PhD position in aging and lifetime prediction of lightweight hydrogen storage tanks

• English

The Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering has a vacancy for a

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For a position as a PhD Candidate, the goal is a completed doctoral education up to an obtained doctoral degree. 

At the Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Gjøvik, we have a PhD position in aging and lifetime prediction of lightweight hydrogen storage tanks used in aerospace. The position is a 100% employment for 3 years. NTNU in Gjøvik is one of the new campuses of NTNU, located approximately 120km north of Oslo, and very close to Raufoss Industrial Park. NTNU works closely with SINTEF and the industrial sector of Norway and abroad. The Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering (IVB) consists of different research groups, while the candidate will join the Group for Sustainable Composites and will be part of ASEMlab team, led by Prof. Sotirios Grammatikos. ASEMlab is in possession of brand-new facilities for polymers and composites research covering manufacturing, testing, characterization, non-destructive evaluation, recycling as well as advanced design and analysis software. ASEMlab-NTNU is currently the main hub for composites research in Norway, with a portfolio of running (national and EU) projects and ongoing collaboration with the industrial sector.

We are looking for an exceptional candidate who has experience with university research. The candidate will support our group’s strategy in the increasingly growing demand in the field of polymers and composites for engineering applications. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to current research activities at NTNU and our cooperation partners, both inside NTNU, in Norway and internationally. Applicants with the ability to work across disciplines are especially encouraged to apply.

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions.

Your immediate leader is Head of Department.

• Study degradation and aging phenomena of new polymer composites used for H2 storage tanks in aviation
• Develop a customized accelerated aging protocol for polymer composites used for H2 tanks in aviation
• Develop custom-made modelling tools for lifetime prediction of polymer composites used for H2 storage tanks in aviation

The successful candidate will study challenges related to the prediction of long-term performance of lightweight composites used for a radically new technology of H2 tanks in aviation. To do that, basic knowledge and understanding of structural degradation and service aging overtime is required. The candidate will focus on a combined experimental and theoretical study, to address the needs of the project. We will develop solutions to predict lifetime. The research will be carried out in close collaboration with national and European partners. The PhD candidate will be part of the team of ASEMlab – NTNU (Laboratory of Advanced and Sustainable Engineering Materials), that currently involves among other researchers, about 10 PhD candidates and 2 Post-doctoral researchers. This PhD position will be part of a recently awarded European Project related to the aviation industry, therefore, professionality, exceptional communication skills as well as the ability to travel for project meetings and other dissemination activities, is a must.

• You must have a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent education
• Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree program, where 120 credits are obtained at master's level
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an average grade from the master's degree program, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared with NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic basis. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's doctoral program

The appointment is to be made in accordance with  Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosodophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant  

Proficiency in English language written and communication skills is a prerequisite. The candidate is expected to be fluent in written and oral English language skills. Candidates from universities outside Scandinavia and English speaking countries are kindly requested to document English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)).

TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (Internet-based test)

IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted)

CAE/CPE: grade B or A.

In extraordinary circumstances, formal documentation of language skills can be relinquished. In such cases the candidate’s language skills will be assessed in a personal interview.

Emphasis will be placed on education, previous experience, and personal suitability, as well as motivation, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement.

• strong background in multilayered composite structures
• extensive documented laboratory hands-on experience is a must (i.e. testing, characterization and analysis)
• experience with structural degradation issues of polymeric products during service
• experience with data analysis and background on modelling
• experience with additive manufacturing and/or automated tape winding /filament winding will be a plus

We are looking for a positive, balanced personality who can think creatively and critically. The candidate must have excellent analytical and collaboration skills as well as an ability to work independently and in teams. Cooperation skills and communication skills are important for the position and will be highly weighted in the selection process.

• 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

As a PhD candidate (code 1017) you are normally paid from gross NOK 501 200 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 within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

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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.

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

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 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.

The application must include 

1. Cover letter (1 page)

2. Curriculum vitae

3. Certified copy of transcripts and diplomas with grades from post graduate studies

4. Statement of Purpose (max. 1 page) that should include:

• A short presentation of the motivation for a PhD student
• How the applicant sees his/her background suitable for the position
• The applicant’s view of research challenges within the area of the PhD position

5. Names and contact details of at least 2 reference persons who we can contact

6. A copy of the master thesis (in PDF), or, for those who are near to completion of their MSc, an extended abstract combined with a statement of how and when the applicant plans to complete the thesis (1 page)

Incomplete applications and applications not meeting the background criteria, will not be considered. Nominations and applications will be considered until the position is filled.

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher education. Description of the documentation required can be found here . If you already have a statement from NOKUT, please attach this as well.

We will take joint work into account. If it is difficult to identify your efforts in the joint work, you must enclose a short description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

Working at NTNU

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is our strength. We want to recruit people with different competencies, educational backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to solving our social responsibilities within education and research. We will facilitate for our employees’ needs.

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

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The city of Gjøvik has a population of 30 000 and is a town known for its rich music and cultural life. The beautiful nature surrounding the city is ideal for an active outdoor life! The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world.

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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 questions about the position you are welcome to contact Professor Sotirios Grammatikos, Research Group Leader for Sustainable Composites, Director of Laboratory of Advanced & Sustainable Engineering Materials (ASEMlab), [email protected], phone: + 4790577561.

Questions about the recruitment process can be directed to HR-consultant Kristine Rognlid Hagaseth, [email protected]

If 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: 06.12.2022

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 Manufacturing and Civil Engineering

Our profile of expertise can help to solve the world’s most important societal challenge: the development of sustainable solutions in industry and society. This profile includes research on modern industrial processes, use of new and recycled materials, new technological solutions and the application of new forms of organization and business models. The Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

6th December 2022

NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Gjøvik

Fulltime (1 stillinger) Fulltime (%)

Engagement

NTNU Campus Gjøvik

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