PhD Research Fellow in Ground Mounted PV Power Plants for Nordic Conditions University of Agder (UiA) in Norway

The University of Agder (UiA) is offering a full-time PhD Research Fellow position in Ground Mounted PV power plants, with a focus on Nordic conditions. The position is affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Engineering Sciences, and is based at Campus Grimstad. The successful candidate will join the national research centre FME-SOLAR, which is dedicated to advancing solar power research and supporting the PV industry, public sector, and society in Norway.

This PhD project aims to address two key challenges for ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) power plants in the Nordic region: the impact of ground type and terrain on PV system design, performance, and reliability. The research will contribute to cost reduction strategies for ground-mounted PV installations, investigating solutions suitable for typical Nordic environments such as rocks, sand, marsh, and moraine, often in complex mixtures and terrain. The systems must be robust against natural variations in wind, rain, and snow, while maximizing power production and reliability and minimizing environmental impact.

Applicants must have a master's degree in renewable energy, civil engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field, with documented knowledge of photovoltaic systems through relevant courses or thesis/publications. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. International candidates must meet the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) language requirements, providing TOEFL (minimum 600 PBT or 92 iBT) or IELTS (minimum 6.5) scores unless exempt. Desired qualifications include experience with terrain modelling using relevant tools, experience in constructing ground-mounted PV power plants, and demonstrated authorship or co-authorship of scientific articles or presentations. Personal qualities such as scientific curiosity, fast learning, and strong communication skills are highly valued.

The position offers professional development in a large, inclusive, and diverse academic environment, modern facilities, and membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. The gross annual salary is NOK 550,800, with a compulsory pension contribution. The appointment is for three years, and the starting date is negotiable. The University of Agder encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, cultural background, disability, or incomplete CV.

Applicants must submit their application electronically, including certificates with grades, master's thesis, references, academic work and R&D projects, a project description (maximum 2 pages), and any other relevant documentation. All documents must be available in a Scandinavian language or English. The application deadline is 31 May 2026.

For questions about the position, contact Dr. Tore Sandnes Vehus at [email protected]. For questions about the application process, contact HR-adviser Heidi Kristensen at [email protected]. The University of Agder combines the warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological, and artistic expertise, offering a vibrant academic community for over 14,000 students and 1,500 staff members across two modern campuses.