PhD Research Fellow in "Hydropower generators securing electricity supply and grid resilience»

European Commission; Norway; On-site; NOK 536,000 - 686,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South-Eastern Norway is seeking a PhD Research Fellow in Electrical Engineering to study the role of hydropower in electricity supply security. This full-time position offers a collaborative research environment and the opportunity to contribute to significant energy research. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree in a relevant field, with strong skills in modeling and engineering. The position is based in Porsgrunn and involves interdisciplinary work within the SecurEL research center.

Benefits

Stimulating research environment

Opportunities for career development

Inclusive work environment

Opportunity for physical activities during work hours

Qualifications

• Strong background in STEM fields like Electrical power engineering or Computer Science.
• Documented proficiency in English.
• Ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the role of hydropower generators in managing electricity supply security.
• Model coordination between power producers and system operators.
• Explore security of supply aspects in regional distribution grids.

Skills

Mathematical modeling

Control engineering

Programming

Systems thinking

Qualitative research methods

Quantitative research methods

Education

Master’s degree equivalent to a Norwegian master’s degree (120 ECTS)

Job description

Department of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, and Cybernetics

Organisation/Company University of South-Eastern Norway Department Department of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, and Cybernetics Research Field Engineering » Electrical engineering Engineering » Control engineering Physics » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Norway Application Deadline 15 Jun 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/Oslo) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

About the position

The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences (TNM) has a vacancy for a 100 % position as PhD Research Fellow in “The role of hydropower generators in securing electricity supply and enhancing grid resilience” from September 1st, 2025. The position is a part of the FME SecurEL center, and it is funded by the Research Council of Norway.

The position is located atthe Department of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, and Cybernetics and reports to the Head of Department. The position will be working in the research group, “Electrical Power Systems” (EPS). The place of employment is Porsgrunn.

The employment period will be three years full time, and there isa premise for employment that the PhD Research Fellow is enrolled in USN’s PhD-program in PhD in Technology within three months of accession in the position. It may be possible to get a four-year full-time period consisting of 75 % PhD Research Fellow and 25 % teaching duties.

About SecurEL

SecurEL is a Centre for Environment-friendly Energy Research, facilitating a secure, resilient, and sustainable electricity distribution grid that ensures both the security of electricity supply and a path to a net-zero-emissions society. SecurEL aims to develop new knowledge addressing research challenges arising from accelerated electrification and increased use of the existing grid. Reaching these goals requires strong interdisciplinary collaboration among research institutions, user partners, and experts with diverse areas of expertise.

The Centre brings together experts from fields such as electrical engineering, energy systems, information and communication technology, cybersecurity, engineering cybernetics, industrial economics, as well as humanities and social sciences, to develop effective solutions for the power grid. SecurEL is a consortium of 42 partners, including 7 research partners. The centre period is 2025-2032, and the total budget is 398 million Norwegian kroner (NOK). USN is represented as a partner mainly by the Department of Electrical engineering, Information Technology and Cybernetics

Recruitment and research education is an important part of the mission of SecurEL. The PhD candidates funded by the Centre will contribute with cutting-edge knowledge and research. Overall, the Centre will directly finance 17 PhD and postdoc positions, at NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology, USN - University of South-Eastern Norway, and UniCA – university of Cagliari. There will also be several associated PhDs from closely related projects. As a SecurEL-funded PhD candidate, you will be employed by USN, a university partner in the Centre, and take active part in the research activities. Through the Centre, you will have access to a forum with other PhD candidates affiliated with the Centre, and opportunities for research stays with partners, both nationally and abroad, through its international network.

This PhD position “The role of hydropower generators in managing the security of electricity supply” will be associated with Work Package 1 (WP1) on Security of Electricity Supply in SecurEL. The overall objective for the PhD work is to investigate the role of hydropower generators in managing the security of electricity supply in evolving regional distribution grids. The work of the PhD candidate will be integrated with the ongoing work being carried out by the research partners in WP1. In the initial phase, the supervisors, the candidate (based on the candidate's profile), and research partners in SecurEL will work together to identify the comprehensive research questions to be addressed to meet the overall objective of the PhD work.

