About the position

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering has a vacancy for a PostDoc position at the Micro- and Nanoscale Design (MnD) laboratory (https://microandnanoscaledesign.com/), with start date 01.05.2021. The work to be conducted is within the field of microfluidics, particularly in the analytical and computer fluid dynamic (CFD) modelling of devices for T-cell selection and training.

This position is connected to an Future Emerging Technologies (FET) Open project funded by the European Union. The description of the project can be found here: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/964955

You will report to Associate Professor.

Duties of the position

• structural optimization and development of geometrical channel structures to favour T-cell attachment, selection and training
• development of numerical and analytical algorithms for T-cell selection and training microfluidic chips
• bioinspired design of flow architectures
• modelling, replication, and optimization of ordered porous media
• building frameworks for exporting 3D printable models
• fabrication of devices using high resolution lithography
• characterization with confocal and fluorescence microscopy
• in operando computer tomography (CT) studies

Required selection criteria

Postdoctoral fellow:

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 in Engineering or Physics  or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree is required.

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 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.

You also need:

• knowledge about diffusion and convection-based systems
• the ability to understand biomedical requirements and transfer them into mathematical functions and engineering problems
• experience with 3D printing of soft and hard materials 
• experience with synthesized microfluidic chips by lithography-based processes.
• excellent oral and written communication in English

Preferred selection criteria

• excellent understanding of microfluidic systems
• knowledge in Computer Fluid Dynamics and analytical and numerical fluid mechanics
• excellent mathematical understanding
• worked with building own numerical and analytical methods
• experience in CAD and Finite Element Modelling for structural optimization
• experience in ANSYS, OpenFoam and/or Comsol
• ability to work interdisciplinary between biology, medicine and mechanical engineering
• worked with cell cultures and respective experiments under flow including fibroblasts, T-cells and dendritic cells

Personal characteristics

• teamplayer
• motivated and curious to learn
• analytical and structured
• engaged

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 2 years without teaching requirements. 

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 from EU. The candidate will be responsible for regular reporting of the project progress.

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 plan or project proposal
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 5 works)
• 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.

In accordance with The Public 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 Jan Torgersen, email jan.torgersen@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Linn-Cecilie Felle, e-mail: linn.c.felle@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-160/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 12.04.2021

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 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 12th April 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Institutt for maskinteknikk og produksjon