet is a Charter & Code certified institution by the EU Commisson holding the right to use the logo HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R). OsloMet is a member of the EURAXESS network supporting a positive work environment for researchers in motion.

OsloMet has signed The Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). DORA recognizes the need to improve the ways in which the outputs of scholarly research are evaluated.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who are seen to be in conflict with the criteria in the latter law will not be considered for the position.

Visit OsloMet at LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram

Type of employment Fixed-term post

Contract type Full time Number of positions 1 Full-time equivalent 100% City Oslo County Oslo Country Norway Reference number 23/08715 Contact

Andre Laestadius, +4767235373

André Brodtkorb, +4745619070

Published 19.Jan.2024 Last application date 01.Mar.2024 11:59 PM CET

Login and apply

Del lenker - Tips en venn

Return to job vacancies