PhD Research Fellow in Machine Learning for Chemistry is available at the Hylleraas Centre for Quantum Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry
A position as PhD Research Fellow in Machine Learning for Chemistry is available at the Hylleraas Centre for Quantum Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
Starting date no later than October 1, 2022.
The fellowship will be for a period of 3 years. The fellowship can also be for a period of 4 years with a 25% of compulsory work that may consist of teaching, supervision duties and research assistance.
The fellowship is a part of the project catLEGOS, which will focus on the development of machine learning models for the prediction of quantum properties relevant to catalysis with transition metal complexes. The research is planned in three different work packages, including 1) the generation of datasets covering the metal-organic chemical space, 2) the development of molecular representations based on first-principles calculations, and 3) the optimization of predictive models based on neural networks, Gaussian processes, and gradient boosting methods.
The key skills developed during the PhD will include: 1) Input/output data processing and analysis; 2) Developing representations for molecules and materials; 3) Optimizing predictive, generative, and explainable machine learning models.
The fellow will work at the Hylleraas Centre, which is the Research Centre of Excellence for Chemistry in Norway. In addition to an excellent scientific community and working environment, the Centre offers a career development plan for future professional development. More information on the Hylleraas Centre can be found on this website: https://www.mn.uio.no/hylleraas/english
The project will be supervised by Dr. David Balcells, PI of the Hylleraas Centre, and it will build on the previous work of the research group, including Chem. Sci., 2020, 11, 4584 and J. Chem. Inf. Mod., 2020, 60, 6135. The project may involve collaborations with the UiO Department of Mathematics, the UiO Catalysis group, and the groups of Aspuru-Guzik (University of Toronto, Canada) and Norrby (AstraZeneca, Sweden).
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.
Required qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Materials Science, Informatics, Mathematics, or Statistics
- Documented and good knowledge in one or more of the following topics: machine learning, theoretical chemistry, and computational chemistry
- A foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) must correspond to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
Candidates without a Master’s degree have to complete the final exam by June 30, 2022.
Grade requirements:
The norm is as follows:
- The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
- The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
- The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
- When opting for the 4-year fellowship including teaching duties, fluent oral and written communication skills in a Scandinavian language are required
English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:
https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8
Desired qualifications:
- Documented and good knowledge in both machine learning and theoretical and computational chemistry
- For applicants with an MSc related to machine learning: Experience with graph representations and deep, Bayesian, or ensemble learning
- For applicants with an MSc related to theoretical and computational chemistry: Experience with transition metal systems, including catalysts and/or materials
- Programming in Python, including data processing and analysis
- Experience with computational chemistry software for the modeling of molecules (e.g. Gaussian or similar) and/or periodic materials (e.g. VASP or similar)
The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.
The fellowship requires admission to the PhD program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD program must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see:
http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/
Personal skills
Personal suitability of the applicant will be assessed during the selection process, also considering the following points:
- Independent and creative thinking
- Exceptional analytical skills
- Able to make connections and seeing the big picture
- Team work within a diverse group
- Motivated and enthusiastic, with a positive attitude
- Willing to contribute to an engaging work environment
We offer
- Salary NOK 491 200 – 534 400 per year, depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
- Oslo’s friendly atmosphere, with plenty of cultural and outdoor activities, also for families
- Career development programs
- Possibility to join the Hylleraas Centre management team through the Hylleraas Young Researcher Parliament
- Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
- Vibrant international academic environment
How to apply
The application must include
- Cover letter describing motivation and research interests
- CV summarizing education, positions, and academic work, including a complete list of publications
- Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, and transcripts of records
- Documentation of English proficiency
- Names and contact details of one or two references (including name, e-mail, and relation to the candidate) who can provide recommendation letters during the selection process
In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability.
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).
Applicants may be called in for an interview.
Formal regulations
Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
According to the Norwegian Freedom of 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 appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.
The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.
Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.
If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.
Contact information
For further information please contact:
the PI Dr. David Balcells, email: david.balcells@kjemi.uio.no
For technical questions regarding the recruitment system please contact:
HR Advisor, Olga Holmlund, e-mail: olga.holmlund@mn.uio.no
About the University of Oslo
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.
Hylleraas Centre for Quantum Molecular Sciences operates under the aegis of the Department of Chemistry at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The Department of Chemistry is Norway’s largest institution within research and education in chemistry. Our research excels internationally and we educate students to a wide variety of jobs in industry, academia, research institutions, schools and public administration.
Our research ranges from the core topics of chemistry to applied science within in environmental, health, energy and materials. The Department has extensive contacts with industry, research and educational institutions at home and abroad. As partner in the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology our researchers contributes to a significant interdisciplinary efforts in cooperation with the Department of Physics. The Department of Chemistry has its own school laboratory as a great resource for teachers, public outreach and the didactics of chemistry.