About the position

The position is part of the research project "The lean-digitalization paradox: Toward strategic digitalization", funded by the Norwegian Research Council and five industrial partners. The project's mandate is to develop theoretical contributions and managerial guidelines for digitalization of Norwegian production industry based on lean management principles.

The PhD candidate will belong to the section on Managerial Economics, Finance and Operations Research at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management.

Duties of the position

This PhD project aims at developing optimization models and methods for decision support and decision making in next-generation production systems. Of particular interest is the usage of real-time data from the production system for optimizing production. The project may cover both single production lines and larger production networks. The analysis of the results focuses on the consequences (internal and external) changes and adjustments in the production process have on the production system. The overall goal of the optimization models and methods is to improve the efficiency of the production system without violating lean principles. The methodology is expected to be based on machine learning, robust optimization and/or risk-averse optimization.

Both theoretical development and applied analysis are part of the PhD project. Models are to be validated for use with real-world problems. The work will be carried out in close cooperation with the industry partners in the lean-digitalization project.

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 operations research or optimization 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.

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is also a prerequisite.

In addition, the following qualifications will contribute positively to the evaluation of the applicant:

• Experience with stochastic programming, robust optimization and/or machine learning
• Understanding of industrial production systems
• Knowledge of Norwegian or other Scandinavian language

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.

Personal characteristics

• High level of personal responsibility, initiative, and ability to work in a project team
• Ability to work independently and to take initiatives
• Willingness and ability to communicate and work together with technical subject matter experts
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and administrative staff

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

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, at gross NOK 479 600 per annum before tax. 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 Economics and Management 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 on a daily basis.

About the application

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. The application must include:

• Application letter concerning your motivation for completing a PhD
• A CV with information on education, previous research experience, together with authorized documentation of certificates and study records.
• Academic work (not master thesis). Joint work will be evaluated. If it is difficult to identify the contributions from individuals in a joint piece of work, applicants should enclose a short descriptive summary of what she/he contributed to the work.

Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).

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. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. This also applies to applications from candidates originating from countries covered by ITAR or “Electronic Code of Federal Regulations”.

General information

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Peter Schütz, phone number +47 7359 3585, e-mail peter.schutz@ntnu.no.

Application deadline: 26 April 2020

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management

We conduct research and teaching at an international level in the interface between technology/natural sciences and economics, management and HSE (health, safety and the environment). Our goal is sustainable creation of value within technology-based areas in industry, business and the public sector in Norway. We have academic groups in Trondheim and Gjøvik. The Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management is one of four departments in the Faculty of Economics and Management. 

Deadline 26th April 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Trondheim