This is NTNU

At NTNU, creating knowledge for a better world is the vision that unites our 7 400 employees and 42 000 students.

We are looking for dedicated employees to join us.

You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

About the position

In our research group at The Department of Electronic Systems, we are seeking radical breakthroughs in spin based device technologies. One of our research visions is to use artificial spin systems as a platform for efficient and powerful data analysis at all scales, ranging from low power computation in the simplest sensor node to accelerated data processing in the most complex supercomputer. We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to explore 2D artificial spin systems and explore the case for such systems to be harnessed for data processing.

This position is part of the EU funded SpinENGINE project where researchers from Universities of Ghent and Sheffield, ETH Zurich and IBM jointly pursue a new approach to computing based on emergent properties, i.e., complex, non-linear behaviour in tunable ensembles of nanomagnets.

Formally, the position reports to the Department Head.

Duties of the position

• To characterize artificial spin systems using lab-based measurement techniques such as magnetic force microscopy, transport set-ups and magnetometry.
•  To model and simulate the behaviour of artificial spin systems and relate these studies to experimental results.
• To actively apply for beamtime at international synchrotron facilities and take part in such measurements, e.g., X-PEEM.
• To actively take part in SpinENGINE project (project meetings, workshops etc.).
• To actively take part in the guidance of master students in the group.
• To develop and disseminate research results on the subject through scientific publications.

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 physics, nanoelectronics 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.

Applicants are required to justify their candidateship by explicitly explaining their personal motivation and academic aptitude for pursuing a doctoral degree within this research field. Applicants that expect to complete their master’s degree studies by summer 2021 can apply.

We also require excellent written and oral communication skills. For candidates who are neither native English speakers nor from Scandinavia, the following tests can be used as documentation for English skills: TOEFL, Academic IELTS and Cambridge CAE or CPE.

Minimum scores are:

• TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (Internet-based test).
• IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted). 
• CAE/CPE: grade B or A.

Preferred selection criteria:

• Experience within the field of nanomagnetism.
• Experience with cleanroom micro- or nanofabrication.

Personal characteristics

• A high level of personal responsibility, initiative, and motivation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Have a problem-solving mindset.
• Good organization and communication skills.
• Enjoy interdisciplinary research.

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 4 years or 4 years with 25 % duty work. 

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Electronics and Telecommunication (PHET) 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 through the EU Horizon 2020 project SpinENGINE.

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. 

The application must include:

• CV, certificates and diplomas.
• A short presentation of the motivation for a PhD study. 
• Name and address of two 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.

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 Assoc. prof. Erik Folven, phone number +47 94437094, e-mail: erik.folven@ntnu.no.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Signe Johanne Talukder, e-mail: signe.talukder@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 2021/17308 when applying.

Application deadline: 15.05.2021

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 Electronic Systems

The digitalization of Norway is impossible without electronic systems. We are Norway’s leading academic environment in this field, and contribute with our expertise in areas ranging from nanoelectronics, phototonics, signal processing, radio technology and acoustics to satellite technology and autonomous systems. Knowledge of electronic systems is also vital for addressing important challenges in transport, energy, the environment, and health. The Department of Electronic Systems is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering .

Deadline 15th May 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Campus Gløshaugen