259649 | NTNU | 2 PhD Candidates in Greener and More Secure Chemical Processes

10 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Department

Department of Energy and Process Engineering

Research Field

Engineering » Chemical engineering
Engineering » Process engineering
Technology » Energy technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Norway

Application Deadline

8 Apr 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Oslo)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

37,5

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description
This is NTNU

NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

About the job

The Process and Power Program, Department of Energy and Process Engineering (EPT) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is seeking PhD Candidates in the NTNU-MIT Energy Research Programme under the research topic “Greener, More Secure Energy Supply Chains through Improved Processes”. As a part of the research programme, NTNU PhD candidates will collaborate with MIT professors and researchers on important research topics in energy. This topic focuses big-picture technology decisions on how to address tradeoffs between economics, security, and environmental issues in energy supplies from a triple bottom line of sustainability standpoint. One key methodology includes eco-technoeconomic analyses of proposed early stage technologies in order to value and identify potential technology solutions (new processes, technologies, unit operations, etc.) that are the most promising from a commercial and practical standpoint (and which to reject). These will be done with the big picture in mind while focusing on the technical details at the process and unit operation level, understanding that the supply chain and regional impacts are important and impact all the way down to the process design level.

Project 1: PhD Candidate in Green Hydrogen Economy Technologies and Supply Chains

This focuses on the expansion of technologies and models developed for regional supply chain applications to new applications in (1) The Trans-Atlantic Energy Bridge, and (2) a Norway to Europe supply chain. Key methodologies will include technology modelling and simulation of various process components and economic and environmental assessments considering standardized methods of comparison within a regional and international socio-political framework. A major goal is to determine optimal supply chain network models driven by rigorous technological (e.g. Aspen Plus), commercial (economic), and environmental (life cycle assessment) models that will tell us what the best technology pathways are for both countries.

Project 2: PhD Candidate in Electrification of Chemical Processes

Electrification is receiving much interest as a way of reducing the carbon footprint of many different types of industrial processes. The idea is to displace fossil energy with electricity derived from low-carbon sources, relying on the explosive growth in renewables and the resurgence of interest in nuclear energy. This task focuses on design, modelling, simulation, optimization, and eco-technoeconomic analysis of key chemical processes with high carbon footprints that are good candidates for electrification. We will assess most promising chemical process electrification strategies at both a detailed technical level as well as a broad, regional supply chain level. One key area of interest is hydrogen production via electrolysis. For example, we want to determine the region-specific conditions for when it is better to use electrification technologies (e.g. electric arc heating in steel refining instead of combustion-heat-based) or to rather make H2 from electricity and in-corporate H2 supply chains into processing (e.g. H2 reduction in steel refining instead of coke-based).

About the positions

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

It is also an exciting opportunity to work with an elite team of researchers who are tackling the most relevant and urgent problems in sustainable energy systems. The EPT department contains a diverse range of expertise in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, energy systems engineering, process engineering, industrial ecology, industrial economics, life cycle assessment, and other specialities. We are looking for someone to join our team and contribute their expertise to high-impact research that has the potential to change our world for the better.

Your immediate leader is Prof. Thomas A. Adams II.

Duties of the positions

• Perform academic research relating to the project, including proposing new ideas and directions.
• Interact and collaborate with our team of academics across multiple disciplines
• Communicate results effectively through research journal publications, conference presentations, explanatory videos, lectures, social media posts, or other forms of communication to a diverse range of audiences.
• Assist with and participate in related scholarly activities in the Process and Power group as a part of your own academic training. This may include attending, leading, or organizing talks and meetings; assisting with academic event logistics and organizations; or reviewing and providing feedback on the work of colleagues.

Required selection criteria

1)      You must have a professionally relevant background in chemical engineering, energy process systems engineering, or a closely related field.

2)      Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree program, where 120 credits are obtained at master's level.

3)      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.

4)      Master's students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented by September 1, 2024.

5)      You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's doctoral program Doctoral Programme - PhD - Faculty of Engineering Science - NTNU

6)      Demonstrated expertise in chemical or energy process design concepts and methodologies.

