About the position

PhD fellowship(s) in time lapse geo-acoustic monitoring are available at the Department of Electronic Systems at NTNU. A PhD fellow  will be employed up to 4 years including  teaching and other duties of 25% of the total available time. A PhD fellow who does not master a Scandinavian language will be offered a 3-year appointment.

The position reports to Head of department

Job description

The positions are part of the project “Geophysics and Applied Mathematics for Exploration and Safe Production”, funded by The Research Council of Norway. The main topics of the project are methods for data assimilation and efficient monitoring in geosciences applications. The candidate is expected to conduct research in one of the areas of the project under the supervision of a permanent member of the acoustics group participating in the project.

PhD 1: In recent years several of the major hydrocarbon fields offshore Norway have been equipped with permanent seismic sensors that are trenched into the seabed. Repeated seismic surveys are shot over these receiver arrays typically two times per year, in order to detect and monitor reservoir changes related to production. This new type of acquisition makes it possible to develop new methods and algorithms to improve this 4D mapping process. The use of advanced mathematical inversion algorithms and exploiting long offset data is one such example. Another example is to couple typical production effects (such as saturation changes, pressure changes or compaction) to observed changes in the seismic data. The aim is to test such couplings at different levels: fully integrated in a mathematical inversion procedure, or a more stepwise and simplified manner requiring less computational cost. This position requires a good knowledge in geophysics and/or mathematics/physics.

PhD 2: This position will focus on overburden changes that can be illuminated by the use of repeated seismic data. Detailed analysis of interface waves and their corresponding dispersion behavior will be a key part of the work. Can a combined use of reflection seismic and interface waves give a more precise way of monitoring changes in the rocks above a producing hydrocarbon reservoir? We propose to develop new techniques to detect and map early leakage of for instance gas from a hydrocarbon reservoir or CO2 from a CO2 storage site. Forward modeling of both reflected seismic data and especially the interface wave at the seabed (often referred to as the Scholte wave) will be crucial. This position requires a good knowledge in geophysics and/or mathematics/physics.

Qualification requirements

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is completion of a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in geophysics, underwater acoustics, signal theory, physics or mathematics or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. Applicants with no letter grades from previous studies must have an equally good academic foundation. Applicants who are unable to meet these criteria may be considered only if they can document that they are particularly suitable candidates 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, postdoctor and research assistant

Other qualifications

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with strong background and interest in geophysics, physics or mathematics. Knowledge within computing and writing computer code is required.

MSc students who expect to complete their master’s degree studies by summer 2019 are also encouraged to apply. Employment will then be postponed until the master’s degree is finished.

The applicants who do not master a Scandinavian language must document a thorough knowledge of English (equivalent to a TOEFL score of 600 or more).

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

• Curious, innovative person
• Scientific communication skills
• Ability to put thoughts into written material 656

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

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

APhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 449 400 before tax per year. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

Appointment to a PhD position requires admission to the PhD programme in Mathematical Sciences; please see http://www.ntnu.edu/ie/research/phd for information about the PhD programme at NTNU.

As a PhD candidate, you undertake to participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period. A condition of appointment is that you are in fact qualified for admission to the PhD programme within three months.

Appointment takes place on the terms that apply to State employees at any time, and after the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

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. Under the Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova), information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to have their name entered on the list of applicants.

Questions about the positions can be directed to Martin Landrø, phone number +47 73594973, e-mail martin.landro@ntnu.no

About the application:

The application must include the following:

• CV which includes information about education background and work experience.
• Certified copies of relevant transcripts and diplomas. Candidates from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a Diploma Supplement or similar documentation, which describes in detail the program of study, the grading system, and the rights to further studies associated with the degree obtained.
• Contact information for two references. 
• Documentation of fluency in the English language.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.

Please refer to the application number 2019/8371 when applying.

Application deadline: 01.05.2019

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 01.05.2019
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Engagement
Place of service Trondheim