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.

About the position

We have a vacancy for a researcher in the Materials Group at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.

The materials group deals with applications of materials science: engineering materials and surfaces with desirable properties for specific applications. The group consists of an interdisciplinary mixture of engineers, physicists, and chemists. We have many industrial and international academic collaborations and aim to provide a stimulating environment for young scientists.

The project for this post doctoral research position is concerned with understanding and modelling the viscosity of complex fluids, particularly polar fluids, ionic liquids, and electrolyte solutions. Viscosity of fluids arises from the nonlinear interactions between molecules at the nano scale.

The goal of this project is to link these microscopic dynamics to the macroscopic transport properties of the fluid. To this end, you will make use of both numerical methods, specifically molecular-dynamics simulations, and analytical approaches using kinetic theory. Along with this, there will be close interaction with experimental and theoretical groups in Trondheim, Stockholm and at Imperial College London.

The focus of this project is on electrolytes (salts): water-based electrolyte solutions and ionic liquids, which are liquid salts. These systems are becoming a new frontier in friction research and are very promising for low-friction applications, as demonstrated for instance by the amazing effectiveness with which water-based synovial fluid lubricates our joints. To make full use of these possibilities, we need more general understanding of the transport properties of these complex liquids. The aim of this project is to develop this understanding as well as practical methods for calculating the viscosity and other transport properties.

The position reports to supervisor Associate Professor.

Duties of the position

• develop new theory for the viscosity of complex fluids
• construct and perform molecular-dynamics simulations of models of complex fluids with various level of detail to compare with the theory
• compare theoretical and simulation results to experimental data

Required selection criteria

• a PhD in material science, physics, chemistry, or engineering on similar field
• affinity for analytical or numerical modelling on atomic or molecular scales, preferably with mathematical theory or Molecular-Dynamics / Monte-Carlo simulations
• good written and oral English language skills

Preferred selection criteria

• experience with atomic-scale modelling of transport or fluids
• evidence of scientific creativity as demonstrated for example by a sound publication record in internationally respected peer-reviewed journals

Personal characteristics

• highly motivated, with enthusiasm for applied theoretical research
• be able to work both in a research team as well as carry out personal research projects
• good interpersonal skills
• strong analytical skills

In the assessment of the best qualified applicant, we will emphasize education, experience and personal suitability as well as your motivation for the position.

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

The gross salary for the position of Researcher (code 1109) is normally remunerated at gross from NOK 532 300 – 679 000 before tax per year, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

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.

The position is subject to external funding.

It is a prerequisite that you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation must be in English.

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.

If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result.

The application must include:

• CV, certificates and diplomas 
• complete list of publications
• a description of the academic works - published or unpublished - that you regard as most relevant and that you particularly want to be considered in the assessment (up to 10 works) 
• name and address of three references 
• research statement

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.

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.

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

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.

Under the Freedom of 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 Astrid S. de Wijn, email: astrid.dewijn@ntnu.no.

Please submit your application and supporting documentation via jobbnorge.no. If you are invited for interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas. Mark the application with reference number: IV-86/20.

Application deadline: 19.04.2020

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 Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

We educate graduates who can create new products, operate and maintain products, and manage projects. The Department has a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes. We conduct wide-ranging research in fields such as technology, energy, product quality and development, and productivity. The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Deadline: 19th April 2020
Employer: NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality: Trondheim
Scope; Fulltime
Duration: Temporary
Place of service: Dept. of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering