PhD Research Fellow in Systems Engineering – AI tools for early validation and development of complex integrated systems University of South-Eastern Norway in Norway

University of South-Eastern Norway is advertising a PhD Research Fellow in Systems Engineering at the Department of Science and Industry Systems, campus Kongsberg, Norway. The project focuses on AI tools for early validation and development of complex integrated systems, with an emphasis on data-intensive engineering, digital twins, and design support methods that help engineers explore large design spaces before a system is built.

The doctoral project is part of SFI CELECT (Centre for Effective Engineering and Learning in Complex Systems), a Research Council of Norway funded centre bringing together leading industry partners and doctoral researchers across USN, NTNU, and the University of Agder. The fellow will also join the Norwegian Industrial Systems Engineering Research Group (NISE) and the Industrial Research School in Complex Systems (INRESCOS). Industrial cases will be selected from CELECT partners, and the position is designed around an industry-as-laboratory approach, combining academic research with collaboration in real development projects.

The research challenge is to develop AI-supported design methods and tools that can assist early system validation in highly complex, data-driven systems where design and operation are tightly linked and where traditional methods often detect issues too late. The project may explore how such systems are currently designed and validated in industry, and how AI and digital twins can support better early-stage design decisions. The final research questions will be shaped together with supervisors and industry partners.

The position is a three-year educational appointment devoted to organised research training. A four-year appointment with 25% career-advancing work may be considered. The fellow must be admitted to the doctoral programme in Technology (Systems Engineering) within three months of starting. The programme includes coursework, an independent thesis, dissemination, a trial lecture, and public defence. The workplace will be shared between campus Kongsberg and one or more partner companies, with time spent at company premises depending on the project.

Supervision: the main supervisor is Professor Kristin Falk. The project is embedded in a strong Norwegian technology environment with industry links in maritime, defence, aerospace, energy, and subsea technology.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should have a relevant master’s degree (120 ECTS or equivalent), strong academic results (B average or better on master’s degree and thesis), documented methodology knowledge, excellent English, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an industrial setting. Experience or interest in AI/ML, systems architecting, model-based systems engineering, simulation, and digital twins will strengthen the application. Scandinavian language skills or Norwegian B2 are preferred, and the role also requires eligibility for restricted authorization and export licence/security clearance.

Funding: the position is salaried in accordance with the Norwegian State salary scale for PhD research fellows (position code 1017), starting at NOK 550,800 per year, plus pension and standard public-sector benefits. The position is not funded by the EU research framework programme.

Deadline: apply by 15 December 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Oslo). Applications are submitted through Jobbnorge and must include diplomas, motivation letter, language documentation where relevant, publications, references, and supporting documents for foreign qualifications.