3 PhD Candidates in Material Science and Energy Engineering SINTEF Industry in Norway

SINTEF Industry is offering three PhD candidate positions within the HeatMinds European research project, funded by the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) programme. The positions are hosted by SINTEF’s Department of Metal Production and Processing (MPP) and Department of Sustainable Energy Technology (BET), and are focused on industrial high-temperature heat pumps (IHTHPs), energy system integration, and industrial decarbonisation.

The doctoral researchers will work within SINTEF’s Casting, Forming and Recycling, and Solar Energy and Materials research groups, while being enrolled in the doctoral programme at Brunel University of London. The project features joint supervision by SINTEF and Brunel’s College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, plus a secondment at an industrial partner organisation. This gives candidates a strong combination of academic training, applied research, and cross-sector collaboration across Europe.

Applicants can choose one of three research directions: mapping industrial energy flows and developing decarbonisation pathways for IHTHP integration; development of digital twin frameworks for predictive modelling and optimisation of IHTHPs; or grid integration and sector coupling challenges of electrifying industrial heat using IHTHPs. Across these topics, the work covers thermal energy systems, waste heat recovery, renewable integration, thermal storage, techno-economic assessment, data-driven modelling, industrial digitalisation, and pathways for industrial adoption of low-carbon technologies.

The project is designed to advance understanding of industrial heat decarbonisation at both system and component levels, while addressing sustainability, economic, social, and policy dimensions. Successful candidates will contribute to research on industrial energy flow mapping, modular digital twins, optimisation of high-temperature processes, and scalable low-carbon heat solutions for industrial clusters.

Eligibility highlights: candidates should hold a relevant Master’s degree in areas such as Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Sustainable Energy Systems, Industrial Ecology, Technology Management, Engineering Management, Systems Engineering, or Industrial Digitalisation. The degree must be completed and documented before 1 January 2027. A strong academic record or clear research potential is expected, along with excellent English. The MSCA mobility rule applies: applicants must not have lived, worked, or studied in Norway for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the start date.

Funding: the positions are funded through Horizon Europe MSCA-DN, with research training, interdisciplinary mentoring, and international secondments included.

Application deadline: 15 November 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Oslo). Applicants must submit a motivation letter, CV, degree documentation, thesis or draft if available, and two references. Applications must be in English and must specify the preferred research topic.