PhD Research Fellow in Renewable Energy Flexibility University of South-Eastern Norway in Norway

PhD Research Fellow within Renewable Energy Flexibility at the University of South-Eastern Norway

This PhD project at the Department of Science and Industry Systems, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences, and Maritime Sciences, focuses on renewable energy flexibility and the design of adaptable low-carbon energy infrastructure. The successful candidate will join the Energy Systems and Advanced Materials (ESAM) research group and work at campus Kongsberg.

The project investigates a hybrid energy system integrating solar photovoltaic generation, hydrogen production, storage alternatives, and microgrid-based power distribution. Using advanced modelling, optimization, and data-driven control methods, the research aims to identify optimal design and operational strategies that improve flexibility, resilience, and environmental performance across coupled electricity, heat, cooling, and hydrogen flows in distributed energy networks.

The position is a three-year PhD research fellowship with organised research training only. It is an educational position intended to support the candidate’s development through doctoral coursework, independent research, dissemination, conferences, and the final thesis and defence. The candidate must be admitted to the Faculty’s PhD programme in Technology within three months after starting.

Supervision is listed by the institution as Head of Department Dr. Aida Omerovic and Professor Amir Safari. The role requires the employee to live close to the workplace and be present in the academic environment during ordinary working hours.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, or a closely related field, with a strong academic record and an average grade of B or better. The post also asks for excellent English skills, with Scandinavian language ability considered an advantage. Relevant experience in renewable energy systems, smart grids, power systems integration, optimization, machine learning, modelling tools, and techno-economic analysis will strengthen an application.

The position is based in Norway and offers salary according to the Norwegian State salary scale for PhD research fellows, with a starting salary of NOK 550,800 per year plus pension-related benefits. The application deadline is 11 October 2026.

To apply, candidates must submit their application through Jobbnorge with a CV, cover letter, diplomas, transcripts, master’s thesis, project proposal, English test documentation if required, references, and other supporting documents. International degrees must be approved by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) before the deadline.