University of South-Eastern Norway
1 week ago
PhD Research Fellow in Distributed Optimization and Control of Reactive Power University of South-Eastern Norway in Norway
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 11, 2026
Country
Norway
University
University of South-Eastern Norway
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About this position
PhD Research Fellow in Distributed Optimization and Control of Reactive Power at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), Department of Electrical Engineering, IT and Cybernetics, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, campus Porsgrunn.
This three-year PhD fellowship is part of the internally funded CoordQ project, Enhanced Reactive Power and Voltage Coordination in the Nordic Power System. The project aims to strengthen the Nordic power system from a Norwegian perspective by improving reactive power coordination, reducing power losses, enhancing grid stability, and supporting energy security and reliability. The research will contribute to Work Package 1 on real-time fleet control, with emphasis on coordination between Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs) and power electronic converters.
The successful candidate will work in the Electrical Power Systems research group and join a project environment involving USN, NTNU, Statnett, Statkraft, Skagerak Kraft, Lede, and Aker Solutions. The fellowship offers organised research training, participation in national and international research activities, and the opportunity to develop a doctoral project in consultation with the supervisors and project partners.
Research focus includes distributed optimization for reactive power dispatch, voltage regulation schemes, controller coordination across time scales, limits for load cycles and inductive absorption, dynamic control between synchronous generators and inverter-based resources, and mechanisms to improve resilience in grids with a high share of renewable generation.
Supervision will be provided by Sambeet Mishra and Thomas Øyvang. The position is based at campus Porsgrunn, and the university states that the candidate should live nearby to be present in the academic environment during ordinary working hours.
Eligibility highlights: a master’s degree of 120 ECTS or equivalent in a STEM field such as electrical power engineering, control engineering, physics, mathematics/operations research, computer science, or machine learning; a weighted average grade of B or better; approved master’s thesis by the deadline; strong English skills; and admission to USN’s doctoral programme in Technology within three months after starting. Applicants must also submit a short research proposal (2–4 pages, 600–1200 words).
Funding and employment: the position is internally funded and salaried according to the Norwegian State salary scale for PhD research fellows (position code 1017), stated as NOK 550,800 per year, with pension contributions and associated benefits.
Application deadline: 11 October 2026. Apply via Jobbnorge and include diplomas, thesis, publications, project proposal, motivation statement, English documentation, references, and any required approvals or certificates.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must hold a master’s degree (120 ECTS or equivalent) in a STEM field such as electrical power engineering, control system engineering, physics, environmental engineering, mathematics (operations research), computer science, or machine learning. The master’s degree and thesis must have a weighted average grade of B or higher, and the master’s thesis must be approved by the application deadline. Candidates must have documented knowledge of relevant methodologies at master’s level, excellent written and oral English skills, and meet the formal admission requirements for USN’s doctoral programme in Technology within three months of starting. International applicants must document English proficiency with an accepted test such as TOEFL, IELTS, CAE/CPE, or PTE Academic unless exempt. Preferred qualifications include experience or strong interest in power system modeling, optimization, machine learning, and control systems; programming experience in Python, Julia, MATLAB, or similar; knowledge of renewable energy systems and grid integration; experience in mathematical modeling, optimization algorithms, and data-driven methods; a strong academic record; and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international environment. A preliminary research proposal of 2–4 pages (600–1200 words) must be submitted with the application. The position also requires a background check/security clearance prior to employment.
How to apply
Apply electronically through Jobbnorge by the deadline. Include certified bachelor’s and master’s diplomas, proof of HK-dir recognition if your degree is from outside Norway, grading explanation, master’s thesis, publications list, a 2–4-page project proposal and motivation statement, English test documentation or exemption proof, references, and any other relevant certificates. Make sure all documentation is in English or a Scandinavian language and that your application clearly demonstrates ho
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