The University of Stavanger (UiS) invites qualified and ambitious researchers to apply for a three-year position as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Heterogeneous Catalysis. Located within the Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering at the Faculty of Science and Technology, this position is linked to the international, Horizon Europe-funded project BioHAVEN. The role provides an exceptional platform to build an independent research profile and acquire qualifications towards an Associate Professorship.
Position Overview
| Designation | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Research Area | Heterogeneous Catalysis, Sustainable Hydrogen Production, Hydrothermal Gasification, Methane Pyrolysis |
| Project | BioHAVEN: Boosting H2 production from high water content biowaste with negative carbon emissions |
| Location | Stavanger, Norway |
| Contract Type | Full-time, 3-year fixed term |
| Remuneration | NOK 590,000 to NOK 680,000 gross per year (State Salary Scale code 1352) |
| Last Date for Apply | 15th November 2026 |
Job Description
The primary aim of this postdoctoral appointment is to provide the fellow with advanced training, research experience, and pedagogical competence required for qualification as an Associate Professor. The position also includes duties related to teaching and student supervision.
The successful candidate will be embedded in the BioHAVEN research project, a consortium funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme bringing together partners from eight European nations and India. BioHAVEN is dedicated to pioneering thermochemical pathways for hydrogen production from high-water-content biogenic waste with negative carbon emissions.
Within this framework, the postdoctoral fellow at UiS will focus on:
- Developing and testing novel catalysts for the hydrothermal gasification of biogenic waste.
- Developing and evaluating high-performance catalysts for methane pyrolysis.
- Collaborating with cross-disciplinary international partners across Europe and India.
- Drafting scientific publications for high-impact international journals.
- Contributing to academic activities, including mentoring students and university teaching.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Candidates must satisfy the following essential criteria:
- Educational Background: A PhD degree in Heterogeneous Catalysis. Candidates whose doctoral thesis has been submitted for evaluation by the application deadline are eligible to apply, provided the degree is awarded prior to appointment.
- Language Proficiency: Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
- Hands-on experience with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or Aspen HYSYS).
- Demonstrated experience in chemical reactor design and operation.
- A track record of high-quality scientific publications in relevant subject fields.
- Demonstrated capacity for critical thinking, independent problem-solving, and international networking.
- Strong commitment to academic integrity and collaborative interdisciplinary teamwork.
Key Benefits
- Competitive Salary: Annual gross pay ranging from NOK 590,000 to NOK 680,000, with potential for higher placement in exceptional cases.
- Social Security & Pension: Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens pensjonskasse), including advantageous pension and insurance coverage.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous leave arrangements, access to public healthcare, and family-friendly welfare schemes.
- Language Training: Complimentary Norwegian language courses up to CEFR level A2.
- Relocation Assistance: Practical support for settling in Stavanger, Norway.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the official Jobbnorge recruitment system. Submissions sent outside the online portal will not be considered.
Required Application Documents:
- Project Proposal: A proposal outlining research questions, hypotheses, methodological approaches, expected publication outlets, and a schedule of work aligned with the BioHAVEN scope.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Full academic CV outlining education, work experience, and scholarly activities.
- PhD Documentation: Official copy of the PhD diploma or institutional confirmation indicating that the thesis has been submitted and the anticipated defense date.
- Publication List: A comprehensive list of scientific publications with links or uploads of up to five relevant scientific works (including the doctoral dissertation).
- Transcripts & References: Copies of degree certificates, academic transcripts, and contact information for professional referees.
Note: All application materials must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Compressed file archives should be used if attachments exceed 100 MB.
Application Deadline & Portal Link
Application Deadline: 15th November 2026
Official Application Portal: Apply for Postdoctoral Fellow in Heterogeneous Catalysis at UiS
