About us

The University of Southeastern Norway (USN) ranks as the country's fourth largest higher education institution. We are a vibrant community of approximately 18,000 students and 1,900 employees.

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About the position

The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences has a vacancy for a 100% 3-year position as PhD Research Fellow in Environmental Technology and Process Engineering.

The position is located at the Department of Process, Energy and Environmental Technology and reports to the Head of the Department, Prof. Lars-Erik Øi. The place of employment is at campus Porsgrunn.

The employment period will be three years of full time with no teaching obligations, and there is a premise for employment that the PhD Research Fellow is enrolled in the university’s doctoral programme in Technology within three months of accession in the position.

About the PhD-project

The PhD position aims to to develop a new integrated hybrid biofilm-enzyme-based reactor technology for energy efficient treatment of nitrogen and pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in municipal and industrial wastewater. The project will explore membrane aerate biofilm (MAB) and aerobic granular sludge (AGS) reactors and their combining advantages for degradation of PhACs and other toxic pollutants in wastewater. Additionally, the project will investigate integrating membrane biofilm processes and enzyme technology to minimize the energy cost and transform the wastewater treatment plants into more energy efficient and sustainable processes. The PhD project is one component of the Energy Efficient and Sustainable Treatment – ESWAT project funded by the Norwegian Research Council. 

Proficiency in some of the following areas will be advantageous:

• Solid knowledge of bioprocess, biotechnology, and environmental technology.
• Biofilm-based bioreactor design, construction and operation.
• Biofilm characterization and knowledge of DNA sequencing.
• Solid knowledge on standard methods for wastewater characterization.
• Computational modelling in wastewater treatment processes.

The research area for the position may include technologies referred to in the Ministry's export control regulations. Relevant license or security clearances may therefore be required. For more information, see https://nsm.no/en/

Qualifications

Applicants to the PhD position must have a master’s degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent higher education qualifications in Engineering (Environmental, Process, Chemical, Biological, Biotechnological, etc.) The degree must be accomplished before application deadline.

The candidate must have the ability to work independently and at the same time have the motivation to share knowledge and take part in teamwork. Personal suitability for the post will be emphasised.

It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university’s doctoral programme in Technology within three months of accession in the position. For admission to the Programme the weighted average grade of B or higher is usually required.

Co-operation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realise common objectives.

Personal characteristics

• Strongly motivated and ambitious
• Be structured, targeted and solution oriented
• Be motivated to work interdisciplinary
• The successful candidate should be creative and actively contribute to the team they will be part of
• Have good dissemination skills
• Personal skills like a positive and friendly attitude and contributing to a sustainable social environment, will also be valued

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement.

We offer

• A stimulating and growing research environment, with good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills
• A good social environment
• Attractive welfare benefits in the State Pension Plan
• Opportunity for physical activities within working hours

Salary

PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 536 200 a year. Further promotion will be based on time served in the position.

A statutory contribution to the state pension plan will be deducted from the employee’s salary.

Other information

The Academic Appointments Board for PhD Research Fellowships is responsible for the appointment. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. The candidates deemed best qualified will be invited to an interview.

The person appointed must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply at any given time to the post. Please note that approved work permit is a prerequisite for the employment. 

According to its human resources policy, the University of South-Eastern Norway targets a balanced gender composition and aims to recruit persons with a background as an immigrant. 

The University contributes to the Inkluderingsdugnaden (a voluntary scheme to promote inclusion), and it is our aim that our employees, to the fullest extent possible, shall reflect the diversity of the general population. We therefore encourage qualified applicants with disabilities to apply for the post. The University will facilitate the workplace for employees with disabilities.

Pursuant to section 25, 2nd paragraph of the Freedom of Information Act, information on the applicant may be disclosed even if the applicant has requested not be included on the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified if such requests are not allowed.

The research area for the position may include technologies referred to in the Ministry's export control regulations. Relevant license or security clearances may therefore be required. For more information, see https://nsm.no/en/

Contact information

For more information about the position, please contact:
Main supervisor: Eshetu Janka Wakjera (PhD), eshetu.j.wakjera@usn.no (+47 415 09 113) 
Head of the Institute: Prof. Lars Erik Øi, Lars.oi@usn.no (+47 35 57 51 41)

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact:
Head of Section: Britt G. Wien, britt.g.wien@usn.no (+47 35 02 64 08)

How to apply

The University of South-Eastern Norway makes use of online application management. Applicants to the post must register their application and CV with enclosures online via the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking on the link “Apply for this job”.

The following documents shall be attached to the online application:

• Transcripts and diplomas of bachelor’s and master’s Degrees (120 ECTS)
• Master thesis ‘Abstract’ or ‘summary’
• Other relevant certificates (if applicable, must be specified)
• A 2–3-page project proposal based on the project description and aim of the PhD-project
• A 1-page motivation letter 
• Documentation of English proficiency
• Any scientific publications in the field and a list of these
• Three references (contact information)

If your higher education is from a university outside of Norway, we require it to be recognized by the Norwegian Directorate of Higher Education and Skills. You must apply for the recognition before the application deadline for this position expires.  Add a receipt on your application or recognition when applying. The recognition must be sent to us and is a requirement for being hired.

Please note that all documents must be in a Scandinavian language or in English. Any translations must be certified.

The application will be assessed based on the attached documentation as requested. Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application deadline.

The University has been awarded a Charter & Code certificate by the European Commission, and is entitled to use the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) logo. The University is also a member of the EURAXESS network, which contributes to good working conditions for mobile researchers.