This is NTNU

At NTNU, creating knowledge for a better world is the vision that unites our 7 000 employees and 40 000 students.

We are looking for dedicated employees to join us.

About the position

The PhD position aims for the development of novel methods for automatic switching between combinator curves. For a controllable pitch propeller, a combinator curve describes the optimal combination of propeller speed and engine shaft power for different pitch values. By changing the propeller pitch, both the engine and the propeller can work with optimal setpoints. Today, the operator changes manually between different combinator curves based on the forward speed of the ship, operational mode and drive system alternatives. Typically, it is beneficial to have a low propeller speed which gives lower fuel consumption for the engine. The challenge with this is that the engine has smaller capacity to handle load variations since it is operating close to the maximum power it can deliver. This limitation can be overcome by using different drive configurations with PTIs (Power Take In) on the engine reduction gear, as well as by using different power sources in combination e.g. in terms of electrical generators or battery packs (hybrid power systems).

The optimal choice of combinator curve is a complex process which is a function of the vessel’s forward speed, the propulsion system’s configuration, environmental conditions, towing loads, etc.

The PhD position is funded by the research project SEAOPS, which is a four-year industry-initiated research project with Brunvoll as project leader and Sintef Ocean, DNV-GL and NTNU as partners. The research project is on developing methodology for safe and energy-efficient autonomous control system pilots for fishing vessels that take into account large dynamic load variations. A line-fishing vessel will be used as a case study.

The candidate will be associated with NTNU’s Centre for Autonomous Marine Operations and Systems (NTNU AMOS, https://www.ntnu.edu/amos), Department of Marine Technology.

The position reports to Associate Professor Astrid H. Brodtkorb.

Main duties and responsibilities

The research study for the available PhD position is within the following topics:

• Establishing performance measures for combinator curves.
• Establishing switching criteria used in automatic combinator curve selection.
• Design and analysis of hybrid combinator curve algorithm, including handling transients from switching.

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 Marine Technology, Engineering Cybernetics, Control Systems,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.

Excellent English skills, written and spoken, are required. Applicants from non-English speaking countries outside Europe must present an official language test report. The acceptable tests are TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). Minimum scores are:

• TOEFL: 600 / writing 4.5 (paper-based test), 92 / writing 22 (internet-based test)
• IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted) CAE/CPE: grade B or A.

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.

Other qualifications

• We seek a highly motivated candidate with a MSc degree in Marine Cybernetics (with a Marine Technology basis), or in Engineering Cybernetics or Control Engineering with an application basis on marine systems.
• Master students graduating summer 2020 can apply.
• Relevant industry experience is an advantage.
• Academic results, publications, relevant specialization, work or research experience, personal qualifications, and motivations for making an impact on future autonomous marine systems will be considered when evaluating the applicants.

Personal characteristics

• Strong analytical skills
• Flexible and dependable
• Collaborative
• Innovative and open minded

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. NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

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 479 600 before tax per year. 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 admission to the PhD programme in Marine Technology (https://www.ntnu.no/imt).

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.

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 criterias 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.

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.

The national labour force must reflect the composition of the population to the greatest possible extent, NTNU wants to increase the proportion of women in its scientific posts. Women are encouraged to apply. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life (http://trondheim.com/). Having a population of 200 000, Trondheim is a small city by international standards with low crime rates and little pollution. It also has easy access to a beautiful countryside with mountains and a dramatic coastline.

Questions about the position can be directed to Associate Professor Astrid H. Brodtkorb, Department of Marine Technology, NTNU Trondheim. E-mail: astrid.h.brodtkorb@ntnu.no, Phone +47 975 11 610.

About the application:

The application should include:

• Project proposition (0.5-2 pages) indicating how the applicant envisages her/his contribution within the project
• CV (including list of publications and relevant former positions)
• Certified copies Bachelor & Master degrees, transcripts
• Short statement from a former supervisor/tutor/teacher
• Contact information for two references (including email addresses and telephone number)
• English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)

Publications and other academic works that the applicant would like to be considered in the evaluation must accompany the application. Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify the individual applicant's contribution to joint works, the applicant must include a brief description of his or her contribution.

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): http://www.chsi.com.cn/en/).

Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number IV-45/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 02.02.2020

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 Marine Technology

We develop methods and technology related to the blue economy: oil and gas extraction at sea, ship technology and the equipment industry, fisheries and aquaculture. We also have a strong commitment to the development of sustainable solutions for offshore renewable energy, coastal infrastructure, and marine robotics. Marine technology helps to solve major global challenges related to the environment, climate, energy, food and efficient transport. The Department of Marine Technology is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Deadline 2nd February 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Department of Marine Technology