PhD position in Mechanical Engineering, University of Iceland

Updated: over 2 years ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 12 Nov 2021

Applications are invited for a PhD student position in Mechanical Engineering. The project is in the field of structural and heat transfer modelling.


Field of work
The project aim is to develop lighter and more environmentally friendly plastic PE containers and EPS boxes, which are used for transport and storage of fresh fish products. The PhD student will integrate numerical heat transfer and structural models to design new food packaging. Environmental impacts of different food packaging will be evaluated in a parallel PhD study, thereby requiring cross-disciplinary cooperation. The project is a collaborative project between the packaging manufacturers Sæplast and Tempra, University of Iceland, Matís, Itub, Samherji and Arnarlax and considerable research work will be performed at Sæplast in Dalvík, Iceland. The project is funded for three years by the national fund ¿Matvælasjóður¿.
Qualification requirements
  • M.Sc. degree in a relevant field of structural and heat transfer modelling, for example in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering or engineering physics.
  • Independence and ability to work in a team.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English.

The selected candidate must send a formal application for PhD studentship at the University of Iceland within one month after being offered the position.


Application process

The PhD student position starts no later than in January 2022 but it is possible to start sooner.

Applications should include i) a cover letter, ii) a CV (stating relevant work experience, knowledge in computer programming, and a list of publications if any), iii) copies of university diplomas (BS and MS), course listings with grade information (in English), iv) a one-page statement of research interests, v) names and full contact information of two professional referees (including their relationship to the applicant).

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after the application deadline. 

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland. http://www.hi.is/haskolinn/jafnrettisaaetlun#markmid2

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy. https://www.hi.is/haskolinn/malstefna_haskola_islands

The University of Iceland is the largest teaching, research and science institute in Iceland and is ranked among the top 40 universities in the world in Electrical and Computer Engineering by the 2020 Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities.

The University of Iceland is a growing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism, and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the progression of the studies and research in all fields within the realm of the University. 

The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs around 400 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. Currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international. The school has 2000 students, thereof around 180 PhD students and 340 MS students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its¿ diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing is paramount.

For further information please visit the University of Iceland  and Relocation Services  webpages.


Application deadline

Application deadline is 12.11.2021


For further information contact

Björn Margeirsson

[email protected]

Fjóla Jónsdóttir

[email protected]



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