About the position

The Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science has a vacancy for a PhD candidate linked to the digital wheelchair project. The aim of the digital wheelchair project is to develop a concept for estimating energy expenditure in wheelchair users during rest and free-living activities.

The position will be located at the Centre for Elite Sports Research in the Paralympic research group (https://www.ntnu.edu/sentif/research/paralympic-athletes).

Brief information about the project: Compared to the general population, the majority of wheelchair users have a more inactive lifestyle, lower physical and mental health and reduced quality of life. In fact, lack of physical activity is the main factor associated with cardiovascular disease, which is the main cause of death in the wheelchair population. A tool to promote an active lifestyle and healthy behaviors is to provide wheelchair users with objective feedback and decision support on their daily energy expenditure (EE) and physical activity. The primary research aim of the DigiW project is to develop and validate a concept for estimating energy expenditure (EE) in wheelchair users with different disabilities during rest and free-living activities. This research will provide the basis for reaching the long-term innovation goal of the project; to develop, optimize and patent an EE estimation algorithm that can be incorporated in an affordable wearable device for the wheelchair user group, which individuals and future home-based health services could use to track inactivity and promote a healthy lifestyle.

For more information about the Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, visit our website www.ntnu.edu/inb

You will report to researcher Dr. Julia Kathrin Baumgart, coordinator of the Paralympic research group at the Centre for Elite Sports Research and the clinical-academic group ENABLE (https://www.ntnu.no/ansatte/julia.k.baumgart).

Duties of the position

The research work shall result in a thesis according to the faculty standards. The practical work will, apart from obtaining thorough theoretical knowledge about the topic, consist of:

• Collection of a comprehensive physiological and biomechanical data set
• Statistical analyses of this data set
• Proactive communication to distribute and implement the results in the scientific community and arenas of the end-user groups

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 Human Movement Science/Exercise Physiology/Physical Activity and Health 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.

• Strong academic background within physiological and/ or biomechanical field
• Solid background in data processing and statistical analyses
• Good written and oral English language skills
• Ability to manage an academic PhD trajectory with  focus on innovation

Preferred selection criteria

• Speaking a Scandinavian language is a plus but not mandatory
• Experience working with people with a physical disability is a plus
• Programming skills in Matlab/Python or a related language

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

• Positive, creative and enthusiastic
• As a team-player, the ability to work independently, analytically, result oriented
• The ability to work in an inter-disciplinary team
• Proactive communication

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 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 Medicine and Helth Sciences (https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phmedhv) 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.

Being present and accessible at the institution on a daily basis is preferred, but amendments can be made.  

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English (ta stilling til dette)

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
• Research plan or project proposal
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 10works)
• Name and address of three referees
• Optional: A plan for ensuring supervision in case you do not plan to be permanently located in Trondheim

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.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Jula Kathrin Baumgart, , email julia.k.baumgart@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Bente Kristin Årbogen Andersen, e-mail: bente.k.a.andersen@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.  

Application deadline: 26.03.2021

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.

The Department of Neuroscience and Movement Science (INB) is an ambitious department in strong development. Great diversity in medicine and health disciplines is a hallmark of the department. We give priority to social relevance and quality in both education and research.

Several of our groups of researchers and teaching staff are at the forefront of their fields in Norway and internationally. Our ambition: “Through interdisciplinary collaboration, INB creates forward-looking education and research that lead the way in improving health and function.”
Read more about the Department here: www.ntnu.edu/inb

Deadline 26th March 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service