PhD Candidate in Hydraulic and Geotechnical Engineering of Embankment Dams Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway

NTNU, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, is offering a PhD Candidate position in Hydraulic and Geotechnical Engineering of Embankment Dams at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in Trondheim, Norway.

The project sits within the RenewHydro research centre and focuses on embankment dam safety under flexible hydropower operation, with particular emphasis on internal erosion and filter performance in dams with moraine (glacial till) cores. The research aims to generate knowledge that can help the hydropower industry design safer future dams and manage existing embankment dams more effectively as hydropower systems become more flexible.

The work will combine experimental investigations, data analysis, and possible field work, with collaboration from the Norwegian hydropower industry. The candidate will also be part of NTNU’s Hydraulic Research Group and Geotechnical Research Group, and will collaborate with other researchers and partners within RenewHydro. This is a good fit for applicants interested in laboratory testing, earth structures, seepage and erosion processes, and the interface between geotechnics and hydraulics.

Funding and employment: this is a funded PhD Candidate appointment with a typical gross salary of NOK 580,000 per year depending on qualifications and seniority. The employment period is 3 years for the doctoral work.

Eligibility highlights: applicants need a relevant Master’s degree in hydraulic or geotechnical engineering, or equivalent, with a substantial independent project equivalent to a master’s thesis. A strong academic record is expected, with a grade equivalent to B or better on NTNU’s scale. Applicants must have completed at least one course in geotechnical engineering and one in fluid mechanics or hydraulic engineering, and should be able to work in both laboratory and field environments. Strong English communication skills are required; Norwegian or another Scandinavian language at C2 level is listed as a preferred asset.

Application deadline: 21 October 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Oslo). Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge and include transcripts and diplomas, CV, a thesis copy or repository link, motivation letter, coursework summaries, certificates, and names and contact details of three referees.

If you are interested in embankment dams, internal erosion, geotechnical and hydraulic laboratory work, and research that supports sustainable hydropower infrastructure, this NTNU PhD offers a strong academic and practical environment in Trondheim.