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Postdoc/Experienced Researcher, Thermo-Mechanical Study of Geothermal Energy Pile Foundation

Employer
NORWEGIAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - NTNU
Location
Trondheim, Norway
Closing date
9 Mar 2020

Project proposal

Thermo-mechanical study of geothermal energy pile foundation installed in soft clays

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) represents academic eminence in technology and the natural sciences as well as in other academic disciplines ranging from the social sciences, the arts, medicine, teacher education, architecture to fine art. Cross-disciplinary cooperation results in innovative breakthroughs and creative solutions with far-reaching social and economic impact.

We are looking for a Postdoc/Experienced Researcher candidate interested in applying for an MSCA Individual Fellowship at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Space heating and hot water, largely provided by gas boilers, account for about 80% of the total energy consumption of a domestic house in Europe. The European building stock contributes 40% to its total carbon footprint, with almost half due to domestic heating. European countries have made insufficient progress towards the low carbon heating homes. The EU 2030 climate and energy framework set a target of carbon reduction of around 40% by 2030 (from 1990 levels) and near-zero emissions by 2050. Geothermal energy can play an important role in achieving EU ambition and carbon reduction target.

Geothermal energy structure (GES) is a new technology which utilizes underground structures such as piles, walls and tunnels to extract the shallow ground energy via heat pump for heating the building during winter and the cycle is reversed during summer; heat is collected from the building and rejected in the ground.

Main purpose of research

The main purpose of this research is to investigate the thermo-mechanical performance of GES in saturated soft clay subjected to sub-zero temperature and going through freezing-thawing. An experimental and numerical study will be carried out to investigate the potential of GES. A few key objectives are envisaged to address the main aim of the study and knowledge gaps:

  • To assess the geothermal energy potential by either measuring or predicting shallow ground temperature in Norway (i.e. Norther Europe).
  • To determine thermal properties (thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity) of selected soft clays for a temperature range based on North European climate and develop thermal properties as a function of degree of saturation and temperature.
  • To study interface interaction between concrete underground structures and saturated soft clay under various confining stresses and low temperatures.
  • To devise a laboratory scale test to carry out thermal and mechanical loading on GES in sub-zero temperature condition.
  • To develop finite element based thermo-mechanical numerical model for concrete GES installed in soft clay and validate the model by simulating the laboratory scale experiments.

To keep the scope limited the selected candidate for the project must choose one of the GESs (i.e. pile, wall or tunnel) to investigate the above objectives.

Qualification requirements

The work require

  • Knowledge of and interest in both theoretical and practical geotechnics
  • Competence in computational engineering
  • Excellent written and oral English

Eligibility criteria

  • The researcher must, at the date of the MSCA-IF call deadline, possess a PhD Degree and/or an equivalent on minimum four years´ full-time research experience.
  • The researcher must, at the date of the MSCA-IF call deadline not have conducted his/her main activity in the country of the beneficiary (Norway) for more than 12 of the last 36 months.
  • Good oral and written communication skills in English language.

Personal characteristics

  • Open and broad minded
  • Hard working
  • Contributes to a good work environment

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, selection will be conducted by the supervisor. Emphasis will be placed upon the academic accordance with the supervisor and the project proposal.

We offer

  • A designated supervisor with whom to prepare an application for the MSCA-IF call
  • A two-day symposium with showcasing of expertise and best practices on how to apply to MSCA-IF
  • A follow-up day with the supervisor and possible individual guidance by experts on MSCA-IF
  • Administrative support up to the call deadline
  • Travel and accommodation from the 13-15th of May 2020 will be covered by NTNU

Conditions

Appointment as post doc up to a maximum of 24 months at NTNU rests on the prerequisite of an approved application to the MSCA-IF call with deadline 9 September 2020. Feedback on said applications is expected early 2021.

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 call can be directed to: msca@horizon.ntnu.no or andreas.mollerlokken@ntnu.no

Questions about the position can be directed to prof. Gustav Grimstad, e-mail Gustav.grimstad@ntnu.no

About the application:

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, cover letter, diplomas and certificates that highlight the alignment of your application. In addition, the applicant must describe a research project that will strengthen and complement the presented research (max 2 pages).

Please refer to the application number IV/06 when applying.

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.

Application deadline: 09.03.2020

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.

Deadline 9th March 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Project
Place of service NTNU Trondheim

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