Doctoral Research Fellow in Railway Systems/Railway Sleepers in Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)

About the position

The Institute of Construction and Energy Engineering, https://www.oslomet.no/om/tkd/be,, has a four-year goal position with 25% career-promoting work as a scholarship in the field of railway/railway sleepers in ultra-high-strength concrete (UHPC) related to the project ‘design, production and full-scale testing of railway sleepers in ultra-high-strength concrete (UHPC)’.

The aim of the project is to develop and validate robust UHPC-based sleep solutions that can improve structural performance, reduce maintenance needs and extend the service life of railway infrastructure under demanding load and climate conditions.

The desired accession is 1. January 2027.

Workspaces

Railway systems face persistent challenges related to the decomposition of conventional sleepers in wood and concrete, including fatigue cracks, sleeper/rail wear, frost-tin damage and reduced service life. The challenges are particularly critical in cold climates, where temperature variations, wet penetration, snow and ice as well as high traffic loads accelerate degradation and increase maintenance needs.

This PhD project shall develop and validate railway sleepers in ultra-high-strength concrete (UHPC). The tasks relate to material design and optimisation, durability testing, full scale structural testing under static and cyclical stress, numerical modelling, life-cycle and sustainability analyses, and pilot testing and monitoring in Norway. The specific tasks are adjusted to the evolution of research. The project is carried out in cooperation between OsloMet, Iowa State University and the Railway Directorate, and shall contribute to practical recommendations for more robust, sustainable and sustainable solutions for railway infrastructure under demanding operational and climate conditions. It facilitates a research stay at Iowa State University during the project period.

In addition to the project, it is 25% of the position reserved for career promotion as teaching and guidance on the Foundation's study programmes.

As a scholarship student at OsloMet, you have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship for a longer stay abroad.

Qualification requirements

Master's degree/main course in civil engineering specialisation in engineering, materials technology, construction or related relevant disciplines. The degree should normally contain 120 study scores (ECTS). Applicants with a master’s degree of less than 120 ECTS must demonstrate within the time limit of the application that the degree qualifies for admission to doctoral studies in the country where the master’s degree was taken.

a professional profile appropriate to the needs of the research group and the institute;

For employment in the position, the following character requirements are normally required:Minimum average character B for subjects included in the master degree.

Minimum grade B of the master/main task.

Minimum average character C of the subjects included in the Bachelor's degree. If you have an integrated master’s degree course, the characteristics of the first three normal years of study are taken into account.

Derogations from the rating requirements are given on the doctoral programme website (https://www.oslomet.no/studier/tkd/phd/ingeniorvitenskap).

Good English knowledge, oral and written (Language requirements for OsloMet employees)

Approved admission to the PhD program PONG at the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design is a prerequisite for the position. Admission to the doctoral programme must be requested within 3 months after the date of accession.

General criteria for employment as a grantee are set out in the Regulation (Regulation of the Law of the University and Higher Education Act).

It will be an advantage if you have

background in concrete technology, construction materials or engineering

interest in experimental work, full scale testing, numerical modelling and field studies;

Knowledge of cement-based materials strength, resistance and structural testing is an advantage

experience with data processing and analysis of material or design response is desirable;

Personal Properties

good enforcement capacity

Motivation for the field of trade and research

ability to cooperate and work independently;

good analytical skills

good creative skills and ability to innovate

Personal suitability will be emphasised.

It is important for Oslo to reflect the population in our region and we all want to welcome qualified applicants. We are actively developing further as an inclusive workplace and to facilitate the workplace if you need it. If you have periods of life where you have not been in work, education or training, you are also welcome to apply to us.

We offer

interesting tasks of the third largest university in Norway;

Participation in research group and a creative and inspiring professional environment

professional development opportunities;

good welfare arrangements and a wide range of cultural and sporting activities

loan and pension conditions of the State pension fund

a job in the centre of Oslo with several cultural offerings

The position is paid, according to the main tariff agreements of the state and OsloMet's wage policy in the position code 1017 grant, kr. 550 800 per year. From the salary, 2 % pension contributions to the State pension fund (SPK) are deducted.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHi5avzdHIkSøknadsprosess

If you want to apply to the vacancy, you must apply through our recruitment system.

You must upload the following documents within the time limit for applying:

letter of application describing your motivation to apply for the job

CV, certificates and all aspects of diploma. Foreign education should be approved in advance and letters of approval must be attached to the application. Information available via the link: Recognition of foreign education – job in Norway HK-dir

master task/main task

any scientific work or link to a full article

list of possible publications and presentations at international seminars/conferences

contact information for two references

We only process applications sent through our electronic recruitment system and all documents must be uploaded in order for your application to be processed. The documents must be in Scandinavian or English. Translations must be authorized and you must expect to present the originals at any interview. OsloMet carries out a check on documents, so that as a candidate you will receive a real evaluation and fair competition. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For current jobs, OsloWith a background check of applicants in cooperation with an external supplier, is carried out to verify the information provided by available documents. Background check always takes place with the consent of the candidate, and employment in these positions requires a recognised background check. The current applicants will receive further information about this.

Information to you who are applying

OsloMet is the EU certified HR Center of Excellence for Charter & Code for researchers who support career opportunities, mobility and employee rights for researchers.

OsloMet has adhered to the principles and committed the institution to follow the recommendations of the Dora Declaration (sfdora.org) (The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment).

The employment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Staff Act and the laws governing the export of knowledge, technology and services. Applicants in conflict with this Code will not be considered qualified for the post.

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