PhD Fellow in Evidence-Based Bridge Assessment and Maintenance Prioritization OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway

The Department of Built Environment at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) invites applications for a PhD Fellow position focused on evidence-based bridge assessment and maintenance prioritization. This three-year project aims to develop an integrated decision-support framework that leverages inspection images, sensor data, and engineering interpretation to enable transparent, data-driven maintenance decisions for Norway’s aging bridge infrastructure.

The research is anchored in the SmartMet Lab and will be conducted in collaboration with structural engineering and data-oriented research groups. The project addresses challenges such as fragmented data flows, inconsistent inspection outcomes, and limited decision support for maintenance planning. The main objective is to create and validate a workflow that integrates multiple types of inspection and monitoring data—including drone-based imagery, LiDAR, and other sensing technologies—into a consistent framework for decision support.

Key research activities include structuring and analyzing multi-source bridge-condition assessment data, exploring data analytics and artificial intelligence methods for efficient damage identification, condition assessment, and maintenance prioritization. The results are expected to contribute to more systematic and knowledge-based infrastructure management. The project may also offer a short-term research stay at Iowa State University, and PhD Fellows at OsloMet can apply for funding for extended research stays abroad.

Applicants must have a master’s degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, bridge engineering, or a closely related discipline, normally with 120 ECTS credits. If the degree has fewer credits, documentation must be provided to show eligibility for doctoral studies in the country where the degree was obtained. All exams for the master’s degree must be completed by 30 June 2026. Grade requirements include a minimum average grade B on master’s subjects, minimum grade B on the master’s thesis, and minimum average grade C on bachelor’s subjects. Written and oral proficiency in English is required. Admission to the PhD programme in Engineering Science at OsloMet is a prerequisite, and an application for admission must be submitted within three months of the start date.

Preferred qualifications include background in structural engineering, bridge engineering, infrastructure management, structural condition assessment, or concrete technology. Experience with sensor data analysis, image databases, programming, modelling, statistical analysis, data analytics, machine learning, or artificial intelligence is desirable. Personal qualities such as motivation, analytical skills, innovation, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are valued.

OsloMet offers exciting job tasks at Norway’s third largest university, participation in research groups, opportunities for academic development, good welfare schemes, sports and cultural offers, and loan and pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. The workplace is located in central Oslo. The salary for the position is 550,800 NOK per year, with a 2% deduction for pension contributions. Candidates may apply for funding for extended research stays abroad.

To apply, submit your application through OsloMet’s electronic recruitment system by the deadline of May 4, 2026. Required documents include an application letter, CV, reference letters, certificates/diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and transcripts. Foreign education must be pre-approved and documented. If your master’s degree is not completed at the time of application, upload a provisional transcript and an overview of planned courses/exams. Official confirmation of completed exams must be submitted by 30 June 2026, and the official diploma and transcript by 1 October 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered. OsloMet conducts background checks for relevant positions with candidate consent.

For further information, contact Professor Mahdi Kioumarsi ([email protected]) or Head of Research Marit Sandvik ([email protected]). Administrative inquiries can be directed to [email protected].