Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Photovoltaic Monitoring Technology @ UiA

published date : Jan, 15^th 2018
Deadline date : Feb, 01^st 2018
Starting date : 01.06.2018 or negotiable with the faculty.
Country : Norway
Position : Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
Department : Energy Materials Group, Department of Engineering Sciences
Duration : 2 years

The University of Agder has more than 1200 employees and 12000 students. This makes  them  one of the largest workplaces in Southern Norway. Their staff research, teach and disseminate knowledge from a variety of academic fields. Co-creation of knowledge is their commonvision. They offer a broad range of study programmes in many fields. They are situated at two modern campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad respectively.

Offered position

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Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Photovoltaic Monitoring Technology

A position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow related to monitoring the performance of outdoor photovoltaic installations is available at the Energy Materials Group, Department of Engineering Sciences, in Grimstad. The fellowship is for 2 years. The starting date is 01.06.2018 or negotiable with the faculty:

The Department of Engineering Sciences has more than 90 employees in scientific positions, and more than 1500 students at all levels. A variety of research is conducted within all the groups; Renewable Energy, Mechatronics, Civil Engineering and Industrial Economy, and they  also welcome interdisciplinary projects within the department or with other research groups.

This position will be associated with the Energy Materials Group, which works closely with the Energy Systems Group. They  have a broad international cooperation, and close collaboration with industrial partners and public services in the region. This is a benefit both for teaching and research. The partners contribute with assignments, competence and resources.

Research Project description:

The Energy Materials research group carries out research mainly in the fields of photovoltaic (PV) technology and thermoelectric materials. Research related to PV technology includes improvements of commercial multi-crystalline solar cells, long-term monitoring of solar modules at campus lab, and the development of experimental methods for solar cell and module classifications. There is also some theoretical research on advanced third-generation solar cells carried out by the group, as well as applied research on end-use applications, monitoring and performance analysis of building-attached and building- integrated systems (BAPV and BIPV).

The Energy Materials group is a member of the national Center for Environment-friendly Energy Research (FME) on Sustainable Solar Cell Technology, SUSOLTECH. This involves regular meetings and cooperation with the major research and industrial players within this field in Norway. The group is also a member of the international COST PEARL-PV action, Performance and Reliability of Photovoltaic Systems: Evaluations of Large-Scale Monitoring Data.

The applicant is expected:

• to actively take part in the development and operation of the rooftop test laboratory for PV modules at Campus Grimstad,
• to contribute scientifically to the SUSOLTECH work focusing on how silicon-based solar modules perform in the field. This
  includes instrumentation and monitoring set-up ensuring high scientific quality, data acquisition and analysis of performance and stability
  of solar modules.
• Experimental work involves the measurement of solar irradiance distributions, temperature and current-voltage (I-V) measurements for the evaluation of module technologies, and collecting data-streams from inverters and dataloggers in the case of gridconnected systems.
• It is expected that the work will lead to peer reviewed journal articles where experimental results are explained theoretically.
• The work will mainly be a continuation of the ongoing research by the group, but new initiatives and suggestions by the candidate are welcomed

Qualifications and requirements:

• The candidate is required to have a good knowledge of photovoltaic principles and solar-cell technology.
• Experience with outdoor field testing, data logging equipment, laboratory work and instrumentation for solar cell/module characterisation is an advantage.
• Applicants must hold a PhD degree in experimental physics, applied physics, or similar.
• Candidates with documented experience in the field of instrumentation and monitoring of photovoltaic systems, data acquisition systems, solar radiation monitoring, PV module characterization, PV system performance and degradation analysis, or similar, will be preferred.
• Programming skills and knowledge of common computer programs such as Matlab, LabView and Excel, is expected.
• The applicant should have excellent communication skills in English and be prepared to contribute actively in national and/or international collaboration projects. The applicant is expected to participate in ongoing project meetings, which may require some travelling. Research visits to an external institution or with a national or international partner for part of the period of employment may be anticipated.
• Personal suitability and good teamwork skills will be emphasised in the evaluation, as well as relevant practical experience. Research Fellows are expected to contribute to the active research community at the University. The position places a demand on the applicant’s capacity for independent goal-oriented work and attention to detail.
• Applicants will be assessed based on academic background and results, attainment, and previous research activity, including publications in peer-reviewed journals. Applicants must submit a plan with the application outlining the proposed project for the qualification work and a progress plan.
• Short-listed applicants will be invited for interviews. Language skills will be evaluated during the interviews. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment.

Offer:

• a variety of responsibilities in a large, exciting and influential organization
• modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers
• flexible working hours

The University of Agder is an open, friendly and professional employer, with a Scandinavian view on life/work balance, and with a clear vision to do research to enlighten human understanding.
More about working at UiA.

Remuneration

See web page: The position is remunerated according to the State salary scale, salary plan 17.510. code 1352 Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, salary NOK 517 700-579 300 gross per year. A 2 % compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions. The Norwegian Public Service is committed to reflecting the diversity of society, and the personnel policy of the University of Agder aims to achieve a balanced workforce. All qualified persons are therefore encouraged to apply for the position, irrespective of cultural background, gender, age or disability. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions. The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the Public Service

Notes:

•  In accordance with §25(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. Advertisement text (145134).pdf - Generated from Jobbnorge.no on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 1:05 PM Side 2 / 3 The University, however, reserves the right to publish the name of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.
• Further provisions relating to the position as Post-Doctoral Research Fellow can be found in the Regulations Concerning Terms and Conditions of Employment for the Post of Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Research Fellow, Research Assistant and Resident.
• More about working at UiA.

Applications

Submit your application and CV online. Please go to position web page by clicking the button “Apply for this job” and follow the instruction indicated there

Contacts

For further information please contact Professor Anne Gerd Imenes, tel. +47 472 93 203 / +47 37 23 33 13, e-mail anne.g.imenes@uia.no or Assistant Head of Department Tom Viggo Nilsen, tel. +47 37 23 32 55, e-mail tom.v.nilsen@uia.no.