Open PhD position in experimental fluid mechanics at the Department of Mathematics at the University of Oslo

Read the advertisement and apply for the position here: PhD Research Fellow in experimental Fluid Mechanics (280935) | University of Oslo

About the position

A PhD Research Fellowship is available at the Department of Mathematics in the research group of Prof. Andreas Carlson at the University of Oslo (UiO).

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. 

Starting date as soon as possible and preferably by October 1st, 2025. 

The fellowship period is 3 years.

The position is part of a project funded by the sustainability initiative at UiO.

The project will provide a fundamental understanding of droplet flow on single and complex fiber networks. Essential to the project is the development of a new understanding of capillary flow, drop impact, and wetting in these fibrous networks. 

The PhD research fellow will design experiments on droplet flow on fibers and focus on droplet accumulation on fibrous structures when exposed to fog flow.

Access to fresh water is the foundation of life on Earth and poses severe restrictions and challenges for regions facing water scarcity, a problem that is expected to worsen in the future due to the growing impacts of climate change. A fog net is a low-cost, efficient, and simple technology for harvesting water from the atmosphere. The goal of this sustainability-oriented project is to develop a better understanding of the fundamental fluid mechanics involved as droplets flow on and through fog nets, aiming to create new designs that optimize water yield. The project aspires to elucidate the physics governing droplet impact and wetting on fibrous networks in order to enhance fog net technology. The planned work is experimental and will be conducted in our lab facilities, also incorporating theoretical models of complex flow. Fieldwork is planned in collaboration with a non-profit organization in Morocco, providing opportunities to test the concepts developed in this project and work alongside international collaborators.

You will work with

The PhD student will: 

  • Develop experiments measuring the droplet flow on fibers and nets
  • Be directly involved in integrating experiments and theoretical predictions in the research team
  • Develop independence and be self-driven to advance with their research project 
  • Work in an interdisciplinary team with expertise in mechanics, complex fluids, physics and biophysics and sustainability thinking
  • Follow our PhD program that include an educational component

This is the right position if you are highly motivated about fundamental science and excited about questions related to fluid flows, droplets, wetting and interfacial fluid mechanics. The PhD research fellow will join an international and interdisciplinary research group lead by Prof. Andreas Carlson.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in mechanics, fluid mechanics, physics or applied mathematics
  • Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English 
  • A strong theoretical educational background in mathematics, continuum mechanics and fluid mechanics

Candidates without a master’s degree have until August 15th 2025 to complete the final exam.

Desired qualifications:

  • Earlier involvement in research projects in fluid mechanics or droplets will also be considered positively, as well as experience with programming or experiments

Grade requirements:
The norm is as follows:

  • the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
  • the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
  • the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
  • fluent oral and written communication skills in English
  • English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position.

For more information see: