The University of Agder has more than 1400 employees and 13 000 students. This makes us one of the largest workplaces in Southern Norway. Our staff research, teach and disseminate knowledge from a variety of academic fields. Co-creation of knowledge is our common vision. We offer a broad range of study programmes in many fields. We are situated at two modern campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad respectively.
We are an open and inclusive university marked by a culture of cooperation. The aim of the university is to further develop education and research at a high international level.
About the position
A 100 % position is available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Science as a PhD Research Fellow in Mechatronics, affiliated to the Department of Engineering Sciences, for a period of three years, or four years with 25% required duties. The position is located, at the present, at Campus Grimstad and it is part of the research centre SFI Offshore Mechatronics and more precise with work package 1 Drives. The starting date is negotiable with the Faculty.
Responsibilities
This PhD Research Fellow position is within the field of Energy Efficient Offshore Hydraulic Systems with focus on Linear Actuation.
The overall aim of the PhD position is to investigate the energy efficiency aspects of offshore hydraulic systems and to propose how modern system architectures and control techniques are useful in the design of these systems with an increased efficiency.
It is important, on a high level, to recognize the hydraulic system as part of a bigger system, a complete machine, that serves a purpose for a user. Understanding the user’s needs is the key to realizing an energy-efficient system. To avoid sub-optimization on a machine level, it is important to understand how the hydraulic system works in relation to other sub-systems too. It is also important to recognize the machine operator as a part of the system and understand that changes to the hydraulic system may influence his or her operation behaviour and thereby affect the energy efficiency. Therefore, with the above in mind, an objective will be to test and demonstrate proposed systems in a laboratory environment to validate theoretical models and hypotheses.
The main research question is formulated as: How can energy-efficient hydraulic (linear/rotary) actuation be realized in offshore application? More specific: Which are the main challenges in the realization of energy-efficient offshore hydraulic systems? Which are the enabling technologies in the design of efficient actuation systems for offshore applications? What are viable system architectures for energy-efficient actuation in offshore applications?
Required qualifications
Master’s degree in a relevant field (mechatronics, mechanical engineering or similar). This year’s candidates/candidates who are in the closing stages of their master’s degree can also apply.
Background or experience in the following areas:
Design and analysis of fluid power systems
Modelling and simulation of fluid power systems
Modelling and simulation of mechanical systems
Control theory – applied and theoretically
Programming in MATLAB or similar
English proficiency, both written and oral. Applicants from some countries must document their English proficiency through an English test (TOEFL, IELTS or CEFR). Please check this website to see if an English test is required.
Experimental work is planned to be a part of the project, so it is beneficial if the candidate has experience with this, including design of experiments and data acquisition.
Personal qualities
Quick learner, motivated and dedicated to research
Strong analytical, experimental and measurement skills
Team player, and be able to work independently depending upon the situations
Good communication and documentation skills
Personal qualities and suitability for the position will be emphasised.
We offer
professional development in a large, exciting and socially influential organisation
a positive, inclusive and diverse working environment
modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers
The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, NOK 479 600 gross salary per year. A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions.
General information
UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply for the position.
The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions.
Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. More about the employment process.
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.
Application
The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) are to be sent electronically. Use the link "Apply for this job".
The following documentation must be uploaded electronically:
Certificates with grades
Master’s thesis
References
Academic work and R&D projects, as well as a list of these
Project description with a maximum scope of 5 pages, including reference list. The outline should present and discuss possible research questions, theory perspectives, material, a progress plan, and methods within the given framework
Any other relevant documentation
The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English.
