About the position

A PhD position is available at the Department of Energy and Process Engineering within the Thermo-fluids research group at NTNU. The appointment has a duration of 3 years and is funded by the Department, within a new effort to strengthen the area of numerical simulations of turbulent and multiphase flows, with focus on energy efficient processes. In particular, we are looking for a PhD on numerical studies of evaporation and combustion of liquid mixtures.

You will report to Head of department Terese Løvås.

Duties of the position

The aim of this project is to perform interface resolved simulations of multicomponent droplets evaporation and combustion in a turbulent flow. We will in particular target ammonia-firing of marine engines and biofuel-firing of jet engines. The candidate shall first consider evaporation and combustion of ammonia droplets in a turbulent shear flow, where the liquid phase is single-component and then evaporation and combustion of biofuel droplets, with the additional complication due to differential evaporation of more volatile species. The proposed project is based on an existing code for accurate simulations of multiphase flow systems with evaporation, to which the candidate will contribute with the implementation of the chemical kinetics for the gas phase reactions.

The research project requires unique numerical expertise.  The successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art numerical codes running on different large-scale computers as well as to the expertise and training in advanced experimental techniques at NTNU.  The successful candidate will be joining an internationally active research group in fluid mechanics with experienced post-doctoral researchers as well as PhD students.  Several joint publications in internationally leading scientific journals and attendance at international conferences is expected.

The expected start date is as soon as possible.

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 fluid mechanics 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.

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.

Required qualifications

• A Masters (or second) degree in mechanical, aerospace, applied physics or equivalent discipline.
• Strong theoretical and practical background in fluid mechanics
• Programming skills in Fortran, C, Python, or similar packages.
• Excellent command of the English language, and skilled in academic writing

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience with CFD software packages (e.g., openFOAM).
• Experience in the foundations of chemistry and combustion processes
• Good knowledge in turbulent flows and statistical mechanics

Personal characteristics

• Enthusiastic, ability to adapt and learn
• Highly motivated and scientifically curious
• Able to work effectively by themselves and in a team
• Able to work in a structured and goal orientated manner
• Able to work in a multi-cultural environment

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement.

We offer

• world-class experimental laboratories and computational resources
• a strong group of researchers focused on fluid mechanics
• 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 at gross from NOK 482 200 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.

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 including relevant professional experience and CFD-skills
• Certificates and diplomas
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment
• Name and address of three referees

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.

In accordance with The Public 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 Luca Brandt ,  email: luca.brandt@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Ingrid Wiggen, e-mail: ingrid.wiggen@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-16/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 31.03.21.

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 31st March 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Department of Energy and Process Engineering