PhD Candidate (MSCA) in optimal high temperature heat pump control

SINTEF; Norway; On-site; NOK 520,000 - 560,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

MSCA Doctoral Network

International collaboration

Cutting-edge facilities

Job summary

SINTEF Energi AS invites applications for a three-year PhD position within HeatMinds, a Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network. The research focuses on advanced control strategies for high-temperature heat pump systems to reduce fossil fuel use in industry.

The successful candidate collaborates with Brunel University London and undertakes a secondment at DLR. Responsibilities include modeling, thermodynamic analysis, and applying MPC/RL to flexible, efficient industrial heat pumps.

Qualifications

• Two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent with strong academic record.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Admission to Mechanical Engineering PhD programme at Brunel University with joint supervision.

Responsibilities

• Mathematical modeling, simulation, and analysis of dynamic thermal systems.
• Thermodynamic cycle analysis.
• Control theory and PID controller tuning.
• Proficiency in scientific programming (MATLAB/Python).

Skills

MPC

Reinforcement Learning

Self-optimising control

Control theory

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree (2-year) or equivalent

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Organisation/Company SINTEF Department Energi AS Research Field Engineering » Control engineering Engineering » Thermal engineering Engineering » Mechanical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 22 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Oslo) Country Norway Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 23 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

SINTEF Energy invites applications for a three-year PhD position within HeatMinds, a European Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network.

The research focuses on developing advanced control strategies for the dynamic operation of high-temperature heat pump systems, which have significant potential to reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in industrial processes.

The successful candidate will investigate advanced control methodologies, including Model Predictive Control (MPC), Reinforcement Learning (RL) and self-optimising control. The strategies will be evaluated under industrial decarbonisation and energy flexibility scenarios using a pilot-scale laboratory system.

The position involves collaboration with Brunel University of London, where the candidate will undertake doctoral studies under joint supervision, and an international research secondment at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Low Carbon Industrial Processes.

Through HeatMinds, the candidate will contribute to research advancing efficient, flexible and sustainable industrial heat pump technologies.

• Mathematical modeling, simulation, and analysis of dynamic thermal systems.
• Thermodynamic cycle analysis.
• Control theory and PID controller tuning.
• Proficiency in scientific programming (MATLAB/Python).

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Years of Research Experience None

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

• You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree[JD1.1].
• Master’s students in their final year can apply, but the degree must be completed and documented before 1 January 2027.
• Strong academic record (average grade B or better) or demonstrated research potential
• Must meet the admission requirements for the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Brunel University.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Selection process

Additional background that will be valued in the selection process:

• Advanced control algorithms including MPC and/or RL
• Heat pump and/or thermal management system analysis and design
• Familiarity with optimisation methods (e.g. gradient-based methods)
• Familiarity with plantwide control procedures (e.g. self-optimizing control)

Additional comments

SINTEF Energi AS delivers research-based solutions and services that create value for customers, both nationally and internationally. SINTEF Energi AS is part of the SINTEF group. SINTEF is an independent and non-profit research foundation where no owners can draw dividends. Financial profits are invested in scientific equipment and expertise.

Salary and conditions

The employment period is three years, funded through the EU Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network Grant HeatMinds. For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme throughout the period of employment. The position is conditional on external funding. For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

We offer

• An exciting and challenging research project within an international MSCA Doctoral Network With excellent opportunities to collaborate within international research groups and industry.
• A dynamic, creative, and inclusive working environment.
• Access to cutting edge facilities and interdisciplinary training.
• Career development and mentoring through the HeatMinds network.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Elisa Magnanelli, Research Manager [phone]