Sunday, February 10, 2013

Norway : PhD research fellowship at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology as part of the Microsoft-led centre on Information Access Disruptions

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway, is offering a PhD position as part of the Microsoft-led centre on Information Access Disruptions (iAD). Partially funded by the Research Council of Norway as a Centre for Research-based Innovation (SFI), iAD is directed by Microsoft Development Center Norway (MDCN) in collaboration with NTNU , Accenture, and leading universities: Cornell University, Dublin City University, BI Norwegian School of Management, and the universities in Tromsø (UiT), Oslo (UiO).
Information access technology has emerged as one of the most innovative technology areas impacting a wide range of industries, business models and even social patterns. As part of iAD, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) wants to employ a PhD student within one of the following target areas:

  1. Big data analysis.
  2. Large-scale analytical query processing.
  3. Temporal and spatial search and indexing.

The applicants should address one or more of the listed areas within their application.

We seek a highly motivated individual holding a Master’s degree in Computer and Information Science with a strong background in either database management systems or algorithms. Additional background in distributed systems is preferable. Due to the high profile of the iAd Centre, the right candidates must demonstrate evidence of significant research potential beyond a strong academic degree. The internationally distributed nature of the Centre, including partners from research and industry, requires the right candidate to have very good communication skills in English and the ability to fill in a heterogeneous team environment. Very good skills in scientific and popular presentation and writing will also be considered in employment decisions.

Relevant education as Master in Computer and Information Science or equivalent is required. Applicants must satisfy the formal grades requirements for admission to the PhD studies at NTNU. See http://www.ime.ntnu.no/Dr.gradsstudier/ for detailed information on the PhD programs administrated by IME.

PhD grants at NTNU are normally 3 years, but may – if the Department has the need – be extended by one additional year. With a 4 year grant, the candidates are expected to spend 25% of their time on teaching or research assistance duties. These duties are commonly distributed over the 4 years.

The evaluation of applicants will be based on their education, job experience, possibly other relevant experience and scientific publications. Applicants must satisfy the formal requirements for admission to the PhD studies at NTNU. NTNUs PhD-rules require a master degree or equivalent with at least 5 years of studies and average grade of A or B within a scale of A-E for passing grades (A best).

Every application must include:

  1. Curriculum vitae with information about the candidate’s prior training, exams, and  work experience.
  2. A short presentation of the motivation for a PhD study, how the applicant  sees his/her background suitable (0,5 page), and the applicant’s view of research challenges within the target area (3-4 pages).
  3. Certified copies of transcripts and diplomas must be enclosed. Candidates from  universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a Diploma Supplement or a similar document, which describes in detail the study and grade system and the rights for further studies associated with the obtained      degree.
  4. Master thesis (electronic version).
  5. Publications and any other work that the applicant wishes to be taken into account should be enclosed. Please list the submitted publications in the application. Joint works should clearly indicate the applicant’s contributions.
  6. Foreign applicants must document an English language test TOEFL score of 600 or higher, or provide documentation of equivalent skills.

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

The appointment is at salary code 1017, which currently corresponds to a yearly gross income of NOK 416 300 (pay scale level 50). From this 2% will be deducted for mandatory membership in the National Pension Fund.

The appointment will be made in accordance with current regulations with supplementary rules for research fellowship appointments in universities and polytechnics. Applicants must agree to participate in organized doctoral study programs within the period of the appointment. The successful applicant must agree to the conditions laid down for public employees. A contract will be drawn up regarding the period of appointment and work-related duties for award holders.

NTNU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from both EU/EEA and non-EU candidates. The university is strongly committed to diversity within its community and encourages applications from members of ethnic minorities and women.

Further information on the fellowship can be obtained from Professor Kjetil Nørvåg (noervaag at idi.ntnu.no).

For more detailed information about the department, see: http://www.idi.ntnu.no/

Applications are to be submitted electronically through this page.

Application Deadline : 15 February 2013