Postdoc/PhD Fellowship in Verification and Optimization of Sustainable Plus Energy Neighborhoods

About the position 

We have a vacancy for a PhD or Post Doc as part of the H2020 project syn.ikia . Syn.ikia is an innovation action that aims to increase the share of sustainable neighbourhoods with surplus renewable energy in different contexts and climates in Europe. A key output of the project will be four real-life demo neighbourhoods in Norway, Spain, Austria, and the Netherlands that will serve as co-creation hubs for research, development and implementation of novel strategies, technologies, and processes.

The plus energy demo projects in syn.ikia will generate on-site renewable energy by employing photovoltaics (PV), heat pumps (HP), solar thermal collectors, combined with storage solutions. Furthermore, syn.ikia will facilitate peak shaving through load shifting, control, and storage, thus reducing the size of energy supply installations and infrastructure, increasing self-consumption of renewable energy, and reducing the stress on the grid.

The PhD or Postdoctoral fellowship will pursue the following objectives: 

• Verify the performance of plus energy buildings and neighbourhoods in different contexts and climates
• Evaluate the flexibility potential based on buildings’ components and climate data
• Optimize the use of the produced energy from renewable energy sources and quantify the potential for load shifting within each demo project

You will report to the Head of Department. 

Duties of the position

The tasks will include:

• Dynamic energy modelling and monitoring of plus energy buildings. Measurements of the imported and exported energy to evaluate if the designed performance is achieved.
• Strategies for connecting the building components and energy systems with neighbourhood energy systems to unlock the flexibility potential
• Monitoring and analysis of indoor climate parameters obtained at the plus energy buildings and neighbourhoods
• Management of related data and deliverables in syn.ikia project

The PhD or postdoctoral work will focus on the verification of the plus energy balance and energy flexibility at the building and neighbourhood level. The work will include modelling, co-simulations techniques and monitoring procedures.

You will contribute to the analysis and optimization of the energy flows between buildings and shared infrastructures, as for example the electrical grid and the on-site renewable systems.

Furthermore, the PhD or Post Doc will support the smooth implementation of syn.ikia project.

Required selection criteria

The department will select the most qualified candidate, i.e. meaning that if we have applicants that meet the requirements for a postdoctoral position within the required area, this candidate will be selected before a PhD fellow. If there are no applicants qualified for the postdoctoral position we will hire a PhD candidate, provided he/she meet the requirements for the position.

Postdoctoral position

A postdoctoral research fellowship is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. You must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree in Sustainable Architecture, Building Physics or in Energy, Environmental or Civil Engineering, or a relevant subject or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree is required.

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.

• Knowledge in integrated energy design of zero emission/energy buildings
• Knowledge in monitoring and dynamic modeling techniques of buildings
• Experience in research projects

PhD position

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in Sustainable Architecture, Building Physics or in Energy,  Environmental or Civil Engineering or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.

• Master’s degree in Sustainable Architecture, Building Physics or in Energy,  Environmental or Civil Engineering, or a relevant subject.
• Knowledge in integrated energy design of Zero emission/energy buildings

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant   

Preferred selection criteria

• A strong interest for multi-disciplinary analysis of building components, as well as, for integrated design, modelling and monitoring of energy/environmental performance of buildings and neighbourhoods. 
• Good written and oral English language skills
• Candidates familiar with the domain of Zero Emission/Positive energy Buildings
• Experience from international cooperation
• Ability to work as part of cross disciplinary research team

Personal characteristics

• Self-driven
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills

We offer 

Salary and conditions

The employment period for both positions is 3 years.

Postdoctoral candidates are placed in code 1352 and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 545 300 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.
PhD candidates are placed in code 1017and are normally paid from gross NOK 491 200 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 positions are subject to external funding. For both positions, it is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

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 follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

The application must include:

• A cover letter where you describe your personal motivation and how you intend to fill the position
• CV, certificates and diplomas
• List of publications
• Research plan or project proposal (max 3 pages incl. references), indicating your view of the main research challenges in the area of the position, the methodological approach and how this is relevant to their own background and the above research objectives. 
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 3 works)
• Name and email address of three referees

Uncomplete application will not be considered.

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation. In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

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 

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background.  

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. 

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants. 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact  Associate Professor Niki Gaitani, email [email protected] . If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR advisor Natalia Swahn, e-mail: [email protected] .

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI) .  

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. 

Application deadline: 12.12.2021

NTNU

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 Architecture and Technology

Our goal is to develop coherent and sustainable architecture of high quality. We work with form, theory and history, building materials and building structures, and energy-efficient and sustainable buildings. Our activities also include the preservation and development of traditional building craft skills. The Department of Architecture and Technology  is one of four departments in the Faculty of Architecture and Design .

Deadline 12th December 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service