PhD Candidate in Risk-Consistent Design of Protection Structures for Climate-Adapted Infrastructure

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a PhD position in the risk-consistent design of protection structures for climate-adapted infrastructure. Based in the Department of Structural Engineering in Trondheim, this opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about advancing resilient and sustainable infrastructure through cutting-edge research in probabilistic modelling, structural reliability, and decision-oriented engineering. The project addresses the increasing exposure of infrastructure systems—such as roads, bridges, and protection structures—to natural hazards like rockfall, debris flow, and impact-type events, exacerbated by climate change. Traditional deterministic design approaches are challenged by these evolving risks, and the research aims to develop a probabilistic and risk-consistent design basis for protection structures and exposed infrastructure. Key research components include hazard intensity modelling under changing climatic conditions, structural response and vulnerability modelling, reliability and risk assessment, and decision-relevant performance metrics for sustainable and cost-efficient solutions. The overarching goal is to establish a coherent framework supporting climate-adapted infrastructure design and risk-informed decision support, enabling resilient and resource-efficient engineering solutions. The project is a collaboration between the Structural Mechanics research group and SIMLab at NTNU, aligned with NTNU’s strategic research area on civil security, focusing on vulnerability assessment of urban environments, sustainability, and resilience. As a PhD candidate, you will complete doctoral education, conduct high-quality research, develop integrated models, publish in leading international journals, participate in conferences and research stays abroad, and contribute to the supervision of master’s students. The position offers a 3-month research stay at a renowned foreign university and collaboration with an engineering consulting company, providing valuable industry experience. You will benefit from a strong international professional environment, career guidance, mentoring, training during working hours, and access to employee benefits, including membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Mechanics, or a closely related field, equivalent to a five-year Norwegian program (120 ECTS at the master’s level). Strong academic performance (B or better on NTNU's grading scale), proficiency in English, and eligibility for NTNU’s PhD program are required. Preferred qualifications include computational skills, background in structural reliability theory or probabilistic methods, knowledge of risk analysis or decision theory, and interest in climate adaptation and sustainable infrastructure. Personal qualities such as independence, motivation, flexibility, and constructive feedback are valued. The gross salary is NOK 550,800 per annum, with a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund deducted. The employment period is 3 years. Diversity and inclusion are core values at NTNU, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability, or cultural background. To apply, submit your application electronically via Jobbnorge.no, including transcripts and diplomas, CV, copy or draft of Master’s thesis, letter of motivation, publications or certificates, and names/contact information of three referees. Ensure all documents are in Norwegian, a Scandinavian language, or English. Applications are assessed only on information received by the deadline, 1 April 2026. For further information, contact Professor Jochen Köhler ([email protected]) or Professor Vegard Aune ([email protected]). For recruitment process queries, contact HR Consultant June Hovde ([email protected]).