Norway: Doctoral Fellowship in Distributed Generation Technology, the Universityof Agder

Doctoral Fellowship in Distributed Generation Technology at the University of Agder, Norway, Faculty of Engineering and Science

Ref. 86/08

A doctoral fellowship in distributed generation technology is available at the University of Agder. The University wishes to fill this vacancy as soon as possible. The post is in the Faculty of Engineering and Science which is located in Grimstad, Norway.

The energy utility Agder Energi finances the post as part of a strategic strengthening of the cooperation with the University of Agder, and as part of a strengthening of the group that works in the field of distributed generation at the University.

The doctoral fellow will work on the project “Distributed Generation for Mobile Communication Systems”. The focus in the project is on technologies for secure power supply to base or repeater stations, where photovoltaic generators provide the basic power needed. There may also be a presence of a power grid, but in this case, the power grid is there primarily for backup and/or for providing power to possible AC-consumers in the station, as well as sinking any surplus power from the photovoltaic generators. The prospective candidate must write a one- to two-page research proposal on this topic as part of the application. The proposal may focus on the system aspects of the power distribution, including energy storage, or on details of the necessary power electronics interface for the photovoltaic generators, such as its topology and/or (digital) control. The quality and relevance of the research proposal will form part of the evaluation of prospective candidates.

As part of the PhD-study, the candidate must complete courses on relevant subjects at the doctoral level corresponding to half a year of full-time studies.

It is expected that the candidate becomes an integrated part of relevant academic environments at the Faculty of Engineering and Science in the University of Agder.

The post requires a candidate with a Master’s degree or equivalent in electrical engineering, preferably with a specialization in power electronics. The successful applicant must fulfil the necessary demands for acceptance into the PhD program in mobile communication systems at the University of Agder. It is a prerequisite that a doctoral fellow is accepted into the program within three months of their receiving an appointment.

The post requires an ability to work in a goal-oriented, organized, concentrated and independent manner. Emphasis will be placed on personal qualifications and collaborative abilities. When assessing applications, emphasis will also be placed on the applicant’s previously awarded examination marks and relevant practice as well as any previously completed development work and/or published work.

The working language is English. Knowledge in a Nordic language is an advantage.

The doctoral fellowship is awarded for a time period of three years. However, the Faculty of Engineering and Science may, according to more detailed agreements, offer a prolonged scholarship period in exchange for other types of work during the normal period. These obligations may include teaching and supervision of undergraduate students, or providing assistance in research programs. It is a prerequisite that the candidate aims towards finishing a PhD degree during the scholarship period.

It may be necessary for the doctoral fellow to spend part of his/her time at external institutions or cooperating partners in Norway or abroad during the scholarship period. The doctoral fellow is, however, expected to spend most of his/her time at the University of Agder.

The public sector aims to reflect the diversity found in the population to the highest possible degree. It is therefore a personnel/political objective to achieve equality with regard to age and gender and to recruit persons possessing immigrant backgrounds. Persons with immigrant backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the position.

Women are encouraged to apply.

The appointment will be made by the Appointment Committee for Educational and Research Positions at Agder University. Appointees have rights and obligations in accordance with the regulations which apply to their position at all times.

The position is placed in the State salary plan 17.515, code 1017, stage 43. A statutory deposit is made to the state pension fund.

The application should include a CV, at least two academic references and certified copies of certificates bearing the stamp of the awarding institution, and letters of recommendation. All must be submitted in a set of four copies. The research proposal, scientific publications and other R&D activities to be included in the evaluation, as well as a publication list, must be submitted in three copies. The applicant bears sole responsibility for submitting sufficient and complete documentation.

The application should contain a brief description of the applicant’s background, his/her fields of interest and their relevance for the PhD position.

Applications may be sent to University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Science c/o Advisor Anne Lise de Lange, Servicebox 509, 4898 Grimstad, Norway, marked with reference number 86/08.

Application deadline: July 14, 2008

A more comprehensive description of the post may be obtained by contacting professor Ole-Morten Midtgård, tel. +47 37 25 32 38, e-mail: ole-morten.midtgard[ at ]uia.no or Institute leader Rein Terje Thorstensen, tel. +47 37 25 32 16, e-mail: rein.t.thorstensen[ at ]uia.no

Internet address: http://www.uia.no/stilling