Freja Nygaard Rasmussen

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Predictive AI-Based Maintenance and Optimization of Building Energy Management Systems. This opportunity is part of the Norwegian Center on AI for Decisions (aiD), a leading research initiative funded by the Research Council of Norway and industry partners, and hosted by NTNU and SINTEF. The aiD Center brings together 13 research partners and over 60 industry and public sector collaborators, aiming to advance the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence in complex decision-making. The PhD project focuses on developing an AI-driven decision-support tool for predictive maintenance and optimization of building energy management systems, particularly HVAC technologies. The research will be deployed in partnership with Statsbygg, the Norwegian Government’s Building Agency, across a large portfolio of public buildings. The project addresses the challenge of moving beyond traditional calendar-based maintenance schedules by leveraging Simulation-Based Inference (SBI) and Building Performance Simulation (BPS) to determine the optimal timing for interventions in degrading or overloaded systems. By integrating historical facility management records with live sensor data, the candidate will train AI models to detect abnormal performance patterns, assess service life, and autonomously recommend maintenance, recalibration, or upgrades. The supervision team comprises leading experts: Prof. Ivan Depina (probabilistic modelling, scientific machine learning), Prof. Mohamed Hamdy (building performance simulation, automation systems, optimization), Prof. Freja Nygaard Rasmussen (life cycle assessment), Prof. Sebastien Gros (decision-making, energy use, AI), Dr. Signe Riemer-Sørensen (AI, hybrid analyses), and Prof. Ahmed Kedir Mohammed (data analysis, machine learning). The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary environment, collaborating with both academic and industry leaders to ensure research impact at a national scale. Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree in civil engineering, mechanical power engineering, or a related field, equivalent to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at master's level. A strong academic record (grade B or better) is required, and candidates must meet NTNU’s Doctoral Programme admission criteria. Preferred qualifications include expertise in machine learning (probabilistic modeling, Bayesian inference, deep learning, anomaly detection), experience with BPS tools (EnergyPlus, IDA ICE), proficiency in data integration, and familiarity with building energy systems and HVAC operations. Good written and oral communication skills in English are essential; skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language at B2-C level are advantageous. The position offers a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800, with a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund. The employment period is three years, and the position is conditional on external funding. NTNU provides a supportive and inclusive working environment, career guidance, access to employee benefits, and free Norwegian language training at a basic level. Diversity and equality are core values, and applications from candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged. To apply, submit your application and all required documents electronically via Jobbnorge.no. Required attachments include transcripts and diplomas, CV, copy or draft of Master's thesis, project outline, motivation letter, publications, certificates, and names/contact information of three referees. If invited to interview, bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas. The application deadline is 16 August 2026. For further information, visit the aiD Center website or contact the supervisors listed in the position description. The city of Trondheim offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent welfare services, and opportunities for education and family life.