PhD Research Fellow Position on Renewable Energy and Water Electrolysis

PhD Research Fellow Position on Renewable Energy and Water Electrolysis

About the position

A position as PhD Research Fellow is available at the Department of Technology Systems (ITS) (https://www.mn.uio.no/its/english/) in the area of Modeling of Renewable Energy Based Water Electrolysis Systems.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

Preferred starting date no later than 31st August 2024.

The fellowship period is 3 years.

A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

Knowledge development in a changing world - Science and technology towards 2030.

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Job description

This PhD study will be an integral part of the REHSYS-project (Renewable Energy Hydrogen Systems based on PV, Wind, and Water Electrolysis). The REHSYS-project is a collaboration between the Department of Technology Systems (ITS) at the University of Oslo and Institute of Energy Technology (IFE), both located at Kjeller (near Oslo) in Norway. The Hydrogen Technology Department at IFE leads and hosts the REHSYS-project. It is expected that the candidate holds an office space at the Department of Technology Systems, and spends a minimum of one year at the Department.

The objective of REHSYS is to optimize industrial scale water electrolysis systems based on wind, photovoltaic (PV), and proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology, with the aim to support technology developments required to reach the cost target of 1-2 USD per kg of hydrogen (H2) from renewable energy (RE). To achieve this, the project seeks to maximize the efficiency, lifespan, and economy of RE/H2-systems by exploring system designs and operational schemes for locations with different weather conditions, scales, grid constraints, and H2 off takers.

Locations with existing RE and/or H2-infrastructure will be selected together with the Research and Industry Partners in the project, to ensure access to data suitable for modelling and analysis.

To optimize the operation of RE-based PEM water electrolysis systems it is essential to develop control strategies that can mitigate the unfavorable effects of dynamic operation and safeguard the PEMWE stacks and systems. Previous modeling studies on energy management and optimization of water electrolyzer systems have been performed. However, there is a lack of detailed water electrolysis process modeling tools and the implementation and testing of model-based control strategies.

The planned PhD will focus on water electrolysis process modelling and the development and implementation of advanced system control strategies, with the aim to optimize the operation of RE-based industrial water electrolysis systems.

The REHSYS-project is multi-disciplinary and consists of researchers from the Solar Power Systems, Hydrogen Technology, and Energy System Analysis Departments at IFE. The PhD candidate will be supervised by Øystein Ulleberg, Associate Professor UiO and Chief Scientist at IFE, and co-supervised by researchers at IFE. REHSYS industry and international research partners will also provide input to the PhD-project.

Expected Work Tasks:

The planned PhD research work will include the following topics and tasks:

- Development of system modeling tools suitable for simulation of the operation and controls of industrial scale PEM water electrolysis plants

- Application of water electrolyzer system and process modeling tools and validation of the models using data from research facilities and large scale demonstration projects

- Establishment and testing of interface between detailed water electrolyzer system model and other models at IFE on PV power simulation (including advanced forecasting) and techno-economic analysis of RE-based hydrogen systems

- Participation in experimental activities, e.g., PEM water electrolyzer system and stack testing at IFE Hynor Hydrogen Technology Center

- Participation in REHSYS project meetings, presentation of results at conferences and seminars, and publication of scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe's leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Master's degree or equivalent in in Applied Sciences, Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Chemical, or Process Engineering), or similar
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

• The PhD candidate must be eligible to obtain a security clearance according to the Norwegian National Security Act (Lov om Nasjonal Sikkerhet, a.k.a. “Sikkerhetsloven"), at a level that satisfies the research institute partners of the project (IFE)

Desired qualifications:

• Good programming skills, e.g., Matlab Simulink, Python, C/C++, Engineering Equation Solver (EES), FLOWNEX, and/or similar
• Education, training, or experience with system modeling and system modeling methods
• A good publication track record

Grade requirements:
The norm is as follows:

• The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor's degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The average grade point for courses included in the Master's degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The Master's thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:

https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8 (https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8)

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position.

For more information see:

http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/ (http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/)

http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/ (http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/)

Personal skills

• Ability to take initiative and come up with new ideas to solve theoretical and practical problems
• Ability to create and contribute to a well-functioning, inclusive and productive research environment
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary scientific environment
• Good communication skills.

We offer

• Salary NOK 532 200 - 575 400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits (https://www.uio.no/english/for-employees/employment/welfare/index.html) and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Close collaboration with IFE, a leading energy technology research institute in Norway
• Career development programmes (https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/career-support/index.html)
• Oslo's family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master's degree diploma and transcripts of records
• Documentation of English proficiency
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system (please follow the link “Apply for this job"). Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines (https://www.uio.no/english/about/regulations/personnel/academic/guidelines-appointment-postdoc-researcher.html) and regulations (https://www.uio.no/english/about/regulations/personnel/academic/regulations-employment-conditions-postdoc.html) for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

UiO has an agreement for all employees (https://www.uio.no/english/for-employees/employment/work-results/agreement-rights-to-work-results.html), aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

For further information about the position please contact:

Associate Professor, Øystein Ulleberg, phone: +47 995 86 453, e-mail: oystein.ulleberg@its.uio.no

Head of the Department, IFE, Ragnhild Hancke, phone: 995 33 302, e-mail: ragnhild.hancke@ife.no

For technical questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact:

HR Adviser Olga Holmlund, e-mail: olga.holmlund@mn.uio.no