PhD Fellowship in Methods for Linearising Switched and Quantised Systems

30 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Stavanger

Department

Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering

Research Field

Technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Norway

Application Deadline

11 Mar 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
Job description

The University of Stavanger invites applicants for a PhD Fellowship in Methods for Linearising Switched and Quantised Systems at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering.

The position is vacant from 01.08.2024.

This is a trainee position that will give promising researchers an opportunity for academic development through a PhD education leading to a doctoral degree.

The hired candidate will be admitted to the PhD program in Science and Technology. The education includes relevant courses amounting to about six months of study, a dissertation based on independent research, participation in national and international research environments, relevant academic communication, a trial lecture and public defence. Read more about the PhD education at UiS on our website.

The appointment is for three years with research duties exclusively.

Research topic

The PhD fellow will be affiliated with a project aiming to develop methods for linearising switched and quantised systems. Existing methods include pulse-width modulation, delta-sigma modulation, noise-shaping, dithering and model-predictive control. The project will aim at developing methods suitable for high bandwidth and low computational complexity.

There are currently three concrete experimental applications in the project group:

• ultra-linear digital-to-analogue conversion (21 effective number of bits)
• laser interferometry for displacement measurement with improved accuracy and linearity
• bi-directional power converters with low or no distortion

These devices are to be used by partners for measurement science (metrology), ultra-high precision mechatronics and grid-connected batteries.

The ability to use control signals to smooth non-linearities has been known in control engineering since the 1940's, and was successfully applied to reduce friction (mechanical lubrication) in cannon turrets and quench limit cycles due to non-linear valves in hydroelectric power plants. In more recent years such methods have been extensively used in power electronics to improve power quality and reliability, to achieve "super-resolution" in digital signal processing: e.g. for image processing (most notable the Hubble space telescope), distortion-free re-quantisation between data types, or high-fidelity audio recording.

The PhD candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers in the partner institutions and benefit from these collaborative research and education activities. The group you will be joining has used dithering techniques to build the highest resolution digital-to-analogue converter known in the literature and will serve as the starting point of the current project. The project is a collaboration between the University of Stavanger, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Justervesenet (Norwegian Metrology Service) and Eindhoven University of Technology, as well as The University of Newcastle, Australia. An extended research stay at one or more of these institutions is encouraged.

The main objective for this position is to develop linearising methods applicable to switched and quantised systems, specifically physical modelling and simulation:

• developing new model-based control methods (optimal control schemes such as model-predictive control will be a starting point),
• investigating the application in digital-to-analogue converters, laser interferometry and power converters.

The work can focus on experimental results in the lab or be more oriented towards theory, depending on the candidate's background and interests.

As part of the project team, you will work alongside other highly motivated and talented PhD candidates and researchers. You will also have access to the knowledge base, state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and impact orientation of the partners in the team.

Qualification requirements

We are looking for applicants with a strong academic background who have completed a five-year master degree (3+2) within control engineering, applied mathematics, electronic and embedded systems or signal processing, preferably acquired recently; or who possess corresponding qualifications that could provide a basis for successfully completing a doctorate.

To be eligible for admission to the doctoral programmes at the University of Stavanger both the grade for your master’s thesis and the weighted average grade of your master’s degree must individually be equivalent to or better than a B grade. If you finish your education (masters degree) in the spring of 2024 you are also welcome to apply.

Applicants with an education from an institution with a different grade scale than A-F, and/or with other types of credits than sp/ECTS, must attach a confirmed conversion scale that shows how the grades can be compared with the Norwegian A-F scale and a Diploma Supplement or similar that explains the scope of the subjects that are included in the education. You can use these conversion scales  to calculate your points for admission.

Emphasis is also placed on your:

• experience with systems and control
• experience with optimisation and estimation (i.e. model-predictive control or probability theory)
• experience with physical modelling and simulation
• the quality and relevance of your publications and/or thesis, and capacity for work
• motivation and potential for research within the field
• experience and enthusiasm for experimental work
• ability to work independently and in a team, take responsibility and be accountable, solve problems and be creative and innovative

Requirements for competence in English

A good proficiency in English is required for anyone attending the PhD program. International applicants must document this with a valid test certificate from one of the following tests:

• TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test (IBT). Minimum result: 90
• IELTS – International English Language Testing Service. Minimum result: 6.5
• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) from the University of Cambridge
• PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English Academic. Minimum result: 62

The following applicants are exempt from the above requirements:

• Applicants with one year of completed university studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA
• Applicants with an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma
• Applicants with a completed bachelor's and / or master's degrees taught in English in a EU/EEA country
• Applicants who are exempt based on NOKUT's GSU list

We offer

• a PhD education in a large, exciting and societally important organisation
• an ambitious work community which is developing rapidly. We strive to include employees at all levels in strategic decisions and promote an informal atmosphere with a flat organisational structure.
• access to Lifekeys , a digital service for the preservation of personal mental health and well-being
• salary in accordance with the State Salary Scale, l.pl 17.515, code 1017, NOK 532 200 gross per year with salary development according to seniority in the position. In special cases a higher salary may be considered. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• automatic membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund , which provides favourable insurance- and retirement benefits
• favourable membership terms at a gym and at the SIS sports club  at campus
• employment with an Inclusive Workplace organisation which is committed to reducing sick leave, increasing the proportion of employees with reduced working capacity, and increasing the number of professionally active seniors
• "Hjem-jobb-hjem"  discounted public transport to and from work
• as an employee in Norway, you will have access to an optimal health service, as well as good pensions, generous maternity/paternity leave, and a competitive salary. Nursery places are guaranteed and reasonably priced
• relocation programme

Diversity

Diversity is a resource in the working and learning environment at UiS. When we have different backgrounds and experiences, we can approach challenges from multiple perspectives and find better solutions.

