PhD Research Fellow in Planetary Atmospheric Chemistry utilizing Quantum Chemistry

# PhD Research Fellow in Planetary Atmospheric Chemistry utilizing Quantum ChemistryUniversity of Oslo Oslo, NorwaySalary: NOK 550,800
- 595,000 per yearApplication Deadline: November 22, 2026Contract Duration: ProsjektEmployment type: Full timePosition Type: PhDDate Posted: October 30, 2026Research Field: ChemistryDepartment: Department of ChemistryContact Email: b.n.frandsen@kjemi.uio.no## Project Description### About the positionWe invite applications for a PhD Research Fellow position in Planetary Atmospheric Chemistry utilizing Quantum Chemistry, available at Department of Chemistry, theoretical chemistry section.
Starting date as soon as possible and no later than 01.03.2027 . The fellowship period is three years.
A fourth year maybe considered and it will involve 25 percent of other career-promoting work. Other career-promoting work may consist of teaching, supervision, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
Place of work is The Life Science Building at Blindern, Oslo.### Project descriptionA PhD position is available at the Section for Theoretical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, within the project Molecular Atmospheric Chemistry on Alien Worlds (MACAW), funded by the Research Council of Norway. In this project we will employ quantum chemistry methods using high-performance computing (HPC) resources to study chemical reactions, photochemistry, identify spectral signatures for potential detection and elucidate condensation mechanisms for molecules in atmospheres beyond that of contemporary Earth. The project has a particular focus on Sulfur and Chlorine chemistry as well as isotopic fractionation processes. The successful applicant will have freedom to pursue specific research topics within the relatively wide project framework, in coordination with the supervisor. The work is first and foremost computational utilizing electronic structure methods to qualitatively study photochemical and thermal reaction mechanisms, as well as quantify reaction rates, UV-Vis spectra and other molecular properties relevant to studying the role of molecules in planetary atmospheres.
The work has a high degree of international collaboration within the main project supervisors' network currently spanning four continents among seven nations. This is to ensure maximal dissemination and impact of the project results, and thus the project will likely involve more than a usual amount of both hosting international visitors and travel to visit our collaborators. The project work is highly flexible, allowing the successful candidate to structure their own work. This project is an excellent opportunity for a prospective PhD candidate to make original and foundational contributions to the field of planetary atmospheric chemistry, with the potential for leading to groundbreaking discoveries of new molecules or chemical processes on other planets.### What skills are important in this role?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 or equivalent in chemistry, physics, nanoscience or related fields. Foreign completed degree (M.
Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
* Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
* Relevant experience in utilizing computational resources and code for simulations of molecular properties
* Experience with quantum chemistry calculations
* Experience with scripting or programming (e.g. Python, Bash, Matlab, Fortran), and high-performance computingDesired

qualifications:
* Experience in electronic structure methods, e.g. DFT, coupled cluster or multireference methods
* Background in chemical kinetics, reaction mechanisms, photochemistry, spectroscopy, transition state theory, atmospheric chemistry and/or physical chemistry
* Any insights into planetary/exoplanetary science and photochemical atmospheric modelingLanguage requirement:* Good oral and written communication skills in English
* English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the

requirements:
RegulationsGrade

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