About this role
This is NTNU NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim. At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world. You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here. Video: https://youtu.be/Xt-yHCN5QS0 About the position A PhD research fellow position in the field of direct-write nanopatterning of functional materials for electronics and photocatalysis is available. The academic position will provide the opportunity for professional development through studies towards a PhD degree in nanotechnology. The tasks for the PhD research fellow will cover the development of thermal scanning probe lithography as a transformative tool for precision nanostructuring of functional materials, providing maskless, damage‑free patterning with sub‑10 nm control. The nanostructuring will focus on complex oxide thin films, van der Waals films and plasmonic photocatalysts. The position will also involve synthesis of the materials as well as characterization of structural, functional and catalytic properties. The successful candidate will be affiliated to the FACET research group at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, NTNU and will have a strong collaboration with the Catalysis Group at Department of Chemical Engineering, NTNU and NTNU Nanolab . You will work in a multidisciplinary and international environment. The supervisor team will consist of Professor Mari-Ann Einarsrud, Professor Magnus Rønning and Associate Professor Ingrid Hallsteinsen. Are you motivated to take a step towards a doctorate and open up exciting career opportunities? As a PhD Candidate with us, you will work to achieve your doctorate, and at the same time gain valuable experience that qualifies you for a further career in higher education and research, in and outside academia. Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department. Duties of the position Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate Carry out research of good quality within the framework described above Academic publications and popular science dissemination Participate actively in the affiliated research groups Participate in international activities such as conferences and/or research stays at foreign educational institutions One year of Duty work in NTNU Nanolab including method development and training of users on NanoFrazor and AFM Required selection criteria You must have a relevant Master's degree in nanotechnology, materials chemistry, materials science and engineering or materials and solid-state physics or equivalent. Your course of study must correspond to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been obtained at master's level. Master students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position and no later than December 1st, 2026. You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master's degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU's grading scale . If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education. You must meet the requirements for admission to the Faculty of Natural Sciences doctoral program https://www.ntnu.edu/nv/phd You must be able to communicate fluently in English (orally and written) and have good communication skills. PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”. The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions for general criteria for the position. Preferred selection criteria A strong background and hands-on experience in functional materials including synthesis, nanostructuring or characterisation. Experience with photocatalysis. The ideal candidate has a good understanding of running complex experiments. Experience in working in a clean room. Experience with training of students. Good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian/Scandinavian equivalent level B2. Personal characteristics To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are able to: be creative and innovative take responsibility for own progress and be able to work independently be able to collaborate closely with other members of the research team be diligent and able to show initiative on behalf of own work be structured, targeted and solution-oriented have good interpersonal skills that allow for a positive and friendly attitude and contribute to a sustainable social environment Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities. We offer Exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK) Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2) As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits . Diversity Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values are creative, critical, constructive and respectful . We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals. We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education. If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, reg