Skip to main content

This job has expired

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Experimental and Fundamental Fluid

About the position

We are looking for excellent applicants for a position of postdoctoral researcher at the Thermo-Fluids research group, Department of Energy and Process Engineering (EPT), NTNU Trondheim. The position has a duration of 2-4 years depending on funding, and will report to Professor Simen Å. Ellingsen whom you may contact for further information.

The topic is in the fundamental mechanics/physics of fluid flow, more specifically the triple interaction between waves, shear currents and turbulence (WCT).

Although WCT systems are ubiquitous in the upper oceans they have been little investigated and are poorly understood. The fluid mechanics near the ocean surface is crucial for the exchange of heat, gas, and momentum between ocean and atmosphere, and is thus hugely important for the weather and climate. It moreover strongly affects transport of nutrients and pollutants, phytoplankton motion and blooming, marine operations, and has relevance for many industrial two-phase flows.

Many important mechanisms occur because of wave-current-turbulence interactions, and which our research group is investigating in theory and experiment. 1) Waves in the ocean lose energy to ambient turbulence, a proposed but unconfirmed reason for surprisingly high wave energy dissipation in the oceans. 2) Waves and shear currents in the ocean together drive large (tens of metres) swirling motions which mix warm surface water into the deep (Langmuir turbulence), which are highly similar to structures appearing on centimetre scale in the near-surface turbulence that controls gas transfer. A scaling similarity between the two is likely, but not investigated yet. 3) Sheared currents affect wave propagation allowing remote current measurements from above. 4) Turbulent sub-surface eddies make imprints on the free surface, but the connection is little explored.

The methodology will be a mix of theoretical work and laboratory experiments in the water channel facility at NTNU Trondheim, where currents with tailored profiles of mean velocity and turbulence intensity can be created (see Jooss et al, J. Fluid Mech. 911 A4 (2020)) beneath waves. A strong background in mathematics and physics is a requirement, as is good programming skills.

Experimental techniques currently in use for these purposes in our facility are particle image velocimetry (PIV), free surface measurement by synthetic schlieren and Fourier transform profilometry methods, acoustic and laser Doppler velocimetry,

The applicant is asked to include a “research statement” (1-2 pages) and a “qualifications document” (1 page) – see details below.

Job description

This project will be conducted in the new water channel at NTNU using particle image velocimetry, planar laser-induced fluorescence, and an active grid. The successful candidate will be part of a broader research team. He/she will independently perform and set-up experiments under the guidance of the project supervisor and co-supervisor and moreover be expected to help supervise PhD and MSc students and take on some leadership tasks within the broader research group.

The laboratory is in a phase of rapid development where new, often in-house built solutions are frequently being tested and implemented. Designing and implementing new solutions will therefore be a key part of the job.

Qualification requirements

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 a directly relevant subject field – typically mechanical engineering or physics – or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree. Candidates who are close to finishing their PhD can apply, but only commence the position once their PhD degree has been officially approved, autumn 2021 at the very latest.

The candidate must document extensive research laboratory experience relevant to the experimental methods outlined above. The experience should include developing, designing, and building laboratory set-ups themselves. Previous experience with surface waves and/or turbulent flow is a clear advantage.

A strong theory background in mathematics and physics, preferably advanced fluid mechanics and turbulence, will also be required.

Please note that experience with CFD software (e.g. ANSYS Fluent, Star CCM, openFOAM), while generally useful, is not particularly relevant and does not qualify for the position.

Required background

  • Experience making state-of-the-art laboratory measurements.
  • Strong theoretical background in mathematics and physical mechanics.
  • Programming proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C++ or similar packages.
  • Experience in academic writing, especially peer-reviewed articles in well-respected academic journals, is requisite.
  • Demonstrated ability to carry through a cutting-edge research project from conception to published article.

Preferred additional background

  • Experience with monitoring/supervising other Masters or PhD students
  • Particular expertise in advanced fluid mechanics and/or surface waves is a definite advantage.
  • Experience with some of the above mentioned experimental techniques.

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.

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.

Personal characteristics

  • Enthusiastic and highly motivated
  • Able to work effectively on their own and in a team
  • Diligent, thorough, and hard-working
  • Able to work structured and goal oriented with a drive to get projects finished
  • Creative, good at finding solutions
  • Open-minded and tolerant, able to work in a highly multicultural environment and collaborate equally well regardless of cultural background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or nationality.

We offer

Salary and conditions

The employment period is 2-4 years depending on funding.

Postdoctoral candidates are placed in code 1352, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 545 300 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.

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 brief letter, stating why you are motivated
  • A research statement as detailed below
  • A qualifications document as detailed below
  • Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 5 works)
  • Names and addresses to two references.

Publications and other scientific work which the applicant wishes be taken into account must follow the application. Joint works will be considered; if it is difficult to identify the applicant’s contribution to joint works, a brief description of the applicant’s participation should be attached.

A “research statement” should be included with your application. The research statement should briefly describe your PhD or previous research project(s). The research statement should not exceed 2 pages, although 1 page is preferred. Furthermore, please include a “qualifications” document explicitly detailing how you meet each of the required and some (or all) of the desired qualifications listed above, 1 page. An application missing these two documents may be considered incomplete by the selection committee.

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.

According to the 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 Simen Å. Ellingsen, email simen.a.ellingsen@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-73/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 18.03.2021.

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 18th March 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Fixed Term
Place of service Trondheim, Norway

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert