Harald Martin Hjelle

Molde University College - Specialized University in Logistics (HiMolde) is a leading institution in teaching and research, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. The college offers over 40 study programmes, including PhD programmes in areas such as Health Sciences, Informatics, Law, Social Sciences, Logistics, Sport Management, and Economics. With approximately 270 employees and 3,700 students, the college is located in Molde and Kristiansund, Norway. This PhD position is organized under the Department of Logistics and focuses on optimization for humanitarian logistics and crisis management. The research addresses operational research challenges arising from major natural and technological disasters, particularly in urban centers near high-risk industrial zones. The project centers on schedule optimization for cleaning contaminated sites, managing evolving risks over time, and modeling the dynamic evolution of urgency and precedence among tasks. Candidates may explore mathematical formulations, exact and heuristic methods, and uncertainty modeling, with potential applications in humanitarian logistics and crisis management. The position aims to prepare candidates for careers in academia, industry, or the public sector. The appointment period is three to four years, with four-year appointments including 25% career-advancing tasks such as teaching, supervision, or administrative duties. The position offers a gross salary starting from NOK 541,800, with a 3% annual wage increase and the possibility of a higher salary for especially qualified candidates. Employment follows Norwegian regulations for fixed-term jobs in the public sector and guidelines for scholarship holders at universities and university colleges. Applicants must have a strong background in logistics, transportation, computer science, mathematics, or related fields. Higher education must equate to five years of full-time study beyond the entry requirements for first cycle studies (Bachelor’s degree) in Norway. The master’s degree (or equivalent) must be at least one full year (60 ECTS) and include an individual research project, typically a master thesis. The average grade should be B or better on the ECTS scale. Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken, are required. Admission to the PhD Logistics programme is mandatory for scholarship eligibility. To apply, candidates must submit a research proposal (maximum 5 pages) thoroughly grounded in the project description, outlining the research problem, theory, methods, and novelty. Additional required documents include a CV, certified copies of diplomas and transcripts, master thesis or equivalent, any academic publications, and contact details for three references. Applications must be submitted online by 31st January 2026. Interviews may be conducted online or in person. Molde University College encourages applicants with limited functional abilities or gaps in their CV to apply, provided qualification requirements are met. The list of applicants may be made public according to Norwegian law, and requests for anonymity must be justified in writing but cannot be guaranteed. For further information, contact Professors Sebastian Urrutia, Harald Martin Hjelle, or Johan Holmgren via the provided email addresses. For more details and to apply, visit the official application link.

Molde University College is offering a fully funded PhD position in Logistics, focusing on manufacturing resilience and the integration of circular economy principles within Norwegian industry. This opportunity is part of a collaboration agreement with Sparebanken Møre and GassROR IKS, aiming to strengthen research-based education and regional development. The project centers on the optimization and socio-economic assessment of carbon capture, transport, and storage in value chains, with a broader goal of supporting sustainable and resilient transformation in Norwegian manufacturing. The PhD research will investigate how adaptable manufacturing (AM) and circular economy (CE) practices can enhance the resilience of manufacturing firms, enabling them to better withstand disruptions in global value chains while reducing environmental impacts and resource dependency. The transition from traditional linear production models to more circular and adaptable systems is crucial for achieving sustainability goals at both national and international levels. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the effective implementation of AM and CE, especially within Norwegian industrial contexts. The project aims to identify key technological, organizational, and strategic factors influencing the integration of AM and CE across industrial sectors in Norway. The transition to adaptable and circular manufacturing systems is expected to have important societal implications, influencing industry operations, job creation, and regional economic stability. By promoting resource efficiency, innovation, and reduced waste, the research supports Norway’s climate commitments and strengthens local resilience. It may also reshape the labor market, creating new opportunities in sustainable manufacturing, digitalization, and circular business models, while increasing the need for re-skilling and continuous learning. The PhD candidate will work closely with Molde University College, GassROR IKS, and Sparebanken Møre, contributing to a regional initiative for sustainable industrial development. The research will combine insights from industrial economics, operations management, and sustainability studies, advancing both academic and practical understanding of how AM and CE can jointly support long-term industrial resilience and societal well-being. The position is temporary for three to four years, with the four-year appointment including 25% career-advancing tasks such as teaching, supervision, or administrative duties. The gross salary starts at NOK 541,800 with a 3% yearly wage increase, and higher salaries may be considered for especially qualified candidates. The appointment follows Norwegian regulations for fixed-term jobs in the public sector and guidelines for scholarship holders at universities. Applicants should have a strong background in industrial economics, sustainable manufacturing, circular economy, or operations management. Experience or interest in sustainable industry, production systems, or quantitative research methods is advantageous. Higher education must equate to five years of full-time studies beyond the entry requirements for first cycle studies (Bachelor’s degree) in Norway. The master’s degree must constitute at least one full year of studies (60 ECTS) and include an individual piece of student work, typically a master thesis. The average grade should be B or better on the ECTS scale. Very good English skills are required, and knowledge of Norwegian and the local industrial landscape is an advantage. Personal qualities are also emphasized. To apply, candidates must submit a 5-page project proposal, a 1-page motivation letter, CV, certified copies of diplomas and transcripts, master thesis or equivalent, any other academic publications, and contact details for three references. The application deadline is 31st January 2026. Molde University College encourages applicants with limited functional abilities or gaps in their CV to apply, provided qualification requirements are met. Molde University College is a specialized university in logistics, with a strong research environment in offshore and energy logistics. The successful candidate will join a vibrant academic community dedicated to sustainability and innovation, with access to more than 40 study programmes and a supportive research environment.

Molde University College (HiMolde), a leading institution in logistics and applied research, invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focusing on large-scale infrastructure for CO₂ logistics. The position is part of the HydroCCS project, which aims to optimize industrial-scale blue hydrogen production with advanced carbon capture and liquefaction technology, enabling new maritime logistics chains for CO₂ in Norway. The project is a collaboration with SINTEF Energi AS, SINTEF Nordvest AS, Gassco AS, Aukra kommune, Tjeldbergodden Utvikling, and Møre & Romsdal Fylkeskommune, and is financially supported by the Research Council of Norway. The PhD research will address cross-sectoral and socio-economic impacts of blue hydrogen production with carbon capture and storage (CCS), the development of national maritime CO₂ logistics chains, and the potential for industrial symbiosis in the Møre & Romsdal region. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with both industrial and research partners, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to Norway's transition to sustainable energy systems. Candidates should have a strong background in Economics, Energy Logistics, Logistics Analytics, Industrial Economics/Ecology, or Energy/Process Engineering. A master’s degree (or equivalent) with at least one year of study (60 ECTS) and a thesis is required, with an average grade of B or better on the ECTS scale. Proficiency in English is essential, and knowledge of Norwegian/Scandinavian language and the regional industrial landscape is advantageous. Admission to the PhD Logistics program at Molde University College is required for the scholarship. The position is based in Molde, Norway, with a 3-year appointment and a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800 (before tax), with 2% deducted for the Norwegian State Pension Fund. Especially qualified candidates may be offered a higher salary. The appointment follows Norwegian public sector regulations for fixed-term academic positions. Applicants must submit a research proposal (max 5 pages) aligned with the project, a CV, certified copies of diplomas and transcripts, a master thesis or equivalent, any relevant publications, and contact details for three referees. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. For more information about the program, visit the PhD in Logistics program page . For questions, contact Professors Irina Gribkovskaia, Harald Martin Hjelle, or Johan Holmgren. Molde University College encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and supports equal opportunities. The official announcement is in English; in case of discrepancies, the English version prevails.