About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD position in Experimental Investigation of Alternative Marine Fuels.

In conjunction to activities associated with Norwegian Centre for improved energy efficiency and reduced harmful emission (SFI Smart Maritime), a number of doctoral and postdoctoral positions are opened at the Department of Marine Technology at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in 2019. The considered positions are related to several work packages (WPs) defined within the SFI Centre, namely WP2: Hull and propeller optimization, WP3: Power systems and fuels, and WP4: Ship system integration and validation. The work should be performed both within and across the specified WPs and in close cooperation with the researchers from SINTEF Ocean, and also involving industry partners of the Centre.

The main goal of the SFI Smart Maritime is oriented towards the greening of the maritime transport by developing new knowledge, methods and technologies as well as educating new professionals for maritime sector, thus enabling the Norwegian maritime cluster to be world leading in environmentally friendly shipping in the nearest future. Achieving all this requires both innovative use, improvement and combination of technologies that are not only energy and emission efficient, but also cost effective, enabling additional increase of the revenues for the maritime industry.

Reports to supervising professor

Job description

• The position is focused on experimental investigation of applicability of alternative (to conventional diesel) fuels like LNG, hydrogen, methanol, ammonia and biofuels of various feedstocks in marine diesel engines of the future.
• The study can be performed in two ways: either purely concentrating on using Constant Volume Combustion Rig (CVCR) and then is mainly oriented towards investigation of injection strategies of various alternative fuels, considering their chemical structure and physical properties, studying their evaporation and mixing properties as well as on corresponding emission footprint or with higher emphasis on real application options, i.e. investigating the performance of the fuels in Hybrid Power Lab considering different propulsion system arrangements and various available energy storage systems.
• Some modelling of energy conversion processes can be also accounted, but is expected to be performed in cooperation with both research colleagues within SFI Centre and industry partners.
• On board verification experiments can be also considered during the project.

Qualification requirements

The PhD-position‘s main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is completion of a master‘s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in Marine technology, Mechanical engineering, Controls and Electrical engineering (candidates with MS in Physics or Computer Science are also encouraged to apply) or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU‘s grading scale. Applicants with no letter grades from previous studies must have an equally good academic foundation. Applicants who are unable to meet these criteria may be considered only if they can document that they are particularly suitable candidates 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, postdoctor and research assistant.

Other qualifications:

• Good written and oral English language skills. Applicants from non-English speak countries outside Europe must present an official language test report. The acceptable tests are TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). Minimum scores are:
  • TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (Internet-based test)
  • IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted)
  • CAE/CPE: grade B or A

Personal characteristics

• High motivation for experimental research work
• Ability to solve complex technical tasks independently
• Curiosity for new knowledge
• Excellent communication skills both in scientific writing and oral presentation

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, as well as motivation, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement

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

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 449 400 before tax per year. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years without teaching duties. Appointment to a PhD position requires admission to the PhD programme in Engineering , https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phiv.

As a PhD candidate, you undertake to participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period. A condition of appointment is that you are in fact qualified for admission to the PhD programme within three months.

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. Under the Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova), information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to have their name entered on the list of applicants.

Questions about the position can be directed to Ass.Prof. Eilif Pedersen, e-mail eilif.pedersen@ntnu.no

About the application:

Publications and other academic works that the applicant would like to be considered in the evaluation must accompany the application. Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify the individual applicant‘s contribution to joint works, the applicant must include a brief description of his or her contribution. Please note that we have a number of positions associated to SFI Smart Maritime in 2019. If you plan to apply to more than one position, we kindly ask you to submit a full application to each position.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number IV-83/19 when applying.

Please note that we have a number of positions associated to SFI Smart Maritime in 2019. Within this application, please specify the fellowship number by indicating WP3.3. If you plan to apply to more than one position, we kindly ask you to submit a full application to each position.

Application deadline: 01.03.19

Apply now