7)      Demonstrated expertise in chemical or energy process modelling and simulation software such as Aspen Plus, Aspen Hysys, ProMax, Pro/II, gProms, or similar packages.

8)      The project proposal, demonstration of expertise, and quality of the academic works must meet the threshold of excellence.

9)      Good written and oral English skills.

10)   Must be able to start the position by September 1, 2024.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with Regulations on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, Phd candidate, research assistant and specialist candidate  and 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 

Preferred selection criteria

1)      A strong peer-reviewed research publication record (including in-press or accepted works) in chemical process systems  engineering,  energy systems engineering, or a closely related field that demonstrates significant independent contributions of the researcher. Submitted works undergoing peer review can be considered in lieu of published research output.

2)      Training in the application and theory of stochastic and deterministic global optimization methods, such as mathematical programming, swarm methods, etc.

3)      Training in ISO 14040 series LCA methodologies.

4)      Familiarity with LCA software and databases such as SimaPro or OpenLCA.

5)      Training in techno-economic or eco-technoeconomic analyses methodologies.

6)      Proficiency in at least one common programming language (Python, C++, Matlab, etc.).

7)      Training in exergy analysis and its applications to conceptual process design.

8)      Experience with design and analysis of low-carbon hydrogen production systems or electrification technologies in the chemical or energy industry.

Personal characteristics

1)       Sees the big picture and takes broader considerations into account.

2)       Develops effective, sensible and practical solutions to problems.

3)       Communicates information with clarity and ease, both orally and in writing.

4)       Adapts behaviour quickly and efficiently to achieve goals, overcome setbacks or solve a challenge.

5)       Operates independently and thinks critically.

Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

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

As a PhD candidate (code 1017) you are normally paid from gross NOK 532 200 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 (Doctoral Programme - PhD - Faculty of Engineering Science - NTNU ) 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 be attached to 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)      CV and certificates.

2)      Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's and master's degrees. If you have not completed the master's degree, you must submit a confirmation that the master's thesis has been submitted.

3)      A copy of the master's thesis or a draft of a submitted master's thesis still in review, or if a thesis has not been submitted, a partial draft of the thesis or an associated research writing sample, such as a research paper. Documentation of a completed master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.

4)      Project Proposal - Provide a 2 page proposal (max 1 page text including references plus 1 additional page with a figure or sketch) on something original and interesting related to sustainable energy systems, such as alternative energy, synthetic fuels, waste valorization, waste-to-energy, bioenergy, renewable energy, nuclear energy, the hydrogen economy, etc. The proposal should briefly: (a) identify an unsolved problem or research question (a small problem or incremental contribution is fine); (b) propose a research methodology that would help solve the problem or answer the question (what would you actually do to solve this problem); (c) indicate the kind of metrics or information you would need to make your conclusions (e.g. how do you know if idea A is better than B?); and (d) identify the potential benefits and drawbacks.

5)      Name and contact information of three referees.

6)      If you have publications or other relevant research work.

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.

General information

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.

EPT has established EPT Women in Science. The group is focused on supporting female PhD Candidates, Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Assistants and permanent academic employees within the Department. This support aims to help develop the careers of female PhD Candidates, Postdocs and Research Assistants, and is also made visible to our student body to encourage them to consider an academic path. As part of the EPT Women in Science initiative we are building an international network, inviting prominent female academics within and beyond the field of Engineering to speak at our events. 

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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.

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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 any questions about the position, please contact Prof. Adams, e-mail: [email protected] . If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Ingrid Wiggen, e-mail: [email protected] .

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: 08.04.24

 

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 Energy and Process Engineering

We conduct research and teaching covering the entire energy chain, from resources to the end-user. We look at how energy is produced and used by humans and machines in a sustainable way with regard to health, climate change and the resource base. The Department of Energy and Process Engineering  is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

 

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering » Chemical engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Process engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Technology » Energy technology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Department of Energy and Process Engineering

Country

Norway

City

Trondheim

Postal Code

7491

Street

Høgskoleringen 1

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/259649/2-phd-candidates-in-green…

Contact

City

Trondheim

Website

http://www.ntnu.no

Street

Høgskoleringen 1

Postal Code

7491

STATUS: EXPIRED