USN has an active ultrasound research group centered around ultrasound transducer laboratory on Campus Vestfold. The new PhD candidates will be part of this research group. The group consists of one professor, one associate professor, one adjunct professor (20 %), four PhD-students and a varying number of master students. We publish our work in international scientific journals and at scientific conferences, and work closely with industrial partners. All PhD-projects in this group have applications within industry or healthcare. Our research topics are design, fabrication and characterization of ultrasound transducers for use in medical diagnostics, underwater sonar and industrial inspection. Tentative topics for the announced PhD-positions are combining piezoelectric and electrostatic (CMUT) transducers for use in medical diagnostic imaging, and piezoelectric transducers for very high temperatures, aimed at inspection monitoring of industrial processes and geothermal wells.

Central topic of the PhD-projects will be:

• Design, theoretical modelling and computer simulation of novel ultrasound transducer concepts

• Fabricate and test novel ultrasound transducer concepts in the laboratory

• Develop theoretical models for piezoeletric and electrostatic transducer structures and implement these into computer simulation tools

• Compare theoretical end experimental results

• Interact with industry and other research partners to discuss requirements, challenges and solutions for real-life application of the transducers

The appointment is for a period of three years. The positions do not include teaching duties.

Qualifications

Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master’s degree or equivalent higher education qualifications in physics, electronics, cybernetics, mathematics, micro- and nanotechnology or a related field. The degree must be grade B or higher.

Specific requirements for these positions are:

• Strong skills in physics and mathematics, including knowledge of mechanics and electrical circuit theory

• Knowledge of wave physics. Background in acoustics is preferred, but knowledge of electromagnetics, quantum physics, fluid mechanics, elasticity or similar can compensate for this

• Experience with software tools for computer modelling and simulation. The ultrasound transducer lab uses MATLAB, COMSOL and LabVIEW. Familiarity with these or equivalent tools is an advantage

• Some knowledge of material science

• Some experience with computer programming

• Knowledge of piezoelectric theory is an advantage

We offer

• A professionally stimulating working environment

• 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

• Experience with electro-mechanical system theory is an advantage

Salary

PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 479 600 a year. Further promotion will be based on time served in the position.

For more information, and apply for the job here.