PhD Fellowship in Structural Engineering: Integrity of Steel Structures

The University of Stavanger is offering a PhD Fellowship in Structural Engineering, focusing on the integrity of steel structures. This position is based in the Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science, within the Faculty of Science and Technology. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment dedicated to fatigue and structural integrity, collaborating with international partners and contributing to the advancement of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for steel structures. The research project addresses a significant challenge in structural integrity assessment: the lack of reliable NDT techniques for measuring accumulated fatigue damage in steel structures before crack initiation, especially in the high-cycle fatigue regime. The candidate will work on developing a novel NDT-based technique and sensor for early-stage fatigue damage detection, focusing on fatigue-prone details such as bolted, welded, and riveted joints. The project includes sensor development, signal processing, and experimental calibration through long-term fatigue testing, aiming to deliver an accurate methodology for fatigue damage assessment and remaining life estimation. Applications span offshore structures, bridges, wind turbines, and other steel infrastructures, supporting the circular economy. The PhD position is a three-year, full-time appointment with exclusive research duties. The candidate will be admitted to the PhD program in Science and Technology, which includes relevant coursework, independent research, participation in national and international research environments, academic communication, a trial lecture, and public defense. Career guidance and a tailored career plan will be provided throughout the doctoral education. Applicants must hold a five-year master's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent qualifications. Both the master's thesis grade and the weighted average grade must be equivalent to or better than a B grade. Candidates with different grading systems must provide a conversion scale and Diploma Supplement. Experience in structural integrity, fatigue of materials, steel structures, NDT, sensor technology, signal processing, or experimental mechanics is required. Laboratory fatigue testing, instrumentation, data acquisition, and numerical or analytical modeling experience are advantageous. Strong motivation, research potential, professional and personal skills, independence, teamwork, creativity, and a good command of English are essential. International applicants must provide a valid English test certificate unless exempt by prior study or degree in English-speaking countries or EU/EEA. The position offers a competitive salary (NOK 550,800 gross per year), automatic membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, favorable insurance and retirement benefits, relocation support, discounted public transport, guaranteed nursery places, and access to health services and gym memberships. Diversity is valued, and applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The university aims to recruit more women in the subject area and prioritizes female applicants when qualifications are equal. To apply, submit your application via the Jobbnorge portal, including your application letter, CV, references, certificates/diplomas, Diploma Supplement or conversion scale if required, documentation of English competence, and relevant publications. Ensure all documentation is in English or a Scandinavian language and compressed if over 100 MB. Applications are evaluated based on information available at the deadline, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. The appointee must reside in Stavanger and be present during ordinary working hours. For further information, contact Professor Sudath C. Siriwardane ([email protected]) or HR advisor Rosa Cam Andrade ([email protected]). More details and application links are available at Jobbnorge and Euraxess .