PhD Candidate in Climate Risk Assessment for Road Infrastructure

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a PhD Candidate position in Climate Risk Assessment for Road Infrastructure. NTNU is a leading technical-scientific university located in Trondheim, Norway, with a strong focus on professional education and research. The university offers a vibrant academic environment with 9,000 employees and 43,000 students, dedicated to creating knowledge for a better world. This PhD project aims to identify road sections in Norway that are currently, and will be in the future, at particular risk due to extreme weather events. The research will operationalize the IPCC risk framework, which considers hazard, vulnerability, exposure, and inadequate response, using spatial indicators and geographic information systems (GIS). The project will develop methods to assess climate risks for road infrastructure, analyze how risk determinants vary geographically, and provide profiles for why certain road sections are at risk. Future projections will consider changes in climate and societal factors, such as traffic volume and industry structure, using data from Statistics Norway and MENON. The PhD candidate will collaborate with partners in the Norwegian Centre for Sustainable Climate Change Adaptation (Noradapt), including SINTEF, Western Norway Research Institute, and the Norwegian Road Administration. The position offers opportunities to participate in research groups such as Geomatics, Road, Rail and Transport, Hydraulic Engineering, and Geotechnical Engineering. Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree in civil engineering, geography, or equivalent, with a strong academic record (B or better on NTNU's grading scale). Required skills include proficiency in GIS software (QGIS or ArcGIS Pro), geoprocessing using Python, and quantitative methods. Good oral and written English skills are mandatory. Preferred qualifications include experience with mobility studies, climate change-related infrastructure issues, and familiarity with the Norwegian National Road Database (NVDB) or similar datasets. Proficiency in Norwegian or Scandinavian languages is advantageous. The position is full-time, temporary for three years, and offers a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum, with a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund. NTNU provides employee benefits, career guidance, a mentor program, and a supportive, inclusive working environment. The university values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. To apply, submit your application electronically via Jobbnorge.no, including transcripts, diplomas, CV, Master's thesis or draft, project outline, motivation letter, publications, certificates, and contact information for three referees. If invited to interview, bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas. The application deadline is 29 March 2026. For questions about the position, contact Professor Jan Ketil Rød at [email protected]. For recruitment process inquiries, contact Ragne Matberg at [email protected]. NTNU is committed to responsible research assessment and recognizes a wide range of academic contributions. The university offers a modern European city experience in Trondheim, with excellent welfare, education, and quality of life.