3-year position as research fellow (PhD student) is available at Department of Chemistry,
University of Bergen, Norway, more specifically, in the research group of Prof. Vidar R. Jensen.
SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE OVERALL PROJECT:
The available position is linked to the project A method for automated denovo optimisation
of functional transition-metal complexes, funded by the Norwegian Research Council, and
is devoted to development of a de novo system for automatic generation of new functional
coordination compounds with optimal properties. The project involves a close collaboration
between the research groups of Profs. Bjorn K. Alsberg, Department of Chemistry at
the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and Vidar R. Jensen,
Department of Chemistry at the University of Bergen (UiB), and also involves further
collaborating groups, both nationally and internationally. Catalysts constitute an example
of functional coordination compounds which in particular will be the subject of investigation.
The kind of de novo software to be developed is already in widespread use in
optimization and development of pharmaceutical substances (i.e., in silico drug design),
but has not yet been applied in coordination/organometallic chemistry and catalysis,
mainly because the traditional methods of drug-design are not directly applicable to
coordination compounds.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PHD PROJECT:
The PhD student will participate in the development of the software for de novo evolutionary
development of coordination compounds together with the other project participants. The
PhD student will in particular work to integrate molecular-level computational software
packages (quantum chemical and molecular mechanical, stays in collaborating research
groups in the UK and the US are planned in connection with this work), identification/development
and implementation of molecular descriptors (for coordination compounds), development
and implementation of algorithms for efficient optimization of transition states (based
on an QSAR/QSPR extrapolation scheme), as well as testing and validation of
the software in general.
EXPECTED QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CANDIDATES:
Candidates should have a strong background in computational chemistry
(molecular modeling and/or quantum chemistry), whereas some background
from chemoinformatics/chemometrics also is desirable. Experience from
programming and knowledge of inorganic/organometallic chemistry is an advantage.
SALARY:
Starting salary on grade 48 (code 1017/pay framework 20.8) in the Civil Service
pay grade table scale; currently NOK 383,900 gross p.a.(salary will be adjusted);
following ordinary meriting regulations.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
A more detailed description of the position and how to apply is available on the
following web-address http://jensen.uib.no/stillingsomtale_PhD_B.htm.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Professor Vidar R. Jensen, Department
of Chemistry (tel: +47 55 58 34 89; e-mail Vidar.Jensen@kj.uib.no).
