Norway : PhD Research Fellow in Mechatronics, Faculty of Engineering and Science. Ref

The University of Agder invites applications for a full-time fixed-term appointment as PhD Research Fellow in Mechatronics for a period of three years, at the Faculty of Engineering and Science. The position is currently located in Grimstad, Norway. The starting date is negotiable but we anticipate a start-up date in 2010.

The PhD Research Fellow will work on a joint R&D project with ABB Robotics in the field of robotics systems for offshore oil and gas installations, with a particular focus on either:

Collision handling for safe operation in harsh outdoor industrial environments. This comprises collision detection and avoidance of static and dynamic objects, including human operators working in close vicinity of the robots.

Information uncertainty and mismatches between the actual world and models may lead to collisions between robot systems and process equipment.  The project requires real-time sensor fusion for collision detection and avoidance within the realistic constraints of harsh outdoor environments with varying weather conditions. Furthermore, the project aims at developing kinematic models and path planning for collision avoidance in such dynamic environments.

Robot design for oil and gas installations in harsh and explosive outdoor environments. The design specifications differ from conventional manufacturing robot systems in that they must take into consideration factors such as extreme weather conditions, safe operations requirements and a high payload in combination with a low specific weight  The robot system will run on demand and perform multiple tasks, operating under fully automatic or (remote) manual control. Collisions with operators or process equipment are unacceptable due to the serious consequences and the restrictions on inspection and maintenance of the process infrastructure.

3D simulations and experimental lab works will be critical for the success of the project.

The qualifications and experience in the following fields will be particularly emphasised:

Fundamentals of sensor technology and instrumentation (1)

Robot kinematics, dynamics and path planning (1,2)

Use of 3D simulation environments (1,2)

Advanced motion control and mechatronics (1, 2)

Modern design optimisation techniques (2)

Electrical and hydraulic actuators (2)

3D CAD and Finite Element Modelling (2)

The successful applicant will have a master’s degree in a relevant field and must be enthusiastic and greatly interested in basic and experimental research for industrial applications. During the period of employment, the PhD candidate will periodically be located with ABB in Oslo with access to unique robot lab facilities for the research project.

A high level of oral and written proficiency in English is required. Applicants from some, but not all, countries must document their English skills through one of the following tests with the stated results or better:

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language with the minimum score of 550 on the Paper-based Test (PBT), or 80 on the Internet based Test (iBT).

IELTS – International English Language Testing System, with the result of 6.0.

The list of countries this pertains to can be found here:

The appointee must have the ability to work in a goal-oriented, organised, focused and independent manner. During the assessment process, emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s examination results as well as any previous research and development work. Relevant practical experience, personal suitability and good teamwork skills will also be emphasised.

The PhD Research Fellow must be admitted to UiA’s PhD programme in mechatronics within three months of appointment. The PhD Research Fellow is expected to complete a doctoral dissertation within the period of employment.

Further provisions relating to the position as PhD Research Fellow can be found in the Regulations Concerning Terms and Conditions of Employment for the Post of Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Research Fellow, Research Assistant and Resident, available for download at www.uia.no/vacancies

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interviews. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment.

Women are especially encouraged to apply.

The Norwegian public service is committed to reflecting the diversity of society in its workforce, and the personnel policy of the University of Agder aims to achieve a balanced workforce. All qualified persons are therefore encouraged to apply for the position(s), irrespective of cultural background, gender, age or disability.

Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions. The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the Civil Service.

The position is remunerated within the State salary scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017, salary grade 48 (NOK 383.900,00). A 2 % compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions.

Applicants are asked to submit their application and CV online. Please use the link “Send application”.

The following additional documentation must be uploaded as an attachment with the online application:

Certified copies of diplomas, transcripts and letters of reference

List of scientific publications

Master’s thesis

Copies of selected scientific publications

TOEFL or IELTS test results, if applicable (and may be forwarded after the closing date)

The application and all documentation should be in Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, or English.

The applicants are fully responsible for submitting complete documentation within the closing date.

In accordance with §25(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the name of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.

Closing date: 1 September 2010

For further information please contact Professor Geir Hovland, phone: +47 37 25 33 27, e-mail: geir.hovland@uia.no. Dr Charlotte Skourup at ABB, phone +47 22 87 47 48, e-mail: charlotte.skourup@no.abb.com may also be contacted concerning the position.

The full text of this announcement is also available online at www.uia.no/vacancies. For more information on working at UiA, see www.uia.no/work.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 1 September 2010

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Posted on 2010-08-12 09:18:30

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The announced deadline for above scholarship is expired and new applications may no longer be accepted. The notice is available for reference purpose only.

Please give reference of Scholarships-Links.com when applying for above scholarship.

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