Postdoctoral Research Fellow in marine hydrodynamics/fluid mechanics – IPN project “Maritime solar power”

Job description

Position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow available at Department of Mathematics.

The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of up to two years. Starting date no later than 01.11.2021.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.

To develop and document knowledge of performance, reliability and degradation of floating photovoltaics (FPV), Sunlit Sea together with Kodeworks, Institute for Energy Technology, University of Oslo, and Stadt Towing Tank have been granted funding by The Research Council of Norway for the IPN project “Maritim solar power” - project number 179711.

Sunlit Sea is a technology provider to the floating solar industry. The company is developing a technology solution for FPV intended for use both on inland waters and in sheltered sea water. The solution is based on a fully integrated unit consisting of both the float and the solar panel. To obtain the required energy output a number of floats are coupled in a larger matrix.

The project work includes: development of methodology for testing and monitoring; studies of the floater motion, loads, and water and salt ingression; prototype testing, both in a wave tank and onsite; tests and studies of central components to ensure a good balance between cost, performance and robustness; quantification of water cooling of the solar panels; development and validation of modelling tools; use of the developed methodology, and existing standards to quantify loads, water and salt ingression, and corrosion trough accelerated ageing in a laboratory; and analyses and quantification of the performance of pilots with Sunlit Sea technology.

Sunlit Sea is a growing company and for the right candidate there may be opportunities for further work in the company when the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship comes to an end.

Research tasks for the postdoctoral researcher;

• Develop a model for complex geometry of floating solar panels based on linear wave diffraction/radiation theory and Morison’s equation
• Validation of model in a wave tank
• Wave forces on the boundaries due to non-breaking/breaking/plunging waves
• Develop sensors to measure motion of panels from waves in the field (ongoing work)
• Analyze damping of waves from solar panels
• Scale effects and turbulence

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period

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 the fellowship will be selected in accordance with this, and are expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in marine hydrodynamics or fluid mechanics. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and completed defence are eligible for appointment.
• In depth knowledge of CFD and experimental techniques for free surface flows.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Personal skills

• Communicative
• Transparent and honest communication of challenges and anticipated challenges
• Well structured

We offer

• Salary NOK 534 400 – 615 800 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (position code 1352)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Postdoctoral development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works 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).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 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 University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

• Professors: Atle Jensen, phone: +47 92462282, e-mail: atlej@math.uio.no or
  
• John Grue, phone: +47 41607182, e-mail: johng@math.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR adviser Nina Holtan, e-mail: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no.

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