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 with the Department of Engineering Sciences, for a period of three years. The position is located, at the present, at Campus Grimstad. The starting date is negotiable with the Faculty.
Responsibilities
This PhD research fellow position is within the field of multibody dynamics with flexible bodies and their possible applications.
The Agder region is world leading in the development and design of offshore load handling equipments. The University of Agder plays an active role in this. To increase the accuracy of the load handling, more accurate dynamic models of the systems are required. The overall aim of this PhD-position is to develop better models of mechanical systems with slender flexible/soft bodies like crane structures, manipulators, or flexible robots. The actuation system either electrical or hydraulic and the control system also need to be included in the models.
The models may be implemented and used for the development of:
Anti swing or input shaping for hanging loads on cranes
Heave compensation for marine cranes
Tool-point control
It may also be relevant to include data-driven modelling to improve the accuracy even further.
The Norwegian Motion Laboratory located at the University of Agder includes various dynamic equipments like loader crane, different robots, Stewart platforms, motion capturing system, hydraulic ring line system etc. so the developed algorithms and models are expected to be experimentally verified.
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.
Good knowledge of English, both written and oral. Please check this website for the English proficiency requirements. Please check this website to see if an English test is required.
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. Read 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/BSc and MSc transcripts
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.
