About the Job

The Department of Marine Technology at NTNU has a vacancy for a researcher to join the Marine Machinery group. The main topic of the position is to examine the ignition and combustion of zero-carbon fuels experimentally and numerically for heavy duty internal combustion engines. The position is part of the Hi-EFECTS project, a Nordic Energy Research project and will include close collaboration with project partners at Aalto, Lund and World Maritime universities.

The marine sector is examining which technologies and energy carriers should be invested in to achieve the greenhouse gas emission targets set by the IMO. The large variety of vessel types in the marine sector means that one technology is unlikely to be applicable to all. For some vessels batteries seem like a sensible option but for larger, long-range vessels, it is likely that the internal combustion engine (ICE) will be used for many years into the future. Therefore, it is critical that zero carbon fuels with favourable operational and emissions characteristics must be used. Ammonia and methanol are such fuels. These fuels do not readily ignite in the engine, and some form of ignition enhancement is required. This position will examine the use of these fuels with dual fuelling and ignition improvers with the aim to achieve net zero GHG emissions. Work at NTNU will manly involve operation of a constant volume combustion chamber with new fuel injection systems and testing high speed optical measurement techniques.

The position is under the supervision of Associate Professor David Emberson. To apply- please read the duties of the position and also the required selection criteria and make sure you have addressed each of these points in the application.

Duties of the position

• Working with current researchers (using existing models) conduct a numerical examination of ammonia/methanol and high cetane fuel spray interaction to guide placement in future experimental work. 
• Complete the commissioning of a constant volume combustion chamber for zero carbon fuel testing.
• Conduct a detailed experimental examination of the fundamentals of ignition and combustion of ammonia and methanol with higher cetane fuels and with ignition improver blended. 

Required selection criteria

• You must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian PhD in either mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, physics or chemistry.
• If you can document that the PhD thesis has been submitted, your application can be assessed even if you have not yet defended your dissertation. Documentation of the obtained doctoral degree must be presented before you can take up the position. 
• You must have extensive combustion laboratory experience, preferably with high speed imaging.
• Experience with some form of numerical modelling (chemistry, physics, combustion). This is general, detailed knowledge of one particular methodology or software is not required.
• Good written and oral English language skills, including academic writing.
• Experience of working with a team of fellow researchers in a lab environment.

Preferred selection criteria

• Programming skills in MATLAB, Python, LabView or similar.
• Basic experience with some form of computational flid dynamics.
• Basic skills in combustion simulation (Cantera or similar).

Personal characteristics

• Good communication skills, written and oral.
• Positive attitude and confidence in working independently and in teams.
• Able to communicate well with academic staff and technical support staff.
• Appreciation of safe working practices.

Motivation for fundamental scientific research of practical relevance is essential, with an interest in experimental and empirical methods. 

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement. 

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 gross salary for the position of Researcher (code 1109) is normally remunerated at gross from NOK 580 000 – 600 000 before tax per year, 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.

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

About the application

The application and supporting documentation must be in English.

Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.  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. 

To apply- please read the duties of the position and also the required selection criteria and make sure you have addressed each of these points in the application.

The application must include: 

• CV, certificates and diplomas 
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 10 works) 
• A description of the academic/artistic works that you regard as most relevant and that you particularly want to be taken into account in the assessment 
• Research plan 
• Details of the projects you have managed, with information about funding, duration and size 
• Names and contact information for three relevant referees 

Joint work will also be considered. If it is difficult to identify your specific input to a joint project, you must include evidence of your contributions.  

In the assessment of the best qualified applicant, we will emphasize education, experience and personal suitability as well as your motivation for the position. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA. This means that we pay special attention to the quality and professional breadth of these works. We also consider experience from research management and participation in research projects. We place great emphasis on your scientific work from the last five years.

General information

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is a strength. We want our faculty and staff to reflect Norway’s culturally diverse population and we continuously seek to hire the best minds. This enables NTNU to increase productivity and innovation, improve decision making processes, raise employee satisfaction, compete academically with global top-ranking institutions and carry out our social responsibilities within education and research. NTNU emphasizes accessibility and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender identity, ability status, periods of unemployment or ethnic and cultural background.  

NTNU is working actively to increase the number of women employed in scientific positions and has a number of resources to promote equality. 

Working in Trondheim

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. 

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact David Emberson, telephone +4798152966, email david.emberson@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Marit Gjersvold, e-mail: marit.gjersvold@ntnu.no. 

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation. 

Application deadline: 24.09.2024

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 24th September 2024
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Jonsvannsveien 82, 7050 Trondheim