About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD Candidate at the Department of Structural Engineering. The Department has about 140 employees, half of them PhD Students.

The current PhD position will be affiliated to the Concrete group which is a team of scientists dedicated to the study of all aspects of concrete. The Concrete group conduct research on concrete from material to structural level based on theoretical, numerical and experimental investigations. The Concrete group is involved in several national and international research projects, it has a close collaboration with the industry, and it has extended laboratory facilities with a rich history.

The successful Candidate is expected to conduct research within the field “Fatigue of concrete”. Concrete fatigue refers to the phenomenon of rupture under repeated loadings. Fatigue is of importance when extending the service life of existing concrete structures beyond the design service life, but also for new concrete structures, e.g. offshore wind farms. Design codes base the fatigue capacity on empirical formulations. However, the concept of an empirical three-stage fatigue model, which distinguishes a rapid, a stable and then, again, a rapid growth stage, remains difficult to generalise for all concrete types, loading applications and stress levels.

The PhD position involves both theoretical, numerical and experimental research. The candidate will work with a team of experienced researchers within the fields of structural design and concrete materials, and in collaboration with the concrete industry.

The position will follow NTNU’s PhD education, and it is expected that the successful candidate will undertake the necessary courses as part of the PhD program as well as submitting a research plan no later than 3 months from the date of joining.

You will report to the supervising Associate Professor.

Duties of the position

• perform research and report progress on a regular basis in agreement with the supervisor(s)
• experimental and numerical research according to the research plan and the project objectives
• complete the necessary course/training to work in the laboratory
• laboratory work
• communication and dissemination of research results under supervision

Required selection criteria

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in civil engineering or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.

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.

• MSc of civil engineering within structural design or concrete materials
• excellent written and oral English language skills

Preferred selection criteria

• proven skills/track record in the relevant areas of research, or work experience from the industry
• knowledge of programming/software, MATLAB, Python, ANSYS, LabView, etc.
• interest in theoretical as well as experimental studies
• keen interest in experimental and practical engineering research work in the laboratory
• research quality and publications - Journal and conference papers
• genuine interest in research and willingness to learn
• Norwegian (or Scandinavian) language skills are an advantage

Personal characteristics

• ambitious and motivated for research work in this field
• good communication and dissemination skills
• well-organized and able to plan and conduct laboratory activities and execute experiments
• team worker that can cooperate in interdisciplinary team
• good analytical and critical thinking skills

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 482 200 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.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Engineering within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme 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 you 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 daily.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

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 interest/area and motivation (maximum 1 page A4 size)
• 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 Anja Klausen, telephone +47 735 94 538, email anja.klausen@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Elin Pedersen Nystuen, e-mail elin.p.nysuten@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 SO IV-22/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 01.02.2021

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 Structural Engineering

We teach mechanical engineering, engineering and ICT, and civil and environmental engineering. The Department conducts internationally leading research and participates in several large national research projects. The Department of Structural Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Deadline 1st February 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Gløshaugen