Some potential specific research objectives:

• Model the coordination and interactions between power producers and system operators (DSOs and TSO) in scenarios for the transition of distribution grids.
• Quantify the importance of hydropower production and its interoperability in managing security of supply and grid stability.
• Explore the interplay between different aspects of security of supply (energy availability, power capacity, reliability of supply and voltage quality), as well as power flow balancing, and dynamic system integration) in regional distribution grids.
• Investigate how generator characteristics such as capabilities for fault-ride through, island mode transition, and black start impact the vulnerability and resilience of the grid, in particular considering islanded grid operation.
• Develop vulnerability indicators related to power production and control for increasing situational awareness.
• A Master’s degree equivalent to a Norwegian master’s degree (120 ECTS).
• Documented proficiency in English (Nordic applicants may submit their high school diploma as proof).
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Applicants with a strong background in STEM fields (e.g., Electrical power engineering, control system engineering, Physics or environmental engineering, Mathematics (Operations research) or Computer Science or Machine Learning).
• The Master’s thesis must be included in the application.

Ideal Candidate:

• Demonstrates experience or strong interest in modelling, programming, systems thinking, and qualitative/quantitative research methods.
• Experience in mathematical modeling, control engineering, and optimization is a distinctive advantage.
• Possesses a strong academic record, with relevant experience in either industry or academia.
• Has prior professional experience and a solid understanding of workplace responsibilities and expectations, which will be considered a key advantage.
• Shows a deep interest in interdisciplinary research, is capable of independent work, and actively engages with the supervision team to foster collaborative research.
  
  

For admission to the Programme the weighted average grade is B or higher is usually required. The applicant must have gained the degree within the start date of the position, so applicants in the last semester of their master’s degree are also encouraged to apply.

The candidate must have the ability to work independently and at the same time have the motivation to share knowledge and take part in teamwork. Co-operation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realize common objectives. Personal suitability for the post will be emphasized.

Personal characteristics

• Strongly motivated and ambitious.
• Be structured, targeted and solution oriented.
• Have motivation to work interdisciplinary.
• The successful candidate should be creative and actively contribute to the team he/she will be part of.
• Have good dissemination skills.
• Personal skills like a positive and friendly attitude and contributing to a sustainable social environment, will also be valued.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement.

Specific Requirements

The research area for the position may include technologies covered by the Ministry's export control regulations. Employment in the position requires a relevant license or security clearance. For more information, see https://nsm.no/en/.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Engineering » Electrical engineering Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

We offer

• A stimulating and growing research environment, with good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills.
• An open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues.
• Opportunity for physical activities within working hours.

PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 536200 a year. Furtherpromotion will be based on time served in the position.

In special cases, employment in code 1378 (NOK 546569 – 685728 a year) may be considered.

A statutory contribution to the state pension plan will be deducted from the employee’s salary.

Selection process

How to apply

The University of South-Eastern Norway makes use of online application management. Applicants to the post must register their application and CV with enclosures online via the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking on the link on the right-hand side – “Søk stillingen” (Apply for the post).

The following documents shall be attached to the online application:

• Cover letter outlining the motivation and a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Transcripts and diplomas of Bachelor's and Master's Degrees (120 ECTS). The transcript should clearly show the grades obtained for different courses taken at the Bachelor and Master Degree.
• A 5-page maximum project description. The candidate should describe how he/she would carry out the tasks if he/she is offered this position. The description preferably also contains new ideas or methods that the candidate would think of using them for the execution of this PhD project.
• A copy of master thesis and any scientific publications and a list of these; GitHub profile with project is also relevant.
• Three references (contact information).
• Other relevant certificates (if applicable, must be specified).

Please note that all documents must be in a Scandinavian language or in English. Any translations must be certified. The selection process includes a test where qualified candidates shall complete a task to demonstrate their skills and competence.

The application will be assessed on the basis of the attached documentation as requested above. Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application deadline.

Additional comments

Other information

The Academic Appointments Board for PhD Research Fellowships is responsible for the appointment. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. The candidates deemed best qualified will be invited to an interview.

The person appointed must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply at any given time to the post. Please note that approved work permit is a prerequisite for the employment.

According to its human resources policy, the University of South-Eastern Norway targets a balanced gender composition and aims to recruit persons with a background as an immigrant.

The Department has few women appointed in scientific positions, and women are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.

The University contributes to the Inkluderingsdugnaden (a voluntary scheme to promote inclusion), and it is our aim that our employees, to the fullest extent possible, shall reflect the diversity of the general population. We therefore encourage qualified applicants with disabilities to apply for the post. The University will facilitate the workplace for employees with disabilities.

Pursuant to section 25, 2nd paragraph of the Freedom of Information Act, information on the applicant may be disclosed even if the applicant has requested not be included on the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified if such requests are not allowed.

Contact information

For more information about the position, please contact:

Co-supervisor Prof. Sambeet Mishra ( [e-mail] ) at the Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Department of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Cybernetics.

Alternatively Senior Research Scientist Iver Bakken Sperstad, [e-mail] (co -supervisor) at SINTEF Energy Research, Department of Energy systems.