PhD Research Fellow in Design and Analysis of Co-located Renewable Energy Devices
The University of Agder (UiA) invites applications for a fully funded PhD Research Fellow position in Design and Analysis of Co-located Renewable Energy Devices, located at Campus Grimstad, Norway. This three-year position is affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and Science, specifically within the Department of Engineering Sciences and the Civil Engineering section. The research is part of the FAMOS project, funded under the EU Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, focusing on innovative modular floating island concepts for offshore sites.
The successful candidate will conduct research on the design and analysis of co-located floating renewable energy devices, such as floating wind and floating solar systems. The work will involve dynamic response analysis (hydrodynamic and aerodynamic), structural integrity analysis, and the use of numerical methods and surrogate models. The research aims to address technological assessments under various environmental conditions, systems integration of marine renewable energy devices, and social acceptance of proposed solutions. Collaboration within an international research environment and participation in European-level dissemination activities are expected.
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in Marine Technology, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, with their thesis approved by the application deadline. Required expertise includes fluid dynamics, dynamics of marine structures, offshore wind or wave energy, multi-physics simulations, or stochastic analysis. Academic requirements include a minimum average grade of C in the bachelor’s degree and B in the master’s degree (including the dissertation). English proficiency is mandatory; international candidates must provide TOEFL (minimum 600 PBT or 92 iBT) or IELTS (minimum 6.5) scores unless exempt by NOKUT guidelines. Desired qualifications include experience with research and scientific publications, strong programming and analytical skills, and research or work experience related to offshore structures. Personal suitability, teamwork skills, and relevant practical experience are also valued.
The position offers professional development in a large, inclusive, and diverse academic environment, modern facilities, comprehensive welfare schemes, and membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. The gross annual salary is NOK 550,800, with a compulsory pension contribution deducted. The appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions, and employment requires an approved background check. Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview, and reference checks will be conducted with the applicant’s permission.
Applications must be submitted electronically via the provided application link. Required documentation includes transcripts from master’s and bachelor’s studies, master’s thesis, CV, up to 10 academic articles or R&D projects, a brief project description (maximum two pages), and any other relevant documentation. All documents must be available in a Scandinavian language or English. The application deadline is 10 June 2026.
For questions about the position, contact Professor Zhiyu Jiang ([email protected]) or Head of Department Paul R. Svennevig ([email protected]). For questions about the application process, contact HR Advisor Heidi Kristensen ([email protected]).
UiA is committed to diversity and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, age, cultural background, disability, or incomplete CV. The university combines the warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological, and artistic expertise, offering a vibrant research community and modern campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad.
