Thomas Øyvang

The University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) invites applications for a PhD research fellowship in Distributed Optimization & Control of Reactive Power for Grid Stability in the Nordic Power System. USN is Norway’s fourth largest higher education institution, with a vibrant academic community and a strong commitment to societal impact. The position is part of the CoordQ project, funded by the Research Council of Norway, focusing on enhanced reactive power and voltage coordination in the Nordic power system. This PhD position is based at the Department of Electrical Engineering, IT and Cybernetics, within the Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences. The successful candidate will join the Electrical Power Systems research group and work closely with leading research and industry partners, including NTNU, Statnett, Statkraft, Skagerak Kraft, Lede, and Aker Solutions. The project aims to strengthen the Nordic power system to meet growing electricity needs, enhance energy security, and improve reliability. Research objectives include developing distributed optimization strategies for reactive power dispatch, designing automatic voltage regulation schemes, investigating operational limits, and exploring adaptive control mechanisms for grid resilience, especially with high shares of inverter-based renewables. The position is available from 1 September 2026, with the latest start date of 1 January 2027. It is a fixed-term, three-year appointment, offering pure organized research training. The doctoral programme includes relevant courses (30 ECTS), independent research, participation in national and international research environments, dissemination activities, and a public thesis defense. The PhD candidate will be expected to live near campus Porsgrunn and actively participate in the academic environment during working hours. Applicants must hold a master’s degree (120 ECTS or equivalent) in a STEM field such as electrical power engineering, control system engineering, physics, environmental engineering, mathematics (operations research), computer science, or machine learning. A weighted average grade of B or higher is required. Candidates in the final semester of their master’s may apply. Excellent English language skills are mandatory, with proficiency documented by TOEFL, IELTS, CAE/CPE, or PTE Academic unless exempted by prior study in certain countries or degrees. Preferred qualifications include experience in power system modeling, optimization, machine learning, programming (Python, Julia, MATLAB), renewable energy systems, mathematical modeling, and optimization algorithms. Applicants must meet formal requirements for admission to USN’s doctoral programme in Technology within three months of starting. The position offers a competitive salary (NOK 550,800/year), membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, insurance, and loan schemes. Diversity and inclusion are valued, and USN encourages applications from all backgrounds, especially women and underrepresented groups. The selection process includes expert committee review, interviews, trial lectures, and a skills test. Security clearance and background checks are required. To apply, submit your application electronically via the provided link. Required documents include a cover letter, CV, certified diplomas and transcripts, project proposal (2–4 pages), documentation of English proficiency, and other relevant certificates. Applications must be submitted before the deadline, and all documentation should be in a Scandinavian language or English. For further information, contact Head of Department Svein Thore Hagen or supervisors Sambeet Mishra and Thomas Øyvang. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in power systems, optimization, and grid stability, with access to a strong international network and career development support.

The University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) invites applications for a PhD research fellowship in Real-time Predictive Fleet Modelling and Optimization for Coordinated Reactive Power Control. This position is part of the CoordQ project, which aims to enhance reactive power and voltage coordination in the Nordic Power System, funded by the Research Council of Norway. The successful candidate will join the Department of Electrical Engineering, IT and Cybernetics at the Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, working closely with leading research and industry partners including NTNU, Statnett, Statkraft, Skagerak Kraft, Lede, and Aker Solutions. The doctoral project focuses on developing real-time predictive fleet modelling and optimization methods for reactive power dispatch, integrating co-optimization strategies assisted by machine learning. The research will address both dispatchable resources (such as hydro power) and non-dispatchable resources (such as offshore wind and solar power), aiming to reduce power system losses, improve coordination, and stabilize grid operations. Specific objectives include creating digital twin models for synchronous generators, implementing co-optimization methodologies across multiple time scales, designing optimal control strategies for reactive power production and absorption, and integrating advanced machine learning techniques like reinforcement learning and graph neural networks. Validation will involve real-world and stochastic operational scenarios, including extreme events. The PhD position is for a fixed term of three years, with pure organized research training. The candidate will be expected to complete the doctoral programme, produce scholarly publications, actively participate in the CoordQ project, and engage with the Electrical Power Systems research group. Opportunities for collaboration and research stays with national and international partners are available. The place of work is campus Porsgrunn, and it is required that the candidate resides nearby to participate fully in the academic environment. Applicants must hold a master’s degree (120 ECTS credits) or equivalent in relevant STEM fields such as electrical power engineering, control system engineering, physics, environmental engineering, mathematics (operations research), computer science, or machine learning. A weighted average grade of B or higher is required, and applicants in their final semester may apply. Excellent written and oral English skills are mandatory, with international applicants required to provide valid English proficiency certificates unless exempt. Admission to USN’s doctoral programme in Technology must be secured within three months of starting. Security clearance and a background check are required prior to employment. The position offers a salary in accordance with the Norwegian State salary scale for PhD research fellows (NOK 550,800 per year), membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and favorable pension, insurance, and loan schemes. The working environment is inclusive and diverse, with career advice and guidance throughout the doctoral programme. Norwegian language courses are available for international candidates. To apply, submit your application electronically via the Jobbnorge portal by the deadline (28 May 2026). Required documents include a cover letter, detailed CV, certified diplomas and transcripts, a 2–4 page project proposal, documentation of English proficiency, and contact information for references. All documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Applications exceeding 30 MB must be compressed. For further information, contact Associate Professor Thomas Øyvang ([email protected]). USN is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, individuals with disabilities, and those with gaps in their CV or an immigrant background. The university offers a vibrant academic community, opportunities for professional development, and a meaningful role in addressing societal challenges through education and research.

University of South-Eastern Norway is recruiting for the CoordQ project, with openings focused on the Nordic power system and modern energy-system challenges. The post includes two PhD positions and one postdoctoral position in areas such as reactive power , grid stability , distributed optimization , control , real-time predictive fleet modelling , optimization , and pricing models for electricity markets . Open positions: PhD in Distributed Optimization & Control of Reactive Power for Grid Stability; PhD in Real-time Predictive Fleet Modelling and Optimization for Coordinated Reactive Power Control; Postdoctoral Fellow in Fair and Effective Pricing Model for Reactive Power in Electricity Market. The announcement is posted by Thomas Øyvang, Associate Professor at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The project involves collaboration with industry and sector partners including Statnett SF, Statkraft, Lede AS, Skagerak Kraft AS, Aker Solutions, NTNU, RME, and NVE. These are research-oriented academic openings rather than scholarships. The provided text does not list detailed eligibility requirements, funding amounts, or deadlines, so applicants should check each Jobbnorge posting for full criteria, documents, and application instructions.