PhD Research Fellow in Mechatronics in Offshore Wind Energy
Deadline: 01.06.2023
University of Agder
The University of Agder has more than 1500 employees and almost 14 000 students. This makes us one of the largest workplaces in Southern Norway. Our staff research, teach and disseminate knowledge from a variety of academic fields. Co-creation of knowledge is our common vision. We offer a broad range of study programmes in many fields. We are situated at two modern campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad respectively.
We are an open and inclusive university marked by a culture of cooperation. The aim of the university is to further develop education and research at a high international level.
About the position
A 100 % position is available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Science as a PhD Research Fellow in Mechatronics in Offshore Wind Energy affiliated to the Department of Engineering Sciences, University of Agder, for a period of three years. The position is located, at the present, at Campus Grimstad. The starting date is negotiable with the faculty.
The Department of Engineering Sciences has more than 90 employees in scientific positions, and more than 1500 students at all levels. A variety of research is conducted within all the groups; Mechatronics, Renewable Energy, Civil Engineering and Industrial Economy, and we also welcome interdisciplinary projects within the department or with other research groups. This position will be associated with the Mechatronics Engineering section. We have a broad international cooperation, and close collaboration with industrial partners and public services in the region. This is a benefit both for teaching and research. The partners contribute with assignments, competence and resources.
Research objectives
Offshore wind energy plays an important role in the transition to clean/green energy. Although many great research efforts are ongoing around the world, many challenges are yet to be overcome. This PhD study will focus on emerging technologies in offshore wind energy. As such, the main task of this PhD position is the development of novel concepts in the design, modeling, simulation, control, and prototyping of autonomous robots and equipment for offshore wind energy applications. Advanced design, modeling and numerical simulation tools, stochastic theory for the uncertainty analysis, optimization methods, and control strategies in addition to experimental efforts are expected to be applied during the study.
Required qualifications
Applicants must have an MSc (or equivalent) degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or a similar engineering discipline. Students who are already in the last semester of their MSc education are also eligible to apply. Completion of MSc degree before July 1st 2023 and with the grade B (or equivalent) or higher in the final MSC project is also required.
Fundamental knowledge in the design of mechanical/robotics systems, dynamics, control, multibody dynamics, robotics, and prototyping
Solid background or experience in programming in Matlab or similar platforms
Experimental work and prototyping
Fundamental knowledge and experimental background in sensors and electrical actuators
Good knowledge of English, both written and oral, is also required.
A prerequisite for employment is that the candidate is to be admitted to UiA’s PhD program at the Faculty of Engineering and Science.
Admission in Engineering and Science
Graduate degree in mechatronics engineering or qualifications considered by the Faculty to be equivalent.
To be admitted into the PhD program at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
Hold a master's degree in a relevant subject area from a Norwegian university or qualifications approved as equivalent.
Have educational qualifications and credentials corresponding to a Norwegian master's degree level which upon individual evaluation are approved as a basis for admission. Applicants with an education of less than 5 years must expect that additional requirements will be imposed upon them, and that they will only receive a conditional offer of admission.
As a general rule, the following should apply:
The average grade for courses included in the bachelor's degree (or equivalent) should be C (or equivalent) or higher.
The average grade for courses included in the master's degree (or equivalent) should be B (or equivalent) or higher.
The master's thesis (or equivalent) should have the grade B (or equivalent) or higher.
When the applicant's average grades are lower than required, the hosting research group at the Faculty of Engineering and Science must document the applicant’s ability to complete the PhD program. In such an event, the Faculty of Engineering and Science may recommend extra requirements to be included in the basis for admission.
Competence in English is a requirement for all applicants to the PhD program. International candidates that are not exempt from the English language requirements pursuant to the guidelines of the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT), must document this through one of the following tests with the stated results or better:
TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum score of 600 for the Paper based Test (PBT), or 92 for the Internet-based Test (iBT)
IELTS - International English Language Testing System, with the result of 6.5
The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, NOK 532 200 gross salary per year.
A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions.
General information
A good working environment is characterised by its diversity. We therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply for the position, irrespective of gender, age, disability or cultural background. The University of Agder is an IW (Inclusive Workplace).
The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions.
Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process here.
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.
Application
The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) are to be sent electronically. Use the link "Apply for the position".
The following documentation must be uploaded electronically:
Motivation/cover letter: The applicants are expected to exhibit a robust proficiency in mechanical/robotic system design, as well as a comprehensive understanding of dynamics, modelling, and control principles. They also need to demonstrate why they are a good fit for this position.
CV: including but not limited to, educational background, academic (theoretical and experimental) work and R&D projects, list of publications, list of courses relevant to this project, proficiency in programming, as well as experience with design, modeling, and simulation software tools. There is no page limit for CV.
Certificates with grades
Master’s thesis (This applies to the applicants who have already been granted the MS degree.)
References
Document verifying English language proficiency (please see the section “Admission in Engineering and Science”)
Project description with a maximum scope of two pages, excluding reference list. The outline should present and discuss possible research questions, theory perspectives, and methods within the given framework.
Any other relevant documentation
The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English.
Application deadline: 01.06.23
Contact
For questions about the position:
Associate professor M. Ali Poursina, tel. +47 37 23 38 06, e-mail: poursina@uia.no
