Hydrogen as an energy carrier is an expanding activity at IFE. We are looking for a strong candidate to further increase the capacity and competence of the Hydrogen Technology department. At the department, there is a long and unique competence on hydrogen, with R&D activities on water electrolysis, storage of hydrogen as a liquid or in solid compounds, fuel cells, and renewable energy-based hydrogen systems. The department hosts a national fuel cell and hydrogen laboratory for testing key hydrogen technologies and systems, and has specialized laboratories for the preparation, the characterization and the development of hydrogen materials and key components.

The Department now has a vacant PhD position (3 years) on development of new materials for hydrogen generation via water splitting. The PhD candidate will work in the framework of the FRIPRO project “2D High-Entropy Materials for Energy Conversion (HEMEC)”, funded by the Research Council of Norway and in collaboration with University of Oslo.

Job description

The person being employed at IFE will:

• Develop synthesis procedures and processing protocols to produce novel high-entropy materials with focus on structures suitable for water electrolysis.
• Characterize materials by means of X-ray/neutron diffraction, x-ray absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements, and establish structure-property relationships.
• Participate in computational materials design via application of thermodynamic databases and machine-learning algorithms to predict new candidate materials.

Qualifications

• MSc in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field
• A background in solid state chemistry and crystallography is beneficial
• Ability to work independently, but also participate actively in the activities of the group
• Strong skills in English (oral and written) and a positive attitude

Expected starting period: July/August 2025

We offer

• Exciting and challenging work in an international and growing environment
• Training in a relevant, research-intensive environment with focus on innovation
• Full access to resources required for successful PhD studies
• Social benefits including pension, life insurance and accident Insurance
• A workplace that will promote the employees’ health, environment, and safety

The evaluation of candidates will be based on scientific qualifications and ability to communicate efficiently. Good knowledge of the English language is essential.

The candidate must expect a 6-12-month residence duty at University of Oslo (UiO). Main supervisor is Professor Anja O. Sjåstad, Centre for Material Science and Nano Technology (SMN), UiO.

IFE is subject to the Security Act, which includes requirements for the organisation’s management of critical national information, as well as other relevant legislation concerning the management of sensitive information. On this basis, it is a prerequisite for employment that the applicant is suitable from a security perspective. Note that relevant applicants will be asked questions that are necessary to ascertain this. This includes questions about any ties to countries that the Norwegian National Security Authority (NSM) has classified as a ‘high-risk country’ in its open threat assessment. Background checks are performed as part of our recruitment process.

We view diversity as a strength in our work. We therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and ethnic background. We place great emphasis on your personal suitability for the position.

Link til annonsen