3-year full time position at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), Institute of Architecture
Main theme: Architectural potentials of wood-based structural systems and building envelopes applied in urban building typologies
The research project: Increased Use of Wood in Urban Areas – WOOD/BE/BETTER
The PhD-position will be a part of this interdisciplinary project that will span four years starting in 2013. The project is a part of the BIONAER program established by the Research Council of Norway. The main collaborating institutions are:
The Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO),
The Dept. of Mathematical Sciences And Technology (IMT) at the Norwegian University for Life Sciences (UMB)
The Dept. of Ecology and Natural Resource Management (INA) at the Norwegian University for Life Sciences (UMB)
The Norwegian Forests and Landscape Institute (NFLI).
One PhD position will be based at AHO in the centre of Oslo, two others will be based at UMB about 40 km south of Oslo.
The PhD at AHO: Themes and tasks
Wood in urban building typologies is a central theme both in the research project and in the PhD. The study should clarify architectural potential in wood-based construction systems and building envelope solutions. The WOOD/BE/BETTER project will put focus on project types that represent large building volumes in Norway´s urban development. Housing is expected to play an important role. Other functions and building categories are also relevant. Architectural adaptability to varying sites and programs must be sought for.
Supervision of the PhD at AHO will be provided by the AHO faculty. The AHO PhD work in architecture will be coordinated with the two others at UMB, whose research areas will be structure systems and building envelopes. This will be an important part of the interdisciplinary collaboration between the institutions. In addition, a selection of leading architectural firms is associated with the project. Their feedback and interaction will be important.
The integration of research and teaching is a primary focus of the WOOD/BE/BETTER project. Interdisciplinary coordinated master courses at AHO will interact with the research. Contact with the students and teams of teachers and researchers will be an integral part of the PhD work.
Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate holding a Master of Architecture. Experience from detailed architectural design of a high quality will be given high priority. Familiarity with environmental issues related to the building sector is important. Good oral and written skills in English are required.
Personal qualities and skills
Architectural creativity, analytical skills, a strong motivation and good collaborative abilities are important for a successful PhD study. The candidate should be able to work independently under varying conditions.
The application must include:
An application letter describing relevant background, motivation, research experience and network.
A fully completed application form (see below).
A tentative project outline of maximum 3 pages, formulating and discussing research tasks and methodology.
Curriculum vitae.
Copies of educational certificates (foreign applicants must attach an explanation of their university’s grading system).
2 references or recommendations explaining why, in the referee’s opinion, the candidate is qualified to undertake the prospective research at AHO.
If relevant: List of publications and/or academic or design work.
Applicants who do not have English or a Scandinavian language as their mother tongue must provide documentation of English proficiency.
All applications should be submitted via our electronic application form (Note: the application and all documents have to be in English or a Scandinavian language)
The material for the PhD application will be assessed according to the following criteria:
The applicant’s suitability within the research project
The academic competence of the applicant
The quality of the project description and its relevance for the research project
Position & salary:
The PhD research fellow position (SKO 1017) has the pay grade: 50 (NOK 416.600.- per year). Normal employment conditions for state employees apply to the position. AHO has its own company health service. There is a compulsory 2 % deduction to the State pension fund. The employment period is three years, and will start 1st of September 2013.
More information about PhD fellowships at AHO can be found at www.aho.no/en/ RD/The-PhD- program/
For further information, please contact:
Project leader Professor Marius Nygaard (marius.nygaard at aho.no) or
Research administrator Steinar Heldal (steinar.heldal at adm.aho.no)
Application Deadline : 31 March 2013
