Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

On January 1st, 2017, Bergen University College, Sogn og Fjordane University College and Stord/Haugesund University College merged to form Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

With about 16,000 students, is one of the largest higher education institutions in Norway. A broad range of academic programmes are offered at Bachelor, Master and PhD levels. Our ambition is to build stronger and more solid academic and research environments that will interact nationally and internationally.

The aim is to become a recognized actor on the international higher education arena. Increased international cooperation and engagement in externally funded projects will work towards this goal.

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences has an open position for a PhD research fellow in Energy Policy and Management

The PhD research fellow will be part of the research group on Advanced Nano materials for Clean Energy and Health Applications (ANCEHA) at the Department of Computing, Mathematics and Physics. The research group is conducting research on advanced nanomaterials for Photovoltaic applications, energy storage and health applications. A variety of nano materials are simulated, synthesized and characterized for different purposes. ANCEHA research group has a number of research projects including international collaboration projects under INCP, UTFORSK and NORPART programs funded by Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education (SIU), and it has focused on energy policy and energy management in collaboration with other research groups at HVL and University of Bergen (UiB). ANCEHA has research collaborative projects including countries like India and Sri Lanka who have ambitions to become clean energy economics in the near future. The nature of energy and environmental challenges and the energy-related societal and economic problems, countries like Sri Lanka face, require analysis with an interdisciplinary approach.

Connected to the University project between HVL and University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Colombo, this interdisciplinary PhD research project will focus on in-depth analysis of clean energy policies and regulations in Sri Lanka and Norway. PhD research fellow will also look into the broader theme of evaluating and assessing the business environment in relation to clean energy in Sri Lanka. Candidate for this PhD position will be selected in Sri Lanka, and will be attached to HVL/UiB as a PhD candidate for three years. The field work on this PhD project will be done in Sri Lanka and Norway. This research will also incorporate the lessons from Norway and other developing countries, which are in the process of successfully shifting to clean energy economies.

Required educational background

The PhD research fellow should have master's degree in Social Sciences, such as Political Science, Public Policy or in a closely related field, or have submitted the master's thesis before the application deadline. In the latter case, it is required that the master`s degree be awarded within 4 weeks after the applications deadline.

A solid background on politics and policy issues of Sri Lanka is required.

Experience in working with the private sector in Sri Lanka will be an added advantage.

It is desired that the research fellow has some technical background with the basics of engineering along with knowledge of clean energy.

In addition to the required educational background, the following criteria will be evaluated: competence and grades on completed course work, quality of the master's thesis (excellent grade, equivalent of grade B or better on the ECTS grading system), publications (if any), research and teaching experience.

A possible outline of a research plan for a potential PhD project will also be taken into account.

The candidate must be diligent and display the ability to work independently, supplemented with regular guidance, and is expected to carry out high-quality research and to publish the results in international workshops, conferences, and journals.

The PhD research fellow must enroll in the PhD programme at our collaborating partner, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Bergen, and must meet the formal admission requirements for admission into the PhD programme.

Application procedure

Applications will be evaluated by an expert panel of three members.

Applicants are asked to submit their application and CV online. Please use the link “Apply for this job” (“Søk stillingen”). The following documentation should be uploaded as an attachment to the online application:

• copies of selected academic publications
• a CV with a complete list of academic publications
• diplomas and certificates

Applicants should indicate which publications or parts of publications should be given special consideration in the evaluation. If the documents submitted are not in a Scandinavian language or in English, the applicants must submit certified translations of these. The transcripts must specify the topics, the course works, and the grades at the bachelor`s and master`s degree levels.

Applicants should note that the evaluation will be based on the documentation submitted electronically via Jobbnorge within the submission deadline. The applicants are responsible for ensuring that all the documentation is submitted before the closing date. It is of utmost importance that all publications to be considered in the evaluation are uploaded as an attachment with the application, since these are sent electronically to the expert panel. Applications cannot be sent by e-mail or to individuals at the college.

Salary

Initial salary will be offered at grade 50 (code 1017) in the Civil Service pay grade table scale. There is a compulsory 2 % deduction to the pension fund. The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at any time.

General information

The appointment will be made in accordance with the regulations for State Employees and Civil Servants in Norway. Organizational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities associated with the position must be expected.

The Norwegian public service is committed to reflecting the social diversity in its workforce, and the personnel policy of the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences aims to achieve a balanced workforce. All qualified candidates are therefore encouraged to apply for the position, irrespective of cultural background, gender, age or disability.

In accordance with §25 (2) of the Freedom of Information Act, applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the name of the applicants. Applicants will be informed if the University intends to exercise this right.

Home page

Contact:

• Professor Dhayalan Velauthapillai, tlf: 55 58 77 11, email: Dhayalan.Velauthapillai@hvl.no
• Head of department Kristin F. Hetland, tlf. 988 31 111, email: Kristin.Hetland@hvl.no

Apply for position