About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD Candidate at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.

Digital technologies are the most likely to be the strongest driver of change today, and the industry 4.0 is having strong impact also on logistics. Mechanical and Industrial Engineers and Managers of the future will have to design and manage the next generations’ products, machines, and material handling equipment which are more complex and smarter.

In the last years, Digital Logistics (or Logistics 4.0) has obtained a lot of attention from the scientific community, driven by the industry collaboration in the implementation of new technologies for smart logistics and material handling systems, also in other sectors like healthcare, hospitals, home-delivery etc. Thus, in addition to traditional cost-profit goals, logistics systems are requested to be more sustainable, with more environmental- and societal-friendly solutions.

You will report to Professor Fabio Sgarbossa

Duties of the position

The PhD candidate is within the area of Logistics and Digital Technologies (Warehouse Robotization, Mobile Robots, Drones, Innovative Autonomous Material Handling, Digital Twin for Logistics, etc…). The main goal of this project is to develop new knowledge on sustainable digital logistics systems, through the following sub-objectives: (1) Development of new methods on how to design, plan and control sustainable digital logistics systems; (2) Development of new guidelines to support companies in the implementation and usage of such systems.

In order to achieve the results of the project, the following research methods will be applied. For the first sub-objective, advanced mathematical and analytical modelling (Semi-Open Queuing theory, innovative simulation modelling) are the most promising methods to design, plan and control such systems. For the second sub-objective, new Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence methods will be applied in order to extract useful information from the data collected with the previous modelling activities and create decision support system to guide the practitioners in design, plan and control such systems.

The PhD candidate will take part in the mandatory PhD research education program and conduct independent research and publish the result in recognised scientific journals and present them in international conferences.

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 Industrial Engineering, Logistics Engineering, Production and Logistics Management 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. Master of Science students at NTNU who complete the first year of their 2-year master program, or their fourth year of their 5-year integrated master program, can apply for the position and will then be evaluated for an “integrated PhD”. 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.

For an application to be considered, the applicant must attach a description of a research plan (maximum 3 pages).

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.

Other required selection criteria

• Qualified and strong background within the topic and methodologies of the research project
• Excellence, Impact and Implementation of the submitted research plan

Preferred selection criteria

• Strong analytical skills and interest in qualitative perspectives and quantitative approaches
• Good written and oral English language skills
• Candidates with Scandinavian language skills will be preferred
• It is beneficial if the applicant has some previous experience from industry or research in food production or food supply chains

Personal characteristics

• Ability to work independently as well as in teams
• Good communication skills and ability to work in close contact with industry
• Strong writing capabilities

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, https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phiv, 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 (Departments to choose from the following):

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• Research plan of maximum 3 pages
• Name and address for preferably 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 Fabio Sgarbossa, telephone +47 90768098, email fabio.sgarbossa@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-150/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 26 May 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 26th May 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Dep. of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering