About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD position at Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering (IVB)

The project is NTNU funded and involves experimental and modelling work on flexible generation of various products using thermochemical conversion of renewable biomass followed by multiple downstream conversion processes. The candidate will work in close cooperation and collaboration with other PhDs and post-docs at different research groups within IVB and partner research institutes and industries.

As a thermochemical conversion, biomass gasification involves high temperature and a gasifying agent (i.e., air, steam, CO2, etc.) to convert feedstock into a producer gas. The producer gas having high energy combustible components (i.e., CO, H2, CH4, etc.) enables to run an engine-generator-set capable to produce both heat and electricity via a so-called combined heat and power (CHP) process. The produced heat from CHP has the possibility to generate hot water which potentially can suit to district heating. Alternatively, the heat can be used to feed a steam reformer for producing hydrogen, which further can be utilised to generate electricity via an interconnected fuel-cell.    

The electricity produced by the engine-generator-set can be used to operate a steam generator producing steam to drive the steam reforming process or to use as an agent to the gasification process. Moreover, part of the producer gas can be directed to an organic waste based anaerobic digestion plant to improve methane content of its downstream biogas, which could then be fed to the steam reformer as a raw-material gas. The by-products ash, char and digestate resulting in from the various processing steps, depending on quality, inherently suit to fertilization application for soil amendment. 

Once integrating the above processes into a system, a poly-generation of electricity, heat and hydrogen can be obtained, bringing forth to a biorefinery concept: BEHHYD, which is to be explored in this PhD study context.   

The PhD project is primarily meant for 50% modelling and 50% experimental work. However, depending on practical constraints and candidate’s interest the actual work distribution may vary.

The position reports to Head of Department, Torbjørn Skogsrød.

Main duties and responsibilities

The main objective of the PhD work is to develop a method for optimising BEHHYD to maximise biomass utilisation, while minimising waste. The experimental work will involve practical approaches emphasising characterisation of input and output materials along with data acquisition with post processing. The experiment is to be designed for verification of BEHHYD model developed on chemical process model platform ASPEN plus or SuperPro designer tool. The PhD student will work on both development of model and execution of experiment. The biomass, particularly interesting for local stakeholders within Inland municipality of Norway, will be considered for the study, and determined after discussing with candidate upon start-up of the PhD project.

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 [subject area] 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.

• Genuine interest in chemical process modelling is essential.
• Motivation for conducting experimental research of practical relevance is essential.
• Direct experience on both experiment and modelling work of a biorefinery process will be prioritized.
• International applicants should provide evidence of good written and spoken English language skills. The following tests can be used as documentation: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (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.

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

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

Other qualifications

• Good communication skills
• Good written and oral English skills
• Basic Norwegian or other Scandinavian skills is an advantage, but not a requirement 

Personal characteristics

• Creative thinking
• Confidence in independent work
• Confidence in team work
• Perseverance

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

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 4 years with teaching duties. Appointment to a PhD position requires admission to the PhD programme in Engineering.  

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

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 workplace of the position is NTNU at Gjøvik.

Questions about the position can be directed to Associate Professor Shiplu Sarker, Phone number +4791271077, e-mail shiplu.sarker@ntnu.no and Professor Alemayehu Gebremedhin, Phone number +4761135174, e-mail alemayehu.gebremedhin@ntnu.no.

About the application:

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 SO IV 24/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 31.01.2020

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 Manufacturing and Civil Engineering

Our profile of expertise can help to solve the world’s most important societal challenge: the development of sustainable solutions in industry and society. This profile includes research on modern industrial processes, use of new and recycled materials, new technological solutions and the application of new forms of organization and business models. The Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Deadline 31st January 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Gjøvik
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service NTNU Gjøvik