About the position

We have a vacancy for a Postdoctoral Fellow within the Refrigeration research group on the topic of "Development and integration of cold thermal storage devices in vapour compression systems ". The appointment has a duration of 4 years. 

The Refrigeration research group has a well-established expertise and network as regards of vapour compression systems applying natural working fluids for various applications within different industrial sectors. In close cooperation with SINTEF the group is involved in several national and international research projects. 

The background for the research work is the ongoing R&D work on novel Cold Thermal Energy Storage (CTES) concepts and their integration into the refrigeration cycle. The utilization and integration of Phase Change Materials (PCM) will play an important role, therefor fundamental numerical modelling is required to analyse and validate experimental results with focus on: low thermal conductivity, hysteresis effect, phase separation, crystallisation, supercooling (existence of a liquid phase below solidification temperature), degradation of thermal properties (which affects the thermal cycles).

Process integration and dynamic system modelling is another research focus area. Apart from detailed numerical modelling of the phenomena affecting the thermal properties of PCMs, it is important to model the PCM-CTES units as a part of a process with a varying thermal load. Dynamic system modelling  using Dymola and the object-oriented language Modelica is a flexible and powerful tool to study different thermal processes and systems. It allows to perform parametric studies to optimize the dimensioning and layout of the system including PCM-CTES.  Dymola/Modelica is currently used to analyze and interpret measurement data from an implemented PCM storage for climatic cooling and to model cold production and storage for industrial refrigeration systems within the research team in Trondheim. 

The latest start up time for the position is February-March 2021.

You will report to Professor Armin Hafner.

Duties of the position

The scope of the research work of the post doc is dynamic modelling on both the fundamental and system integration level of PCM based CTES devices. Experimental investigations will be performed by the post doc and a team of students to demonstrate CTES, with natural phase change materials (nPCMs), to be placed inside refrigeration systems applied for energy storage (ex.: modelling of turbulence at micro-textured heat-exchanger parts, non-equilibrium solidification process of the PCM inlay with nucleation delay). The disseminated results (journal papers made by the post doc) will be based on both numerical work and experimental investigations conducted in the advanced laboratory at NTNU. 

Selection criteria

Required selection criteria

• A postdoctoral research fellowships is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. You must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree related to refrigeration technology / systems or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree is required 
• The candidate has to be able to perform the above-mentioned experimental work based on previous documented experience 
• The candidate has to be able to perform the above-mentioned dynamic simulations based on previous documented experience
• Excellent English skills, spoken and written are required. Applicants from non-English speaking countries outside Europe must document English skills by an approved test. Approved tests are TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) 

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.  

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. 

Desirable selection criteria 

• Experience with relevant CFD simulations
• Expertise and experience from laboratory work related to heat transfer
• Experience in Dymola Modelica
• Experience with CFC simulation
• Number of published journal papers within the field of refrigeration and PCM technology

Personal characteristics

• Enthusiastic and motivated.  
• Able to work in a structured and goal-oriented manner.
• Able to work efficiently both independently and in a team.  
• Able to work in a multi-cultural environment.  

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 employment period is 4 years.

Postdoctoral candidates are placed in code 1352, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 545 300 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 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 you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

The position is subject to external funding.

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

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English (ta stilling til dette)

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. 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. 

The application must include:

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• Research plan or project proposal
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment
• Name and address of three referees

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.

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

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

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. 

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. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily 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.

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 Professor Armin Hafner, armin.hafner@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 IV-249/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 04.01.2021

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 4th January 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service