PhD Candidate in molecular dynamics simulation in mineral processing

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.

The Department of Geosciences (IGV) are seeking a highly motivated and talented candidate for a 3-year PhD position in molecular dynamics simulation with a focus on mineral processing. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at advancing our understanding of mineral behaviour and interactions at the molecular level. Sustainable mineral processing is critical for the efficient and environmentally friendly extraction of critical raw materials, essential for the green shift and the development of renewable energy technologies. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to engage in research characterized by a highly interdisciplinary approach, frequently conducted in close partnership with top experimental groups around the world, utilizing advanced simulation techniques to explore the fundamental processes governing mineral processing.

For a position as a PhD Candidate, the goal is a completed doctoral education up to an obtained doctoral degree.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Professor Pshem Kowalczuk and Associate Professor David Dell’Angelo (University of Artois, France), and will integrate into the Mineral Processing Laboratory at NTNU (Mineral processing Laboratory – IGP – NTNU). Research and education at the Mineral Processing Laboratory at NTNU provide essential insights into sustainable processing of ores and minerals and beneficiation of valuable components from industrial waste. The laboratory is unique in Norway and plays a strategically important role in the shift towards a greener and more circular economy.

• Develop computational models and perform corresponding simulations to examine the behaviour and interactions of minerals throughout sustainable processing.
• Analyse and interpret simulation data to derive meaningful insights and conclusions about the molecular mechanisms in sustainable mineral processing.
• Collaborate with team members and external partners to integrate simulation results with experimental findings, fostering a holistic understanding of sustainable mineral processing phenomena.
• Prepare and publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals and present results at national and international conferences.
• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

• You must have a professionally relevant background in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing or a related field.
• A background in quantum mechanics and molecular dynamics studies as well as interest in multilevel molecular modelling techniques.
• Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree program, where 120 credits are obtained at master’s level.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an average grade from the master’s degree program, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared with NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic basis. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty’s doctoral program PhD in Engineering
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilization of molecular dynamics simulation software such as LAMMPS, CP2k or VASP, and associated computational methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex simulation data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

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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 Regulations for the Universities and Colleges Act (university and colleges regulations) and Regulations for the degrees philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) and philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) in artistic development work at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

• Research Publications: A record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant scientific journals.
• Interdisciplinary Experience: Experience working in interdisciplinary research teams.
• Presentation Skills: Demonstrated ability to present research findings effectively at scientific conferences.

To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are able to:

• Motivated and proactive attitude towards research challenges, with a passion for advancing scientific knowledge.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Adaptability and openness to learning new methodologies and techniques.
• Commitment to research integrity and ethical conduct in scientific investigations.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a creative and innovative mindset.

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

• Exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• An open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• Favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• As a public employee, you have favourable benefits as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)

You will be employed as a PhD Candidate at NTNU and will have access to employee benefits and discounts.

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, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.

At NTNU we want to increase the proportion of women in scientific positions. We have a number of measures to promote equality.

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK  541 800,-  per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary.

The employment period is 3 years.

For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in Engineering within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme throughout the period of employment.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and adapt to them.

For the necessary academic and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act, and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to bein conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in English.

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above. The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates. Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. The application must include:

• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
• CV and certificates
• Copy of Master’s thesis. If you have recently submitted your Master’s thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed Master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• A cover letter detailing your motivation and sustainability for the position.
• Project proposal, max 2 pages
• Possibly publications etc. other relevant research work
• Names and contact information of three relevant referees

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor’s and Master’s education, in addition to other higher education. If your institution uses “diploma supplement” (normal for most European institutions), you must attach this. A description of the documentation required can also be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well.

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint work, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

When assessing the best qualified, we emphasize necessary qualifications such as education, experience and personal suitability. Motivation for the position, ambitions and potential for research will also count when assessing the candidates.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and has committed itself to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment and CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU’s social mission).

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.

If you think this position looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, you are welcome to apply.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact professor Pshem Kowalczuk, email pshem.kowalczuk@ntnu.no or Associate Professor David Dell’Angelo, email david.dellangelo@univ-artois.fr.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Senior Adviser HR, Eli Meistad, email eli.meistad@ntnu.no.

Application deadline: 20.07.2025