PhD Research Fellow in Technology (sensors for microplastics)
Deadline: 15.08.2024
The University of South-Eastern Norway, USN, is one of Norway’s largest higher education institutions, with around 18,000 students and 1,900 employees across eight different campuses.
We offer studies, research and knowledge dissemination, all targeting various professions and working life and with a high level of quality internationally. Our goal as a University is to create value both for the individual student and for business and commerce, the public sector and society in general. We achieve this by utilising the best tools we have: education and research.
USN is a University with a strong social commitment where studies and working life are integrated. At USN, we focus on practice-relevant, profession-oriented and applied research and education.
The students shall benefit from innovative educational methods and challenging studies closely associated with society's requirements and needs. They will learn how to adapt to a society and working life that is constantly changing. The University shall meet major social challenges with knowledge and expertise, helping to promote practical solutions, structural changes and new ways of thinking. USN’s academic activities shall be embodied by a clear dedication to the UN’s sustainable development goals. The University aims to realise this main profile in close cooperation with society and working life.
For more information on USN, please go to www.usn.no
The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences have a vacancy for a position as PhD Research Fellow in Technology (sensors for microplastics)
About the position
The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences has a vacancy for a 100 % position as PhD Research Fellow in the Department of Microsystems from 01.11.2024.
The position is located at the Department of Microsystems and reports to the Head of Department. The place of employment is Raveien 215, Borre, Norway at Campus Vestfold.
The employment period will be three years of full time with no teaching obligations, and there is a premise for employment that the PhD Research Fellow is enrolled in USN’s PhD-program in Technology within three months of accession in the position.
About the PhD-project
Microplastic (MP) contamination is a global threat to environment, which has been recently highlighted by the scientists and politicians. One critical step in controlling MPs is continuously monitoring their presence in water. The most common quantification technique is visual counting using optical microscope, which is laborious. In this PhD project, the candidate will design, fabricate, and test a small microplastics sensor using microfabrication techniques. The design will be based on particle trajectory simulation in a microfluidic channel using FEM, while acoustic radiation force is applied from a piezoelectric resonator. The final design will be fabricated in a cleanroom and the sensor performance will be tested.
Proficiency in any of the following areas will be a merit.
Solid knowledge on one or some of the following topics: microfabrication, microfluidics, piezoelectricity, acoustics, acoustic tweezers and electrochemical sensors
Hands on experiments
Experience in simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS or other finite element software
Qualifications
Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) equivalent higher education qualifications in Physics, Micro and Nano technologies, Engineering (Mechanical, Electronic, etc).The degree must be accomplished before application deadline.
The candidate must have the ability to work independently and at the same time have the motivation to share knowledge and take part in team work. Personal suitability for the post will be emphasised.
It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university’s doctoral programme in technology within three months of accession in the position. For admission to the Programme the wighted average grade is B or higher is usually required.
Co-operation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realise common objectives.
We offer
A stimulating and growing research environment, with good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills
Opportunity for physical activities within working hours
Salary
PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 532 200 a year. Further promotion will be based on the time served in the position. In special cases, employment in code 1378 be considered.
A statutory contribution to the state pension plan will be deducted from the employee’s salary.
Other information
The Academic Appointments Board for PhD Research Fellowships is responsible for the appointment. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. The candidates deemed best qualified will be invited to an interview.
The person appointed must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply at any given time to the post. Please note that approved work permit is a prerequisite for the employment.
According to its human resources policy, the University of South-Eastern Norway targets a balanced gender composition and aims to recruit persons with a background as an immigrant.
The Department has few women/men appointed in scientific positions, and women/men are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.
The University contributes to the Inkluderingsdugnaden (a voluntary scheme to promote inclusion), and it is our aim that our employees, to the fullest extent possible, shall reflect the diversity of the general population. We therefore encourage qualified applicants with disabilities to apply for the post. The University will facilitate the workplace for employees with disabilities.
Pursuant to section 25, 2nd paragraph of the Freedom of Information Act, information on the applicant may be disclosed even if the applicant has requested not be included on the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified if such requests are not allowed.
Contact information
For more information about the position, please contact:
The University of South-Eastern Norway makes use of online application management. Applicants to the post must register their application and CV with enclosures online via the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking on the link on the right-hand side – “Søk stillingen” (Apply for the post).
The following documents shall be attached to the online application:
Transcripts and diplomas of Bachelor's and Master's Degrees (120 ECTS)
Other relevant certificates (if applicable, must be specified)
A 1 page project description or motivation letter
Documentation of English proficiency
Any scientific publications and a list of these
Three references (contact information)
Please note that all documents must be in a Scandinavian language or in English. Any translations must be certified.
The application will be assessed on the basis of the attached documentation as requested above. Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application deadline.
The University has been awarded a Charter & Code certificate by the European Commission, and is entitled to use the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) logo. The University is also a member of the EURAXESS network, which contributes to good working conditions for mobile researchers.