At UiS, we are committed to showing respect for each other's differences and accommodating employees with disabilities. We take into consideration your needs and your situation in various life phases.

If you find this position interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, disability, cultural background, or whether you have been out of the workforce for a period.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, gaps in their CV, or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these groups for an interview. If you fall into any of these categories, feel free to indicate it when applying for the position.

Learn more about the criteria for being considered an applicant in these specific groups here .

The university aims to recruit more women within the subject area. If several applicants are considered to have equal qualifications, female applicants will be given priority.

Contact information

More information on the position (and project description) can be obtained from Associate Professor Arnfinn Aas Eielsen, tel: +4751832823, e-mail: [email protected] .

Information about the appointment procedure can be obtained from Senior HR advisor Margot A.Treen, tel: +4751831419, e-mail: [email protected] .

Application

To apply for this position please follow the link "Apply for this job". Your application letter, relevant education and work experience as well as language skills must be registered here. In your application letter, you must state your research interests and motivation for the position.

The following documents must be uploaded as attachments to your application:

• CV with a full summary of your education and experience
• references, certificates/diplomas and other documentation that you consider relevant
• Diploma Supplement or similar and a confirmed conversion scale if this is required
• documentation on competence in English if this is required
• publications or other relevant research work

Applications are evaluated based on the information available in Jobbnorge at the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above and that you have attached the necessary documentation. 

The documentation must be available in either a Scandinavian language or in English. If the total size of the attachments exceeds 30 MB, they must be compressed before upload.

Please note that information on applicants may be published even if the applicant has requested not to be included in the official list of applicants - see Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act . If your request is not granted, you will be notified.

UiS only considers applications and attachments registered in Jobbnorge.

General information

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. If your application is considered to be in conflict with the criteria in the latter legislation, it will be rejected without further assessment.

Employment as PhD Fellow is regulated in "Regulations concerning terms and conditions of employment for the posts of post-doctoral research fellow and research fellow, research assistant and resident ".

Your qualifications for the position, based on documentation registered in Jobbnorge, will be assessed by an internal expert committee. Based on the committee's statement, relevant applicants will be invited to an interview before any recommendations are made. References will also be obtained for relevant candidates. More about the hiring process on our website.

The appointee will be based at the University of Stavanger, with the exception of a stay abroad at a relevant centre of research.

It is a prerequisite that you have a residence which enables you to be present at/available to the academic community during ordinary working hours.

The position has been announced in both Norwegian and English. In the case of differences of meaning between the texts, the English text takes precedence.

UiS - challenge the well-known and explore the unknown

The University of Stavanger (UiS) has about 12,000 students and 2,200 employees. The university has high ambitions. We strive to have an innovative and international profile, and be a driving force in knowledge development and in the process of societal change. Our common direction is driven by consideration for green and sustainable change and equitable social development, through new ways of managing natural resources and facilitating better cities and local communities. Energy, health and welfare, learning for life are our focus areas.

In constant collaboration and dialogue with our surroundings, regionally, nationally and internationally, we enjoy an open and creative climate for education, research, innovation, dissemination and museum activities. Academic life at the University of Stavanger is organised into six faculties comprising various departments/schools and National Research Centres, as well as the Museum of Archaeology. We are a member of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities. The university is located in the most attractive region in the country with more than 300,000 inhabitants. The Stavanger region has a dynamic labour market and exciting cultural and leisure activities.

Together with our staff and students we will challenge the well-known and explore the unknown.

The Faculty of Science and Technology offers study programs at bachelor, master and doctoral level. The faculty has established close cooperation on research with NORCE (Norwegian Research Centre AS) and the regional industry. A number of master's and doctoral theses are made in collaboration with the industry. The faculty has established research collaborations with universities in the US and Europe, and has developed several academic environments that are at the forefront internationally.The faculty has about 2,800 students and approximately 500 employees at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Structural Engineering and Materials Science, Department of Mathematics and Physics, Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering, Department of Energy Resources and the Department of Safety, Economics and Planning.

Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering carries out research and offers study programs at all levels in Drilling Technology, Natural Gas Technology, Petroleum Engineering and Energy Technology. The department has established close research collaboration with relevant industry - especially in the petroleum and battery sector. The department focuses on internationalization, with the development of English study programs and high mobility among academic staff and students. There are currently 60 employees including research fellows and postdocs.

Questions about the position

Arnfinn Aas Eielsen
Førsteamanuensis
[email protected]

Margot A.Treen
Senior HR-rådgiver
[email protected]

Requirements

Research Field

Technology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Stavanger

Country

Norway

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/256337/phd-fellowship-in-methods…

Contact

City

STAVANGER

Website

http://www.uis.no

Postal Code

N-4036

STATUS: EXPIRED