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The University of Iceland is one of the country's largest employers. We rely on a diverse team of employees to provide quality education and conduct impactful academic research. We aim to foster a vibrant community, enhancing our position as a leading educational institution.

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Applications are submitted online on the Icelandic State Recruitment (ISR) website. You can switch the language to English by clicking the flag at the top right corner. If you haven't registered yet, start by creating an account before signing in.

Two PhD positions in Electrical- and Computer Engineering

Applications are invited for two full-time PhD student positions in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Both positions lie in the interdisciplinary field of hybrid quantum-classical computing for Earth Observation, leveraging modular supercomputing and digital-analog quantum systems. These positions are fully funded by the Icelandic Research Fund (RANNIS) for three years and involve close collaboration between the University of Iceland and the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany), as well as with other international institutions and companies active in this domain.

Field of work

Quantum technologies encompass various fields such as quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum computing. Although the practical applications of these areas are still in their early stages, they hold tremendous potential. Research has demonstrated that quantum computers can solve complex problems, such as factoring large numbers and decrypting encoded messages, significantly faster than traditional computers.

This project integrates classical computing methods with quantum approaches to solve computationally intensive problems in geosciences and remote sensing. This type of data consist of images and measurements collected by satellites and other sensors, which are essential for monitoring environmental conditions.

The project will develop a hybrid quantum-classical approach, leveraging high-performance computing (HPC) to analyze large-scale remote sensing data. By combining supercomputers with quantum computing, the project aims to overcome current quantum computing challenges, such as limited qubit availability and quantum noise. This hybrid model is designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility in remote sensing data processing.

Within this project, one PhD candidate will focus on analog quantum computers, while the other will focus on digital quantum computers. Both candidates will share the following key objectives:

  • Conduct in-depth analyses of remote sensing methods and identify hardware requirements for hybrid quantum-classical computing approaches.
  • Develop and implement hybrid quantum-classical computing methods on HPC systems, addressing current limitations of quantum techniques.
  • Adapt these methods to specific remote sensing applications, which will be used to evaluate their effectiveness.
  • Participate in and contribute to educational events such as courses and hackathons designed for researchers from diverse backgrounds.
  • Assist in preparing detailed and regular progress reports on the project's development.
  • Present research findings to stakeholders and the broader scientific community at meetings, conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualification requirements

  • A Master's degree (MSc) in quantum physics, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a related field.
  • Experience with quantum computing programming is an advantage.
  • Knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques.
  • Strong spoken and written English skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

The hiring is contingent on the candidate applying formally for the Ph.D. program at the University of Iceland at the corresponding department and that the application is approved by the faculty.

Application process

The PhD student position starts no later than the spring of 2025.

Applications should include:

  • A cover letter
  • A CV (stating relevant work experience, knowledge in computer programming, and a list of publications if any)
  • Copies of university diplomas (BS and MS), course listings with grade information (in English)
  • One-page statement of research interests
  • Names and full contact information of two professional referees (including their relationship to the applicant)
  • TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent test results

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after the application deadline. 

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Action Policy of the University of Iceland.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

The University of Iceland is the largest teaching, research and science institute in Iceland. The University of Iceland is a growing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism, and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the progression of the studies and research in all fields within the realm of the University.

The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs around 400 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. Currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international. The school has 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its' diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing is paramount.

For further information please visit the University of Iceland and International Staff Services webpages.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 24.02.2025

For further information contact

Gabriele Cavallaro

gcavallaro@hi.is

Apply now

Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry

The Faculty of Physical Sciences, in the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences at the University of Iceland, invites applications for the full-time position of Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry. The main responsibilities of the job include teaching and research within the field of Physical Chemistry, along with academic service and administrative work.

Field of work

The successful candidate is expected to develop an independent research program, internationally recognized and externally funded. The candidate will be provided with research facilities at the Science Institute of the University of Iceland and teach courses in physical chemistry, both at the undergraduate and the graduate level, as well as advise graduate students in their research.

Undergraduate courses are generally taught in Icelandic and the person in question is expected to be able to teach in Icelandic within five years of starting work. The University of Iceland provides support to new faculty to attain proficiency in Icelandic.

Qualification requirements

  • Ph.D. in the field of chemistry or a closely related subject.
  • Research experience in the field of experimental physical chemistry.
  • Experience and competence in research at an international level.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • A track record in collaborative projects and in securing research grants is preferable.

