About the position

A fixed-term 100 % position is available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Science as a Post-doctoral Research Fellow in Marine application of fibre reinforced standard and high performance concrete, affiliated to the Department of Engineering Sciences, for a period of 3 years. The position is located at Campus Grimstad. The starting date is negotiable with the faculty. 

This position is funded by “Sørlandets Kompetansefond” to support industrialising the Agder region towards offshore energy production. The vacant position is included in a cooperation with Equinor, the Norwegian energy company majority owned by the government, and other industry.

Responsibilities

Knowledge on utilisation of fibre reinforced concrete has made large progress in the last decades. There are now recognized international standards and guidelines allowing for use of fibre in concrete. These are, however, primarily aimed at onshore structures. For offshore structures, there are aspects of relevance which are not fully understood. Thus, knowledge is lacking on how to take advantage of fibre reinforced concrete, both with respect to normal and Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC). 

This PostDoc position is aimed at contributing to reducing these knowledge gaps both regarding industrialising the production of new structures like floating foundations for wind turbines, and for maintaining and rehabilitation of existing structures like oil platforms. 

Research focus will be on developing material properties and structural behaviour including, but not limited to: 
• Industrialising of production, including producibility for both slipforming and conventional formwork casting.
• Use of high-performance concrete/UHPC at local special areas.
• Smaller dimensions/lighter structures.
• Reduce rebar density to ease producibility and reduce errors.
• Use of high-performance concrete/UHPC at special areas.
• Improve durability, e.g. through reduced crack development.
• Safer work environment due to less man-hours with rebar installation.
• Improve safety in operation by keeping concrete materials in place in case of local spalling.

The detailed focus will be clarified in a dialogue with Equinor, considering the competence of the person appointed.

Required qualifications
• PhD degree within civil and structural engineering.
• Proven publication record in areas relevant for the description above.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English

Further provisions relating to the positions as Post-doctoral Research Fellows can be found in the Criteria for positions as Post-doctoral Research Fellow (in Norwegian). 

Desired qualifications
• Close working relationships with both the industrial and academic partners
• Good analytical skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills in an academic setting

Personal qualities
• Ability to work independently and proactively for goal-oriented research
• Good teamwork skills and inventiveness, and a proactive hands-on approach
• Proven skills to contribute to a safe and inclusive working environment

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  
• membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund 

More about working at UiA.The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.510, code 1352, NOK 600 000 – 650 000 gross salary per year. Higher salary grades may be considered for particularly well-qualified applicants. 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.

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 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
• List of publications
• Doctoral thesis
• Up to 10 academic articles and R&D projects which the candidate wishes to particularly emphasise for the assessment process 
• A description of the applicant’s research interests, the background for the thesis question that the applicant wishes to work on, and its relevance for the advertised position. A brief overview of relevant research pertaining to the design of assignments and relevant issues for research should also be included here
• Project plan
• Any other relevant documentation

Applicants are expected to write a three-page suggestion for research plan relevant for the description given above. Emphasis will be placed upon this project description, in addition to the documented competence of the applicant. So will the personal qualities relevant for contributing to further development of the working and research environment at the Faculty.

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. 

Application deadline: 20.12.25.
Contact

For questions about the position: 
• Professor Rein Terje Thorstensen mobile. +47 909 32 669, e-mail rein.t.thorstensen@uia.no

For questions about the application process:
• HR-adviser Heidi Kristensen, tel. +47 38 14 13 79, e-mail  heidi.kristensen@uia.no

Creating knowledge together

When people who are committed come together to further knowledge, anything is possible.

The University of Agder combines the unique warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological and artistic expertise.

Would you like to work with us to create better solutions to our shared challenges?

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