PhD Candidate in Information Infrastructure Development of Offshore Energy Hubs

Arbeidsplassen; Trondheim; On-site; NOK 550,000 - 634,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Norwegian university in Trondheim is inviting applications for a PhD fellowship focused on Information Infrastructure Development of Offshore Energy Hubs. The candidate will research the interplay between social and technical challenges in energy systems, specifically addressing electrification and digital transformation. Successful applicants should possess a master's degree in computer science and a strong academic background.

Benefits

Favorable salary and pension terms

Free Norwegian language training

Mentorship program

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in computer science or equivalent.
• Strong academic background with average grade B or better.
• Experience with empirical and qualitative research methods.
• Interest in conducting research in external organizations.

Responsibilities

• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate.
• Participate in the NTNU IDI research group.
• Contribute to NTNU Energy transition initiative activities.
• Carry out high-quality research within the described framework.
• Publish academic work and disseminate results.

Job description

Overview

PhD Candidate in Information Infrastructure Development of Offshore Energy Hubs. NTNU invites applications for one PhD fellowship at the Department of Computer Science (IDI) in the intersection between Computer Science and Information Systems. The position supports research on the energy transition in Norway, focusing on the interplay of social and technical challenges within centralized and decentralized energy systems on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The PhD project will be conducted within NTNU's energy and ICT research environments, with collaboration across NTNU Energy and related multidisciplinary groups. The successful candidate will work with key energy actors in Norway and pursue a career in industry or academia after the PhD.

About the position

Are you motivated to pursue a doctorate and explore career opportunities related to the energy transition in Norway? The PhD fellowship is housed in the Department of Computer Science (IDI) at NTNU. The project examines the ongoing electrification of energy systems and the digitalisation processes that support both centralized and decentralized energy infrastructures. The PhD work is expected to address the interplay between social and technical aspects of the twin energy transition (electrification and digital transformation). You will collaborate with the Head of unit, Applied Information Technology, and be part of NTNU’s broader energy research community.

About the project

The PhD shall address the interplay between energy transition and digital transformation in Norway, and how digitalisation supports both centralized and decentralized energy systems on the NCS, with particular focus on offshore electrification and the transition away from fossil-based energy. Applicants may draw on one or more of the following themes, addressing both technical and organizational challenges:

• Interoperability and integration of control and optimization systems; improved energy forecasting and transparent systems for sharing and reallocating power; development of digital tools for collaboration and reporting.
• Emerging digital energy platforms enabling energy resource interaction, data for flexibility and demand response, and the roles of aggregators and balancing service providers; applicability to offshore wind, carbon capture, and hydrogen/ammonia production.
• Material participation and infrastructuring, including energy hub control centers that coordinate centralized and decentralized energy systems; study of how infrastructure progresses in organizations.

Duties of the position

• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate
• Participate in the NTNU IDI research group
• Contribute to NTNU Energy transition initiative activities
• Carry out high-quality research within the described framework
• Publish academic work and disseminate results to broader audiences
• Participate in international activities such as conferences and/or research visits
• Teaching can be agreed upon during hiring and may include an additional year of employment

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

Required selection criteria

• Master’s degree in computer science or equivalent, with 120 credits at master’s level (five-year Norwegian program).
• Strong academic background with average grade B or better on NTNU’s scale; if no letter grades, an equally good academic foundation. Exceptional candidates with weaker backgrounds may be considered if well justified.
• Admission requirements for the faculty’s Doctoral Programme.
• Experience with empirical and qualitative research methods.
• Interest in conducting research in external organizations.
• The master thesis must be research-oriented.

Note: For details about the required application documents, see the section “About the application.”

Preferred selection criteria

• Good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language (B2 level or equivalent).
• Publication activities in relevant disciplines are advantageous.
• Relevant work experience and knowledge of the industrial domain.

Personal characteristics

To complete a doctoral degree, you should be able to:

• Work in a structured way, set goals, and plan to achieve them
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally
• Collaborate across disciplines
• Analyze data, assess perspectives, and draw well-founded conclusions
• Be flexible and adjust plans as needed

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer

• An exciting job with an important societal mission
• Developing tasks in an international professional environment
• Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• Working capital to support the project
• Mentor programme for new NTNU employees
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
• Free Norwegian language training at basic level (A2)

As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

Diversity

Diversity is a strength. NTNU aims to reflect the diversity of society and values creativity, critical thinking, constructiveness and respect. The university seeks to be gender-balanced and inclusive and to promote equality, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. Applications are encouraged regardless of gender, functional ability, or cultural background. NTNU has measures to promote equality.

Salary and conditions

In the position of PhD Candidate (code 1017), the gross salary will normally be NOK 550 800 per annum, with a 2% statutory deduction to the State Pension Fund. The employment period is 3 years or 4 years if teaching is included. If Norwegian language training (level A2, at least 15 credits) is completed before the end of the employment, the period may be extended by up to 10 weeks after completion and documentation of the course.

To start, the candidate must gain admission to the PhD programme in Computer Science within three months of the contract start date and participate in an organized doctoral programme throughout employment. The position is conditional on external funding. You must be physically present at NTNU on a daily basis and adapt to academic and organizational changes.

The appointment is governed by the State Employees Act and export control regulations. Candidates in conflict with export control criteria will not be employed.

About the application

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application. Documents may be in Norwegian, a Scandinavian language, or English. The application will be assessed based on the information received by the deadline. Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If invited for an interview, certified copies of certificates and diplomas may be requested.

The application must include:

• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master’s degrees
• CV
• Copy of Master’s thesis (draft acceptable if recently submitted). Official degree documentation required before taking up the position.
• Project outline describing research questions, theoretical perspectives, methodological design, and progress plan (max 1500 words/4 pages)
• Short letter of motivation (400 words/1 page)
• Publications or other relevant research work
• Certificates, if any
• Names and contact information of three referees

Joint work will be considered; if contribution is unclear, attach a brief description of your participation. The best-qualified candidates will be assessed on education, experience, motivation, and potential for research. NTNU supports a broad range of scholarly contributions and adheres to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment.

General information

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title, and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public list, request justification. Assessment will follow applicable law. You will be notified if exemption is not granted. If you have questions, contact Vidar Hepsø (Adjunct Professor) at 48034803 or [e-mail]; for recruitment process questions, contact HR at [e-mail].

Application deadline: 24.10.2025