About the position

The Department of Energy and Process Engineering (EPT) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim invites applicants for a three-year postdoc position within novel reactor concept demonstration for decarbonization of natural gas.

The primary objective of the project will be to conduct lab-scale reactor experiments for testing and demonstrating a novel reactor concept for decarbonization of natural gas through pyrolysis. The novel reactor concept uses molten medium routes for production of carbon free hydrogen through natural gas pyrolysis.

Experiments include reaction kinetics, reactor performance and multiphase flow visualization and measurement. The selected candidate will be involved in design and construction of the experimental setup, data collection and interpretation, and dissemination of the results through peer-reviewed world class journals and conferences.

The postdoctoral position is funded within the framework of a larger project led by SINTEF Industry. The work will be completed in close collaboration with experienced scientists from SINTEF Industry to guide in planning and execution of the experimental work and will have a direct interaction with the modelling and market analysis activities carried out in other work packages by SINTEF Industry and involving industry. The postdoctoral position is supposed to spend six months stay at the PEARL group of Polytechnique Montreal for completing tasks in the project.

Please click on the following hyperlinks to learn more about the institutions involved in this project:
NTNU: http://www.ntnu.edu/ept/english
SINTEF: https://www.sintef.no/en/industry/process-technology/

Professor Terese Løvås is the Head of the Department of Energy and Process Engineering. The position`s day-to-day project management and supervision is by Professor Stein Tore Johansen.

Selection criteria

A Postdoctoral Fellowship is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. You must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree, or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree, in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.

Applicants are strictly advised to address the following selection criteria point-by-point in their applications:

Required selection criteria:

• A PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related fields
• Excellent command of written and spoken English

Desired selection criteria:

• Proven track-record publications in relevant journals
• Proven experience in lab experiments at extreme conditions
• Excellent attitudes towards good HSE practices for operating reactive flammable systems
• A high level of interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with scientists and technicians
• A high level of personal responsibility and initiative
• Excellent understanding of reactive multiphase flow systems

You must submit a letter of intent addressing the abovementioned selection criteria, a list of publications and names of three references with e-mail addresses and phone numbers.

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.

Personal characteristics

• Highly motivated, with the ability to thrive under pressure and work independently
• Strong self-management and prioritization skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues
• Enthusiasm for collaboration, with motivation to work well as part of a team

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

The employment period is 3 years.

Postdoctoral candidates are placed in code 1352, and are normally remunerated 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 from the Research Council of Norway under the FRIPRO programme.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Should you require more information on this position please contact Prof. Stein Tore Johansen via email: stein.t.johansen@ntnu.no. Technical questions about the work content are to be directed to the project leader Dr. Abdelghafour Zaabout via email: Abdelghafour.zaabout@sintef.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Guro Hoel Sjøberg, email guro.h.sjoberg@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 IV-100/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 12.04.2020. 

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 - 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 Energy and Process Engineering

We conduct research and teaching covering the entire energy chain, from resources to the end-user. We look at how energy is produced and used by humans and machines in a sustainable way with regard to health, climate change and the resource base. The Department of Energy and Process Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Deadline 12th April 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Fixed Term
Place of service NTNU Department of Energy and Process Engineering