The selection process will take into consideration how well the applicant fits the needs and goals of the Department.

Application process

The tentative starting date is August 1st, 2025, or by agreement.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents with their application:

  1. Cover letter where it is stated how the applicant meets the qualification requirements.
  2. Certificates of education.
  3. Curriculum Vitae.
  4. List of publications.
  5. Report on scholarly work and other work they carried out.
  6. Outline of proposed research and teaching plan, if hired.
  7. Contact information for three referees willing to provide a reference.

The applicant must list up to eight of their most important publications in relation to this position. The applicant must include a copy of these publications along with the application or indicate where they can be accessed electronically. When multiple authors are listed in a publication, the applicant must include an account of their contribution to the publication. Applications and accompanying documents, which are not submitted in electronic form, must be sent in duplicate to the Division of Science and Innovation, University of Iceland, Main Building, Sæmundargata 2, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.

The successful candidate will be hired for five years with the possibility of a permanent contract at the end of this period, cf. paragraph 3, Article 31 of the Regulation for the University of Iceland no. 569/2009.

Processing of applications, evaluation of applicants' competence and hiring shall be in accordance with the Act on Public Higher Education Institutions no. 85/2008 and the Regulation for the University of Iceland no. 569/2009.

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are stored for six months after the application deadline.

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland adhere to the Equal Action Plan of the University of Iceland.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

The University of Iceland is a thriving knowledge society and a diverse and vibrant workplace. Academic freedom, professionalism and equality are the values of the university, and great emphasis is placed on flexibility and staff participation in the development of studies and research at the school. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs around 390 people in research and teaching in the fields of engineering and natural sciences. The working environment is international, with a quarter of both staff and postgraduate students in the department being foreign, and this proportion is constantly increasing. The department has around 2000 students, of whom around a quarter are postgraduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences prides itself on its diversity and reform-oriented environment where knowledge acquisition and dissemination are paramount.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 10.03.2025

For further information contact

Benjamín Ragnar Sveinbjörnsson

benjaminrs@hi.is

5255272

Apply now

Two PhD positions in developing Electrodes for Superior Battery Perfomance

Applications are invited for two funded PhD scholarship positions at the Science Institute of the University of Iceland. One of the Ph.D. positions is available in theoretical/computational modelling and the second PhD position is on experimental investigation for battery development, both supported by the Icelandic Research Fund (RANNIS), a project grant for 3 years. 

Field of work

The first project involves density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the electrochemical reactions taking place within a battery with focus on beyond lithium-ion batteries where new electrode materials are studied and screened for efficient anodic performance. Thermodynamics of the anode reaction will be investigated and the free energies for ions adsorption on the material will be studied towards improving power density, charge-discharge rate, charging capacity, and etc. The promising materials found will be tested experimentally. 

The second position involves experimental (and when needed computational) investigations for developing novel electrodes for next-generation batteries. Electrochemical characterization, In situ & operando analysis, Mechanical and thermal testing, Computational modeling and simulations will be performed. 

Qualification requirements

  • MS degree in engineering, chemistry, physics, or computer science 
  • Experience in modelling with ab initio electronic structure theory (at the level of DFT) in the field of catalysis, and preferably experience of electro-catalysis and VASP.
  • Experience in AIMD simulations is desirable. 
  • Experimental experience within electrocatalysis and battery technology. 
  • Good knowledge of programming. 
  • Excellent command of written and spoken English 
  • Strong cooperation and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a scientific team in an international and interdisciplinary setting

The hiring is contingent on the candidate applying formally for the Ph.D. program at the University of Iceland at the corresponding department and that the application is approved by the faculty.

Application process

The PhD student position starts in September 2025, or negotiable.

Applications should include a) cover letter, b) CV, c) copies of university diplomas (BS and MS) and degrees and transcripts of the BS and MS courses and grades (in English), d) TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent test results, e)a list of two professors/advisors that have supervised the student in his/her BS and/or MS research project and are willing to provide a letter of recommendation.

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after the application deadline.

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Action Policy.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy 

The University of Iceland is the largest teaching, research and science institute in Iceland. The University of Iceland is a growing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism, and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the progression of the studies and research in all fields within the realm of the University.

The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs around 400 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. Currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international. The school has 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its¿ diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing is paramount.

For further information please visit the University of Iceland and Relocation Services webpages.

 

 

Application deadline

Application deadline is 28.02.2025

For further information contact

Younes Abghoui

younes@hi.is

Apply now
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