The University of Agder has more than 1400 employees and 13 000 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 fixed-term 100% position is available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Science as a PhD Research Fellow in renewable energy, affiliated to to the Department of Engineering Sciences, for a period of three years. The position is located, at the present, at Campus Grimstad. The starting date is negotiable with the Faculty.
Responsibilities
The number of electric vehicles is increasing worldwide and lithium-ion battery waste is increasing as a result. Lithium-ion batteries are replaced when they reach 70-80% of their initial capacity. Most still have enough remaining useful life for second use applications but determining battery health is challenging.
The purpose of this project is to develop, construct, install, and operate a hybrid battery energy storage system comprised of two distinct battery (power dense and energy dense) and control systems. Such a system provides the ability to optimise power/energy performance by the combination of different technologies and thus simultaneously provide multiple grid services.
The overall objective is to demonstrate the economic and technical feasibility of such a hybrid system. This will be achieved by (1) developing advanced battery control algorithms and battery management systems and by (2) hybrid system engineering by twinning of two distinct systems with two different types of lithium-ion battery chemistry.
As energy dense batteries, second use batteries decommissioned form electric vehicles will be used, which are available at far more reasonable cost than new batteries. This reduces the system costs, and critical and raw material consumption.
For power dense batteries, first use batteries will likely be used. The developed hybrid battery energy storage system is to be optimized, utilizing advanced battery control algorithms, for simultaneously providing multiple grid services. The project will extend the lifespan of batteries and reduce battery waste, optimise installation and operation costs thereby reducing the ecological footprint of batteries.
The candidate’s tasks include literature studies, system modelling and optimization, and experimental tests and hardware development.
Required qualifications
Master’s degree in (or equivalent) in renewable energy, mechatronic engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field. This year’s candidates/candidates who are in the closing stages of their master’s degree can also apply.
Solid background in electrical and mechanical engineering.
English proficiency, both written and oral. 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 Paperbased Test (PBT), or 92 for the Internet-based Test (iBT)
IELTS - International English Language Testing System, with the result of 6.5
The candidate's language skills might also be assessed in a personal interview.
A prerequisite for employment is that the candidate is to be admitted to UiA’s PhD programme in Engineering and Science, Specialisation in Engineering Sciences, Scientific Field in Renewable Energy. More information is to be found here.
Experience with Matlab, Python, or similar programms
Experience with hardware development and laboratory settings
Personal qualities
The position places great demands on the applicant’s capacity for independent goal oriented work. Relevant practical experience, personal suitability and good teamwork skills will also be emphasized.
We offer
Professional development in a large, exciting and socially influential organisation
A positive, inclusive and diverse working environment
Modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers
International cooperations with the project partners in Germany, Austria, and France and to present the work at international conferences
The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, NOK 479 600 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
UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply for the position.
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. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. 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.
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 this job".
The following documentation must be uploaded electronically:
CV and application letter summarizing the applicant’s motivation and accomplishments
Diplomas and transcripts with grades from your Bachelor and Master degrees
Diploma Supplement for completed degrees from EU universities (applicants from non-EU universities are advised to attach an explanation of the grading system)
Documentation of English language proficiency
Copy (or links) to Master’s thesis (or equivalent)
Three references and/or letters of recommendation, all including contact details
List of publications of applicable
Plan/description of the PhD project wanted by the applicant, max. two pages
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.
