PhD Fellow in railway systems/railway sleepers in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC)

About the position The Institute of Civil and Environmental Engineering, https://www.oslomet.no/om/tkd/be, has a vacancy for a four-year position with 25% career-advancing work as a PhD Fellow in the field of railway systems/railway sleepers in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) attached to the project "design, production and full-scale testing of railway sleepers in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC)". The project aims to develop and validate robust UHPC-based sleeper solutions that can improve structural performance, reduce maintenance needs, and extend the lifespan of railway infrastructure under demanding load and climate conditions. Desired start date is January 1, 2027. Work area Railway systems face ongoing challenges related to the degradation of conventional wood and concrete sleepers, including fatigue cracks, wear in the sleeper/rail interface, freeze-thaw damage, and reduced service life. These challenges are particularly critical in cold climates, where temperature variations, moisture penetration, snow and ice, as well as high traffic loads, accelerate degradation and increase maintenance needs. This PhD project will develop and validate railway sleepers in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). The tasks involve material design and optimization, durability testing, full-scale structural testing under static and cyclic loading, numerical modeling, life cycle and sustainability analyses, as well as pilot testing and monitoring in Norway. Specific tasks will be adjusted in relation to the progress of the research. The project is carried out in collaboration between OsloMet, Iowa State University, and Jernbanedirektoratet, and is intended to contribute practical recommendations for more robust, durable, and sustainable solutions for railway infrastructure under demanding operating and climate conditions. Provisions are made for a research stay at Iowa State University during the project period. In addition to the project, 25% of the position is reserved for career-advancing work such as teaching and supervision in the institute's study programs. As a PhD Fellow at OsloMet, you have the opportunity to apply for grants for longer research stays abroad. Qualification requirements Master's degree/main subject in civil and environmental engineering with specialization in structural engineering, materials technology, construction technology, or equivalent relevant fields. The degree must normally comprise 120 ECTS credits. Applicants with a master's degree consisting of fewer than 120 ECTS must, by the application deadline, document that the degree qualifies for admission to doctoral studies in the country where the master's degree was obtained. An academic profile that fits the needs of the research group and the institute. For appointment to the position, the following grade requirements normally apply: Minimum average grade B in subjects included in the master's degree. Minimum grade B on the master's thesis/main thesis. Minimum average grade C in the subjects included in the bachelor's degree. If you have an integrated master's degree program, the grades from the first three standard years of study are counted. Exceptions to the grade requirements are stated on the doctoral program's website (https://www.oslomet.no/studier/tkd/phd/ingeniorvitenskap).

Good English skills, oral and written ( Language requirements for employees at OsloMet ) Approved admission to the PENG doctoral program at the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design is a prerequisite for the position. Application for admission to the doctoral program must be submitted within 3 months after the start date. General criteria for appointment as a PhD Fellow are set out in the regulations ( Forskrift til universitets- og høyskoleloven- Lovdata ).

It will be an advantage if you have background in concrete technology, construction materials, or structural engineering interest in experimental work, full-scale testing, numerical modeling, and field investigations knowledge of strength, durability, and structural testing of cement-based materials is an advantage experience with data processing and analysis of material or structural response is desirable Personal qualities good execution ability motivation for the subject and research field ability to cooperate and work independently good analytical skills good creative skills and ability for innovation Personal suitability will be emphasized. It is important for OsloMet to reflect the population in our region, and we welcome all qualified applicants. We actively work to develop ourselves further as an inclusive workplace and to facilitate the workplace if you have a need for it. If you have periods in your life where you have not been in work, education, or training, you are also welcome to apply to us. We offer interesting tasks at Norway's third largest university participation in a research group and a creative and inspiring professional environment opportunities for professional development good welfare schemes and a wide range of activities in culture and sports loan and pension terms in Statens pensjonskasse a workplace in the center of Oslo with several cultural offerings The position is remunerated, in accordance with the Main Collective Agreements in the state and OsloMet's salary policy, in position code 1017 PhD Fellow, NOK 550,800 per year. From the salary, a 2% pension contribution is deducted to Statens pensjonskasse (SPK). Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHi5avzdHIk Application process If you wish to apply for the position, you must apply via our recruitment system. By the application deadline, you must upload the following documents: a cover letter describing your motivation for applying for the position CV, certificates, and all pages of transcripts. Foreign education should be approved in advance, and the approval letter must then be attached to the application. Information can be found via the link: Godkjenning av utenlandsk utdanning – jobb i Norge | HK-dir master's thesis/main thesis any scientific works or a link to a full article a list of any publications and presentations at international seminars/conferences preferably contact information for two references We only process applications sent via our electronic recruitment system, and all documents must be uploaded for your application to be processed. The documents must be in a Scandinavian language or English. Translations must be authorized, and you should expect to present originals in the event of an interview. OsloMet conducts checks of documents so that you as a candidate receive a real evaluation and fair competition. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For relevant positions, OsloMet conducts background checks of applicants in collaboration with an external provider to verify information appearing in available documents. Background checks always take place with the candidate's consent, and appointment to these positions is subject to an approved background check. Relevant applicants will receive further information about this. Information for you as an applicant OsloMet is an EU certified HR Center of Excellence for Charter & Code for researchers that supports career opportunities, mobility, and employee rights for researchers. OsloMet has joined the principles and committed the institution to follow the recommendations in the DORA declaration (sfdora.org) (The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment). The appointment is carried out according to the principles in the State Employees Act and legislation regulating the export of knowledge, technology, and services. Applicants who are in conflict with these regulations will not be considered qualified for the position. Visit OsloMet on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram