PhD Fellowship in Nanopositioning Norwegian University of Science

PhD Fellowship in Nanopositioning, Norwegian University of Science and Technology:Norway

At Department of Engineering Cybernetics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology we have available a PhD research fellowship position within the field of nanopositioning. Funding is for 3 years and startup is autumn 2008.

Several applications of nanopositioning have emerged during the last decade. An application where positioning is of great importance is scanning probe microscopes (SPM). These kinds of devices are used both for imaging at the nanoscale and manufacturing of advanced materials. The atomic force microscope (AMF) is one of the foremost tools for imaging, measuring and manipulation at the nanoscale. T he focus of the research will be analysis and control design for piezoelectric actuators in AFMs.

The ultimate goal of this work will be to increase the scan speed of the instrument in order to make possible imaging in close to real time. In turn, this will open up for applications like real time imaging of biological objects. A prerequisite for this is the ability to position the probe of the microscope with sub-nanometer accuracy and very high bandwidth. The research will encompass mathematical modeling, theoretical design and analysis, simulations and experimental work.

The research is to be carried out at The Department of Engineering Cybernetics in cooperation with NTNU NanoLab.

Benefits
PhD fellows are placed in salary code 1017, which currently corresponds to a yearly gross income of NOK 325 600 up to 431 500 (pay scale level 43 - 59). From this 2 % will be deducted for mandatory membership in the National Pension Fund.

Requirements
We seek highly motivated applicants with a strong background in control engineering. Successful applicants will have a Master’s degree in control engineering or control systems design. A specialization in motion control will be beneficial, but other specializations will also be c onsidered. Experience in the broad field of nanotechnology will be an asset, but is not necessary. The applicant must fulfill the requirements for doctoral studies at NTNU (see http://www.ime.ntnu.no/english/research/phd)

Further Information & Application
Interested candidates should contact Professor Jan Tommy Gravdahl (Tommy.Gravdahl@itk.ntnu.no) or Professor Kristin Pettersen (Kristin.Pettersen@itk.ntnu.no).

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 publ ic employees.

Candidates will be required to enroll in a PhD program within the period of employment, and must sign a contract regulating the starting date and duration of employment as well as the mandatory work.

According to Norwegian policies, the government workforce should, as closely as possible, reflect the diversity of the population at large. It is therefore a goal of NTNU, as a government institution, to have a workforce which is balanced with respect to age and gender, and to recruit persons of immigrant background. NTNU also wishes to increase the number of women on its workforce, and women are specifically encouraged to apply.
The application must include information about education, exams and earlier experience. Certified copies of certificates and diplomas must be enclosed. Relevant scientific works should be submitted in triplicate. Joint works will be taken into account. In cases where it is difficult to determine the applicant’s contri bution, a short note of explanation should be supplied.

Applications should be sent to:

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Faculty of Information Technology, Mathematics and Electrical Engineering NO-7491 Trondheim, NORWAY

Deadline: June 15, 2008.