About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD Candidate for three years for a project funded by the Norwegian Research Council and in close collaboration with NINA (Norwegian Institute for Nature Research).

Norway is committed to contribute to reaching the aims of the international community regarding e.g. the UN Sustainable Development goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. However, between some SDGs, potential conflicts might exist and we need to have an understanding of these if we want to reach as many goals as possible. Maximizing renewable electricity production may , for example, come at a certain cost for terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Right now, we do not have models that allow us to identify these trade-offs.

It is therefore our aim to develop approaches that can quantify the biodiversity impacts of renewable energy systems within the framework of life cycle impact assessment and using a systems-wide approach. The main objective of the project is to assess overall biodiversity impacts of the Norwegian electricity production and distribution system using a holistic life-cycle perspective, for both the current electricity system and future production scenarios.

Professor Terese Løvås is the Head of the Department of Energy and Process Engineering. You will report to Professor Francesca Verones at NTNU, as well as Dr. Roel May and Dr. Bård Stokke at NINA.

Duties of the position

• Identify the main impact pathways of powerlines on Norwegian biodiversity (mammals and birds)
• Develop a life cycle impact assessment model for these impacts, and apply them to the Norwegian electricity transmission system
• Assess the total biodiversity impact of energy production and transmission within the current Norwegian electricity supply-demand network
• Evaluate potential biodiversity impacts of future renewable electricity production and distribution scenarios in Norway
• Communicate the results to the scientific audience and relevant stakeholders

Selection criteria

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 biology, ecology, industrial ecology, environmental sciences or environmental engineering, 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.
• Proven analytical and computational capabilities, in courses and/or thesis deliverables especially related to spatial modelling
• Proven experience, in courses and/or thesis deliverables with life-cycle assessments and/or (wildlife) ecology
• Proven written and oral English communication skills

Preferred selection criteria

• Proven analytical and computational capabilities, in courses and/or thesis deliverables especially related to spatial modelling
• Proven experience, in courses and/or thesis deliverables with life-cycle assessments and/or (wildlife) ecology
• Proven written and oral English communication skills

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.

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

Evaluation of the applicants will be based on the application and attached materials, including presentation of academic work, previous experience and publications. Include in your application a statement why you are interested in the position and why you would be especially suitable for it. Applicants short-listed for the position will normally be invited for an interview. Prominence will be given for personal traits which are deemed relevant for the execution of the role.

Personal characteristics

• Self-motivated, enthusiastic and dedicated
• Motivated to solve environmental problems and advance sustainability
• Ambitious and goal-oriented
• Team player
• Excellent communication 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

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated 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 3 years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Engineering 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.

The position is subject to external funding.

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

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. 

The application must include:

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• A one-page letter where the candidate explains her/his motivation for applying for this PhD position and a brief description of the scientific relevance of the candidate’s research experience
• Name and address of three referees (telephone and e-mail)

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.

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 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.

Questions about the position should be directed to Professor Francesca Verones, email francesca.verones@ntnu.no. Questions about the
recruitment process should be directed to Megan Norris, megan.norris@ntnu.no

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates and other documentation. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Applicants with European Master`s qualifications from outside Norway are required to include a Diploma Supplement. Applicants with Master`s qualifications from China are required to include confirmation of Master`s Diplomas from China Credentials Verification (CHSI): http://www.chsi.com.cn/en/.

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number IV-207/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 28.10.2020

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 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 28th October 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Fixed Term
Jobbnorge ID 193804