Hossein Farahmand

The Department of Electric Energy at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a full-time PhD position in Electricity Market Coupling and Market Design Transformation. NTNU is Norway’s leading technical university, located in Trondheim, and offers a vibrant academic environment with a strong focus on professional education and research. The successful candidate will join the Electricity Markets and Energy System Planning (EMESP) research group, which fosters an open, inclusive, and collaborative atmosphere, including regular social gatherings and career guidance. This PhD project addresses the fundamental transformation of electricity markets driven by large-scale renewable integration, stronger interconnections, electrification of demand, hydropower flexibility, storage, and increased balancing needs. The research will focus on market coupling, optimal pricing in market clearing, flow-based capacity allocation, interconnectors modelling, and market-design transformation in Nordic and European electricity markets. The candidate will develop and apply optimization-based market models to analyze the effects of different market-clearing and capacity-allocation methods on zonal prices, cross-border exchange, congestion rents, welfare distribution, non-fossil flexibility, and system operation. Special attention will be given to interpreting market prices through marginal values, shadow prices, congestion components, scarcity signals, and the relationship between market outcomes and physical network constraints. Regulatory aspects and power producer feedback will also be considered. Methodologically, the project combines electricity market modelling, social welfare optimization, and scenario-based studies. The research may address frontier questions in flow-based market coupling and related market-design arrangements, including how capacity-allocation methods and network representations influence the consistency between market outcomes and physical power-system constraints. The candidate will be hosted by the EMESP group and supervised by Professor Hossein Farahmand, with co-supervision from experts in electricity markets, power-system operation, optimization, and market design. Applicants must have a relevant Master's degree in electrical power engineering or economic analysis with strong quantitative skills and specialization in operational research, equivalent to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at master's level. Master's students may apply if the degree is completed before autumn 2026. A strong academic background is required, with an average grade of B or better on NTNU's grading scale or equivalent. Weaker grade backgrounds may be considered with evidence of suitability for PhD education, such as relevant work experience or published scientific papers. Admission requirements for the Faculty's Doctoral Programme must be met. Documented experience with scientific programming (preferably Python, Julia, or R), optimization modelling, and electricity market fundamentals is required. English language skills at B2 level (CEFR) are required for non-native speakers, with TOEFL (iBT 79-101), IELTS (5.5-6.0), or Cambridge English (160-179) accepted. Further assessment of English skills will occur during selection. Preferred criteria include work/research experience in electricity markets, EU-NO regulatory frameworks, data analysis, proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language, and research experience related to green energy transition and sustainable infrastructure. English skills at C1 level (CEFR) are rated positively. The position offers a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum, with a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund deducted. The employment period is 3 years, with the possibility of an additional 3 to 12 months for career-enhancing activities. Additional benefits include working capital for project implementation, membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, free Norwegian language training at basic level (A2), and access to employee benefits. NTNU values diversity and aims to reflect the diversity in society, promoting equality and inclusion in research and education. Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no by the deadline of 31 August 2026. Required documents include a cover letter, project outline, CV, transcripts, diplomas, documentation of English proficiency, and contact information for three referees. If invited to interview, applicants must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas. For further information, contact Professor Hossein Farahmand ([email protected]) or Head of Office Bodil Wold ([email protected]). Trondheim offers a rich cultural scene, excellent opportunities for education and family life, and a high quality of life. NTNU’s Department of Electric Energy is at the forefront of the digital, green shift, collaborating with industry and international research organizations to address global challenges.