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PhD Research Fellow in Experimental Fluid Mechanics: Sustainable fog harvesting
Deadline: 11.10.2023
Universitetet i Oslo
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.
The Department of Mathematics is part of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Oslo. The Department is engaged in teaching and research covering a wide spectrum of subjects within mathematics, mechanics and statistics. The research is on theory, methods and applications. The areas represented include: fluid mechanics, biomechanics, statistics and data science, computational mathematics, combinatorics, partial differential equations, stochastics and risk, algebra, geometry, topology, operator algebras, complex analysis and logic.
We have almost 50 persons in permanent academic positions and a large number of post docs and Ph.D. students. We also have an administrative and technical staff. The department represents a leading research environment in mathematical areas in Norway, and has a highly international profile.
Job description
A PhD Research Fellowship in Fluid Mechanics is available at the Mechanics division at the Department of Mathematics, University of Oslo.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
If the successful candidate has a good knowledge of one Scandinavian language (Norwegian, Swedish, Danish), the fellowship will be for a period of 4 years, with 25 % compulsory work (teaching at the Department of Mathematics). Otherwise, the fellowship will be for a period of 3 years, with no compulsory work.
Starting date no later than 01.01.2024.
Access to fresh water is the foundation for life on Earth that poses severe restrictions and requirements for life in regions that contend with water scarcity, a problem that will increase in the future with the growing effects of climate change. Water scarcity is not longer a distant problem. In 2022 Europe has been hit by a severe drought impacting agriculture and energy production. A fog net is a low cost, efficient and simple technology for harvesting water from the atmosphere. The goal of this sustainability oriented project is to develop a new understanding of the fundamental fluid mechanics on and through fog nets to devise new designs to optimize their water yield. The planned work is experimental, to be performed in our lab facilities, and is also expected to involve theoretical models of the complex flow. Field work is planned together with a non-profit organization in Morocco to give ways to test the concepts developed in the projects and there will be opportunities to work with international collaborators.
The PhD student will:
- Develop fluid mechanics experiments on fog nets
- Develop new fog nets to improve the water yield
- Participate in planning and performing field work in Morocco
- Develop independence and be self-driven to advance with their research project
- Collaborate with theoreticians to combine experiments and theory
- Work in an interdisciplinary team with expertise in mechanics, physics and biophysics
- Follow our PhD program that includes an educational component
Qualification requirements
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.
- Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in mechanics, fluid mechanics, physics or applied mathematics.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills (English).
- Earlier involvement in research projects or/and a strong background in fluid mechanics will also be considered positively.
- Programming and data analysis using Arduino and Raspberry Pi will be considered as highly positive.
- A strong theoretical educational background in mathematics and continuum mechanics.
- Good social and collaboration skills and ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary scientific environment.
Grade requirements:
The norm is as follows:
- the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
- the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
- the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements
The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.
The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see:
We offer
- Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 per year depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
- Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
- Vibrant international academic environment
- Career development programmes
- Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
- Possibility to work in an interdisciplinary and diverse research team
How to apply
The application must include
- Cover letter including a description of scientific interests and the motivation for applying for the position
- CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
- Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records and letters of recommendation
- Documentation of English proficiency if needed (please see admission criteria)
- List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
- Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system (please follow the link “Apply for this job”). Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.
Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.
Formal regulations
Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
The appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.
The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.
Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.
If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.
Contact information
For further information please contact:
- Professor Andreas Carlson, phone: +47 22 85 72 23, email: acarlson@math.uio.no, web
For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Ole Rustad, e-mail: ole.rustad@mn.uio.no
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