About the position

The Industrial Ecology Program (IndEcol), Department of Energy and Process Engineering (EPT) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is seeking a PhD Candidate to advance research in resource efficiency and its contribution to the mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Recent work by the International Resource Panel has shown that material efficiency and circular strategies can deliver rapid, substantial reductions in GHG emissions from housing and automobiles. The proposed work seeks to extend technology-based scenario modeling capabilities and insights to a broader, global level to inform policy makers and corporate decision makers, and to advance mitigation analysis such as the one summarized in the mitigation reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

It seeks to combine industrial ecology methods such as life-cycle assessment, material dynamics based on cohort-modeling, and input-output analysis, engineering tools such as building physics model, and energy scenario modeling methods. The overall framework allows for analysis at an urban, country, regional, or global scale. This work seeks to provide a first global estimate for how to reduce GHG emissions through material and energy efficiency in buildings. The work builds on empirical findings and bottom-up models by participating research teams.

The Head of Department is Professor Terese Løvås. The candidate’s supervisors are Professor Edgar Hertwich and Professor Daniel Müller.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Method and model development
• Data collection and model parametrization
• Model application, analysis of results, and documentation
• Drafting of journal manuscripts
• Cooperate with team members and clients
• Complete and defend a dissertation within 3 years

Qualification requirements

Essential qualifications:

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 civil engineering, architecture, informatics, industrial ecology, natural science, 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.

• Strong analytical capabilities
• Relevant programming and software skills (e.g., MatLab, Python, BIM, CAD, R, or GIS)
• Evidence of an interest in the research, articulated in a cover letter or research proposal
• Good written and oral English language skills

Desirable qualifications:

• It is considered a strength of the candidate also speaks a Scandinavian language
• It is considered a strength if the candidate has some prior knowledge of buildings and construction or industrial ecology

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.

Personal characteristics

• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and dedicated
• Ambitious and goal-oriented
• Ability to solve complex technical tasks independently
• Team player
• Excellent communication skills

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 3 years. 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.

About the application:

Questions about the position can be directed to Professor Edgar Hertwich, e-mail edgar.hertwich@ntnu.no

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. Your cover letter should describe your motivation for the position and provide insights that go beyond what is evident from your CV. Please include a writing sample, such as an article or thesis. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered.

It is necessary to include a Diploma Supplement with European Masters Diplomas from outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Masters Diplomas from the 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-56/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 28.02.2020

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 Energy and Process Engineering

We conduct research and teaching covering the entire energy chain, from resources to the end-user. We look at how energy is produced and used by humans and machines in a sustainable way with regard to health, climate change and the resource base. The Department of Energy and Process Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Deadline 28th February 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Fixed Term