The University of Agder (UiA) invites applications for up to two fully funded PhD Research Fellow positions in Intelligent Mechatronics, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and Science and the Department of Engineering Sciences. The positions are based at Campus Grimstad and are part of the SFI CELECT (Centre for Effective Engineering and Learning in Complex Systems), a national Centre for Research-based Innovation funded by the Research Council of Norway and industrial partners. CELECT is a collaborative initiative led by the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and UiA, with a consortium of leading companies in defence, maritime, and manufacturing sectors.

CELECT aims to accelerate innovation and value creation by developing research-based methodologies and tools for effective product innovation and realization in complex systems. The centre will educate more than 30 PhD and postdoctoral researchers across partner universities, focusing on competence building and industry collaboration. The PhD candidate will contribute to the CELECT work package on AI-Assisted Engineering, developing AI-assisted methods for parallel hardware-software co-design of mechatronic systems. This includes enabling virtual prototyping and simulation-driven development from early design stages, bridging mechanical, electrical, and control domains to improve design quality, traceability, and decision-making. The research will establish digital foundations for digital twins upon physical deployment and will be conducted in close collaboration with industry partners and fellow PhD candidates at USN, NTNU, and UiA.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Cybernetics, Systems Engineering, or a related multidisciplinary engineering field. A minimum grade of B on the master’s thesis and an average grade of B or better over the last two years of the master’s programme is required. Education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree programme with 120 credits at master’s level. Strong academic or industrial background relevant to the research topic is expected. Excellent written and oral English skills are required, and proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is strongly desired. Industrial work experience, especially in defence, maritime, or manufacturing, is preferred. Experience with CAE/CAD tools, MBSE frameworks, digital engineering tools, modelling and simulation of dynamical systems, virtual prototyping, programming (Julia, Python, MATLAB), and knowledge of AI/ML methods in engineering are advantageous. Candidates in the closing stages of their master’s degree may also apply.

The position offers professional development in a large, exciting, and socially influential organisation, a positive and inclusive working environment, modern facilities, and comprehensive welfare benefits. The successful candidate will be integrated into the SFI CELECT research centre, the Intelligent Mechatronics (iTron) research group, and the UiA Motion Laboratory, with opportunities for collaboration across institutions and industry partners. Participation in the Industrial Research School in Complex Systems (INRESCOS) and industry-as-laboratory research with leading Norwegian companies is also provided.

The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, with a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800. A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay. The appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions, and employment requires an approved background check. The application deadline is 31 March 2026.

To apply, submit your application electronically via the provided link, including certificates with grades, master’s thesis, references, academic work and R&D projects, motivation letter (max 2 pages), and any other relevant documentation. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English. For questions about the position, contact Associate Professor Daniel Hagen ([email protected]) or Head of Department Paul Ragnar Svennevig ([email protected]). For questions about the application process, contact HR-adviser Heidi Kristensen ([email protected]).