About the position

We are looking for a motivated employee to work as a PhD student in medical technology toward the realisation of a simulator for computer haptic-assisted orthopaedic surgery(CHAOS). This R&D project is an active collaboration between the Cyber-Physical Systems(CPS) Lab at NTNU in Ålesund, the Biomechanics Lab at the Ålesund hospital,and Sunnmøre MR-klinikk. The successful candidate is expected to focus on mathematical and computational modelling of the human body.

The candidate’s main office will be together with colleagues in the CPS Lab at the Department of ICT and Natural Sciences on Campus Ålesund.

The position reports to the Head of Department.

Duties of the position

• develop dynamic computational models to simulate movement and surgery in human joints.
•  contribute to the team’s inter-disciplinary effort to realise the CHAOS simulator
• complete a PhD

The ultimate goal of the CHAOS project is to develop digital twins of human joints, modelling not only a generic patient, but supporting rapid production of precise models for a given individual patient. Such digital twins can be used to simulate inspection and intervention of particular patient cases. This involves research in software engineering, robotics, VR/AR/XR, data analysis, machine learning, and other areas.

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) , or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale, with a strong academic background in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computational Science or another closely related discipline. 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.

The applicant must have

•  good knowledge and understanding of mathematical modelling
•  advanced numerical and computational skills
• strong analytical skills
•  good communication skills
• good written and oral English language skills. Knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is an asset.

Prior experience with biomedical modelling will be an advantage, but not a requirement.

Personal characteristics

• The candidate must be independent and have a vision for their research.
• The candidate must have good work capacity and enthusiasm for research.
•  The candidate must be well organised.
•  The candidate needs a team spirit, and be motivated to work with the interdisciplinary team both internally in NTNU and with our partners.
•  The candidate is expected to contribute to a good research and work environment.
•  Personal qualities such as creativity, analytical, and structured reasoning, as well as the ability to carry out projects will be considered in selection process.

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 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 three years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Engineering Cybernetics (or another relevant PhD programme with the IE faculty) 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 must include:

•  Cover letter explaining your motivation and vision for your research, and how your skills and experience relate to the research focus of the position.
• CV
•  Certificates and diplomas
•  Up to two academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment.
•  Name and address of three referees.

Cover letter and CV must be in English. Supporting documentation may be in English, a Scandinavian language, French, Dutch, or German.

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 have to ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above.

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.

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. 

The city of Ålesund, with its population of 50 000, will provide you with plenty of opportunities to explore a region of Norway that is famous for its beautiful scenery with high mountains and blue fjords. Ålesund itself, with its Art Nouveau architecture, is by many considered to be the most beautiful city in Norway! The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world.

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 Professor Hans Georg Schaathun (main supervisor) e-mail hasc@ntnu.no, phone + 47 70 16 12 31; or Associate Professor Robin T. Bye (head of the research lab), e-mail robin.t.bye@ntnu.no, phone + 47 400 82 880, or Head of Department Anniken Th. Karlsen, e-mail anniken.t.karlsen@ntnu.no, phone +47 90 74 17 04. Details of the recruitment process can be obtained from the Office Manager Lasse Gallefoss, e-mail lasse.gallefoss@ntnu.no, phone +47 70 16 13 39 / 906 37 077.

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

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number 2020/15515 when applying.

Application deadline: 01.09.20

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 ICT and Natural Sciences

Our campus in Ålesund works in a partnership with industry that is in a class of its own among Norwegian universities. This ensures a practical focus for our study programmes, while they are firmly anchored in modern theory. The Department offers programmes in automation engineering, computer engineering, electric power systems, simulation and visualization. Our research areas include autonomous vessels, robotics, cybernetics, medical technology and health informatics, and artificial intelligence. The Department of ICT and Natural Sciences is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering

Deadline 1st September 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Ålesund
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Campus Ålesund