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 Renewable energy, affiliated with the Department of Engineering Sciences, for a period of three years. The position is located, at present, at Campus Grimstad. The starting date is negotiable with the Faculty.
The University of Agder (UiA) has already worked with other collaborative partners on hydrothermal liquefaction for biocrude production. This project is a continuation of previous two PhD projects at the University of Agder. UiA works collaboratively with industrial partners and research institutes within this project.
Responsibilities
The PhD research project will focus on the experiments on coupling Hydrodynamic Cavitation (HDC) and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) processes for the co-production of biofuels and biomaterials. The candidate needs to find out different dimensions and thermodynamic properties for the process and optimize in terms of bio-oil and bio-material yield both numerically and experimentally.
The candidate is expected to contribute to bioenergy and thermal energy research by performing significant work with collaborating partners. The position is connected to the subject area of Bioenergy and Thermal Energy A prerequisite for employment is that the candidate is to be admitted to UiA’s PhD programme at the Faculty of Engineering and Science.
Required qualifications
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Energy engineering, or a relevant subject area. This year’s candidates/candidates who are in the closing stages of their master’s degree can also apply.
Knowledge in:
Thermochemical conversion of solid fuels.
Processes integration and modeling.
Lab-scale reactor operation
Written and spoken English proficiency. 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
This year’s candidates/candidates who are in the closing stages of their master’s degree can also apply.
Desired qualifications
The successful applicant should hold a master’s degree from a Norwegian or an accredited foreign university in energy engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, renewable energy or a similar/related field and competence in areas relevant to the position.
In addition, the following additional requirements will be prioritized:
Strong academic credentials, written and spoken English proficiency
Relevant knowledge in research of thermal energy conversion, especially HTL process.
Experience in modeling and simulation by using numerical tools.
Publication in the related and relevant field.
Emphasis will be placed upon the project description and the relevance it has with regard to the subject in question and the research environment at the Faculty.
Personal qualities
Ability to work independently.
Close working relationships with both the industrial and academic partners
Analytical skills
Good written and verbal communication skills in an academic setting.
Personal qualities and suitability for the position will be emphasised.
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
The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, NOK 501 200 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
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.
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 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:
A letter of motivation
Letter of motivation
Diploma of master’s degree and academic transcripts
Curriculum vitae
Publication list (if applicable)
Project Description: the applicant must provide and upload a proper project description, which describes the applicant’s initial thoughts and ideas related to the specific project applied for. This includes a brief state-of-the-art (including short list of references), a time schedule and how the applicant intends to shed light on the project objectives. The project description should have a length of 4-5 pages
Applicants who are required to document their English proficiency must submit their TOEFL or IELTS test results (these may be forwarded after the closing date). An additional assessment of English may be undertaken at the time of interview.
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: 21.03.23
Contact
For questions about the position:
Professor Souman Rudra, tel. +47 37 23 30 36, mobile +47 455 89 326, e-mail: souman.rudra@uia.no
Head of Department Paul Svennevig, tel. +47 37 23 32 54, mobile +47 916 21 235, e-mail: paul.r.svennevig@uia.no
