About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD Candidate within marine technology and cybernetics at the Department of Marine Technology, NTNU, as part of the RCN-funded research project “ZEVS: enabling Zero Emission passenger Vessel Services”.

The PhD Candidate will work on challenging research problems related to zero-emission high speed ferry solutions. The position will study and model conventional and emerging zero-emission power and propulsion systems for low-resistance high speed ferries, to compute emissions and fuel/energy usage of studied solutions.

This shall next be used to evaluate vessel designs and operations, taking also shoreside fuel and energy infrastructures, as well as route planning, into account.

The Candidate will report to Professor Roger Skjetne as the main scientific supervisor of the research, and to Professor Sverre Steen as Co-Supervisor.

Duties of the position

The objectives of the research position are:

• Review state-of-the-art with respect to conventional and emerging zero-emission technologies, as well as shoreside solutions
• Establish case study and data with respect to vessel and equipment, operation area and route, environmental conditions, and operational profile
• Develop simplified models for hull resistance loads and electro-mechanical power transmission losses for electric propulsion system units under investigation
• Study optimal utilization of onboard power units, impact of this on dimensions/capacities, impact on vessel resistance and payload, and impact on shoreside infrastructure systems
• Study feasibility of zero-emission operation for proposed transport plans, with a comparison of energy and emission impact of various solutions

Develop a model to feature the fuel/energy consumption and emission footprint of the vessel along a given route for proposed transport solutions

As part of the research activities, you will collaborate actively with the public and industrial partners in the ZEVS project.

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 marine control systems (with knowledge on electric machinery systems or similar), alternatively in electric power systems with knowledge of control engineering and marine/maritime applications, 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.

• Excellent English skills (both written and spoken)
• Applicants from non-English speaking countries outside Europe must present an official language test report. The acceptable tests are TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). Minimum scores are:
  • TOEFL: 600 / writing 4.5 (paper-based) or 92 / writing 22 (internet-based)
  • IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted)
  • CAE/CPE: grade B or A.

Preferred selection criteria

• Knowledge and experience within hydrodynamics and/or data-driven modeling and/or electrical systems are favorable and should be highlighted
• Computer programming skills, listing competency in specific programming languages
• Academic results, publications, relevant specialization, work or research experience, personal qualifications, and motivations for making an impact on future zero-emission marine systems will be considered when evaluating the applicants

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.

Personal characteristics

The Candidate is expected to:

• Be scientifically curious and open to new research challenges, including consideration of a sustainable future
• Demonstrate independence and persistence in addressing and solving technical problems
• Be flexible and reliable, with ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team

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 program in Engineering connected to marine technology within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD program 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.

The position is subject to external funding through the RCN-funded project ZEVS.

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 submitted preferably in English, or in Norwegian.

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:

• Research motivation, an explanation on how the required selection criteria are met, and a statement on how soon you would be able to start in this PhD position
• Personal CV, with contact information, education, work experience, projects, interests, and other professional and voluntary activities and achievements
• Certificates, diplomas, and grade transcripts (with explanation of grading system)
• 1-2 relevant academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment
• Name, address, and contact information of 2-3 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 background and aptitude.

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 Professor Roger Skjetne, telephone 004773550446, e-mail: roger.skjetne@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Michi Skorstad Murakami, e-mail: michi.s.murakami@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-135/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 23.05.2021

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 Marine Technology

We develop methods and technology related to the blue economy: oil and gas extraction at sea, ship technology and the equipment industry, fisheries and aquaculture. We also have a strong commitment to the development of sustainable solutions for offshore renewable energy, coastal infrastructure, and marine robotics. Marine technology helps to solve major global challenges related to the environment, climate, energy, food and efficient transport. The Department of Marine Technology is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Deadline 23rd May 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Department of Marine Technology