About the position
We have a vacancy for a PhD candidate at the Department of Energy and Process Engineering (https://www.ntnu.edu/ept) under the Faculty of Engineering (https://www.ntnu.edu/iv) . The department is equipped with state-of-the-art research infrastructure. Currently, more than 100 PhD students conduct research in the department. Follow the link (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ntnu_ept/sets/) to know more about the laboratories, researchers and activities.
The successful candidate is expected to conduct research in the Waterpower laboratory (https://www.ntnu.edu/ept/laboratories/waterpower#/view/about). The laboratory has very rich history over 103 years in Norway and is equipped with one of the best research facilities of hydro turbines in the world. Its modern facilities include test rigs for Francis, Pelton and pump turbines. The laboratory offers a high-pressure pumping system, a long conduit to investigate flow measurement techniques, cavitation, speed of sound, water hammer, vibration, etc. Furthermore, the laboratory has access to the large supercomputers in Norway (https://www.sigma2.no/hardware-status) to carry out large simulations. Research group in the Waterpower laboratory comprises of five professors, one senior researcher, four postdoc fellows, five PhD students and 12-15 master students.
Currently, the laboratory is engaged in developing the next-generation of hydropower technology. For that energy flexibility is very important, and the hydro turbines must provide the necessary flexibility. The PhD candidate’s research will focus on fundamental/applied research on hydro turbine and address the relevant research questions. The research involves both experimental (laboratory) and numerical work. The laboratory work involves measurements using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and/or laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) and/or pressure/strain depending on research need. Broad focus area will be one of these: (1) rotor stator interaction in Francis turbine, (2) vortex breakdown (3) fluid structure interaction, (4) vibrations and hydrodynamic damping, and (5) fatigue loading and lifetime of turbine blades.
The duration of PhD position is for maximum three years. The candidate will work in a team with the other researchers, postdocs, PhD candidates and master students. The Head of Department is Professor Terese Løvås. The main supervisor of the successful candidate will be Chirag Trivedi.
Duties of the position
- To undertake the necessary courses as part of the PhD program.
- To submit a research plan no later than 3 months from the date of joining.
- Perform research and report progress on a regular basis in agreement with the supervisor(s).
- Experimental and numerical research according to the research plan and the project objectives.
- Laboratory work including building of test rig for experiments.
- Complete the necessary course/training to work in the laboratory.
- Communication and dissemination of research results under the supervision.
Required selection criteria
The PhD-position’s main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in mechanical engineering (or renewable energy/ fluid mechanics/ turbomachinery) or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.
The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.
- Proven skills/track record in the relevant areas of research (hydropower, fluid mechanics, renewable energy, turbomachinery, fluid structure interaction)
- Interest in theoretical as well as experimental studies
- Interest in communication and dissemination
- Good written and communication English language skills
- Good analytical and critical thinking skills
Preferred selection criteria
- Knowledge of PIV/LDV/strain measurement techniques
- Knowledge of programming/software, MATLAB, Python, ANSYS, LabView, etc.
- Research quality and publications – Journal and conference papers
- Genuine interest in research and willingness to learn
Personal characteristics
We are looking for dedicated, well-organized, team player with good communication skill and motivated to contribute to an inclusive work environment in the department.
We offer
- exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
- an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
- favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- employee benefits
The successful candidate will have access to the large research groups and possibility of exploring new research ideas as well as testing of ideas in the laboratory environment. The candidate will also have access to the state-of-the-art research laboratories in NTNU. The candidate will have possibility to present the research work in well-reputed international conference and to develop own research network.
Salary and conditions
PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 479 600 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
The period of employment is 3 years.
Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Faculty of Engineering (https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phiv) within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.
The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.
It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.
About the application
The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English. Scandinavian language (Danish, Swedish, Norwegian) may be considered.
Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above.
The application must include:
- A cover letter
- CV (preferably in the format of jobbnorge), valid certificates and diplomas of qualifications
- Research interest/area (maximum 1-page A4 size)
- Academic works (publications), if any – you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 05 works)
- Name, current affiliation and email address of two referees – should be included in CV
- Candidate may include “CV-Appendix”, if needed. However, information provided in main CV should not repeat in the “CV-Appendix”
Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.
In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.
NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment – DORA.
