About the position

We are looking for a PhD candidate to conduct a PhD research on the topic:

“Increasing social interaction in local centers around public transport stops”

Information about the Department of Architecture and Planning

The department of Architecture and Planning has for the moment employed 30 scientific staff, 10 PhD candidates, and 5 administrative staff. The Department is responsible for teaching in the field of architectural design, architectural project development, urban development in cities of the global south, as well as urban planning and design. Teaching is divided into four different teaching programs that comprise bachelor and master studies. Additionally, the center for Smart sustainable cities is located in the department of architecture and planning.

The PhD candidate will be employed within the group for urban planning and design. The planning group is responsible for teaching of a two-year master course. Teaching takes place in the field of urban design, landscape design, local and regional planning, transport planning, geographic information systems, as well as planning history and theory. Teaching is conducted with an interdisciplinary approach. Research in the planning group focuses on sustainable transport and accessibility, accessibility and spatial justice, and urban design to support sustainable forms of mobility and public social interaction.

About the PhD position and the planned research

The PhD research investigates local urban centers as a focal point for social interaction and access to public transport. The project will be conducted in cooperation with the department for Sociology at the NTNU. The investigation is planned to focus on concepts and strategies that have potential to increase social interaction among local urban communities, and at the same time improve access to public transport for pedestrians. Relevant concepts and principles to investigate can be community engagement and co-creation processes, as well as placemaking and tactical urbanism aproaches. The research is planned to be conducted in cooperation with three partner cities, Trondheim (NO), Oslo (NO), Copenhagen (DK). Public transport operators and city administrations in the three Cities are committed to support the research. 

The PhD research is linked to a second PhD investigate the influence of urban environments on the subjective experience of walking, and a third PhD that focuses on accessibility and spatial justice. 

Duties of the position

• Develop a research plan for the PhD dissertation
• Conduct the research according to the plan
• Cooperate with partner cities during the empirical investigation
• Write and publish research papers under supervision
• Comply with the PhD training program of the Faculty

Qualifications

The position requires a completed master’s degree second level degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. The master’s degree needs to be of relevance for the planned PhD research such as architectural design, urban design and urban planning, landscape architecture. Students from the field of sociology and with an interest in urban matters are also welcomed to apply for the position. 

• Proficient in English language written and spoken
• Scandinavian language skills are preferred
• Interested in engaging with residents in local urban communities and in cooperating with staff in the partner cities

Personal characteristics

• Enthusiastic and ambitious about research
•  Structured and goal-oriented
•  Able to work effectively individually as well as being a good team player
•  Able to think critically

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience, and personal suitability.

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 per annum before tax, depending on
qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
The period of employment is 3 years without teaching duties.
Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD program in Architecture (please see https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phaar) within the first three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD program in during the employment period.

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. After the appointment the candidate must assume that there may be changes in the area of work. It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English. The application letter should include a short text with not more than 1000 words were the applicant describes his motivation and interest in the planned research.
Any documentations and scientific publications that show the candidates suitability for the PhD position must follow the application. 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. 
Please note that applications are only evaluated on the basis of the information available at the application deadline. Ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria for the candidate.

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.

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000 inhabitants. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is of very high standard among European countries. Professional subsidized day-care for children is available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

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.
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 Associate Professor Helge Hillnhütter, email: helge.hillnhütter@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR adviser Olav Wist, telephone: +47 41510150, email: olav.wist@ntnu.no.

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).
If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number AD-2020/31815 when applying.

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 Architecture and Planning

Our fields of expertise are architecture, urban design, physical and urban ecological planning, Smart Cities as well as real estate development and facilities management. We also work with ambient aesthetics, land use and transport planning, urban renewal, densification and urban redevelopment, as well as urban ecological planning in lower income countries. The Department of Architecture and Planning is one of four departments in the Faculty of Architecture and Design

Deadline 30th November 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service NTNU Gløshaugen