About the position

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (IMA) has a vacancy for a position as Post Doctor candidate within the field of liquid metal batteries. The Post Doctor candidate will be affiliated to the Horizon 2020 funded project “SOLSTICE”, managed by Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR). The consortium is composed of 10 academic partners (research institutes and universities), and 2 industrial partners. The main objective of the project is to develop Na-Zn liquid metal batteries, with either a solid or a liquid electrolyte. Such cells operate at elevated temperature, feature extreme current densities, an unprecedented cycle life, a negligible environmental impact and can easily be recycled. Most importantly, the extremely competitive price and the abundant active materials make Na-Zn cells an ideal candidate for large-scale electricity storage. The Post Doc will be involved in mathematical modelling with the purpose of aiding the development of these cells. The model developments include both a coupled electrochemical-thermal model describing laboratory scale cells, as well as 3D mass transfer models.

The Post Doc will be supervised by Ass. Professor Kristian Etienne Einarsrud (IMA) and Professor Ann Mari Svensson (IMA).

Duties of the position

The tasks of the candidate will involve: 

• Modelling of electrochemical performance of small scale cells, including relevant processes (transport, kinetics, charge transfer and conversion reactions). The model should be a coupled electrochemical-thermal model.
• Contribute to development of 3D mass transfer models, implemented in the open source CFD library OpenFOAM.
• Presentation of results at project meetings and national and international workshops and conferences.
• Preparation of scientific papers.
• Participate actively in collaborative efforts within the project consortium.

The candidate is expected to participate actively in the research community at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, including mentoring and co-supervision of PhD and master students. 

Travelling with respect to conferences, meetings, workshops may be expected as part of the position. 

Required selection criteria

A postdoctoral research fellowships is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. You must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree in Materials Technology/Chemistry/Physics/Mechanical Engineering If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result.

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.

Regarding the Post Doc candidate, we are looking for candidates who can demonstrate

• Extensive experience related to modelling of electrochemical processes, high temperature processes, including experience in CFD model developments.
• Ability to publish scientific papers
• Excellent written and oral English skills
• Experience from supervision of students

Personal characteristics

In the evaluation of qualifications of the candidates, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, as well as motivation, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement. Emphasis will be put on communication skills, as well as collaborative skills.

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

The employment period is 2 years.

Postdoctoral candidates are placed in code 1352, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 542 400 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 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.

The position is subject to external funding. It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

About the application

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 specific for the position advertised.
• CV including list of publications and information pertaining to the given qualifications.
• Certificate of completed PhD degree.
• The required documentation of English language proficiency.
• Names and contact information of at least three references.

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.

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 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.

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 Ann Mari Svensson (tel. 98230450), email annmari.svensson@ntnu.no, or Kristian  E. Einarsrud (tel: 97007236), kristian.e.einarsrud@ntnu.no.

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 NV-96/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 24.10.2020

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 Materials Science and Engineering  

We are Norway's leading educational and research environment in materials engineering, materials chemistry and materials science.  In collaboration with business and industry, we are a driving force for the development of innovative materials as well as new applications and manufacturing processes.  Activities in our disciplines are vital for the green shift. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Deadline 24th October 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Jobbnorge ID 193780