PhD Student in Energy Systems and Artificial Intelligence

University of Stavanger; Stavanger; On-site; NOK 522,000 - 638,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PhD training

Inclusive work environment

Relocation support

Health services

Welfare benefits

Transport subsidies

Job summary

The University of Stavanger invites applications for a PhD position at the intersection of Energy Systems and Applied AI. The project focuses on real-time optimization and control of energy systems, with shallow geothermal energy central, leveraging AI-based models and digital twins.

You will join Energy Central, a living lab with 120 geothermal boreholes, 1.3 MW heat pumps, CO₂ testbed, boilers, storage, and data-rich monitoring to advance techno-economic optimization.

Job description

Research Topic

We are seeking highly motivated and talented candidates for a PhD position at the intersection of Energy Systems and Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI). As the urgency of addressing climate change continues to grow, innovative solutions that reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support sustainable energy systems are more important than ever.

This PhD project focuses on the development of fast, accurate, and robust models for the real-time optimization and control of energy systems, with shallow geothermal energy as a central research area. The project will investigate how AI-driven modeling, system integration, and advanced operational strategies can enhance the performance, efficiency, and flexibility of modern energy systems.

Research Environment and Infrastructure

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge energy technologies at the University's Energy Central, a unique living laboratory for research, development, and demonstration of sustainable energy solutions.

Energy Central includes:

• 120 geothermal boreholes, including 10 dedicated research wells equipped with different borehole heat exchanger designs
• Two large-scale commercial heat pumps, each with a heating capacity of 1.3 MW
• A research-scale heat pump utilizing supercritical CO₂ as the working fluid, serving as a testbed for data generation, system analysis, and methodology development
• Three gas-fired boilers and two electric boilers
• Thermal energy storage in the form of a hot-water accumulator
• Dry coolers and associated energy infrastructure

This advanced facility is equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring and measurement systems, providing high-quality data for the development and validation of digital twins and AI-based models for techno-economic optimization of integrated energy systems.

A key objective of the project is to incorporate forecasting methods and external data sources, including weather conditions, electricity prices, fuel costs, and emission pricing, to support intelligent and economically optimal system operation.

Why Join This PhD Project?

This PhD position provides a unique opportunity to conduct high-impact research in a highly applied environment, utilizing state-of-the-art energy infrastructure and extensive real-world operational data. The project combines advanced AI methodologies with practical energy-system challenges, offering excellent opportunities for academic development, industrial collaboration, and contribution to the green energy transition.

If you are passionate about sustainable energy systems and eager to apply artificial intelligence to solve real-world energy challenges, we encourage you to apply.

English Language Requirements

Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required for admission to the PhD programme.

International applicants who do not qualify for one of the exemptions listed below must document their English language proficiency by submitting a valid test result from one of the following tests:

• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): minimum score of 90/4.5
• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System): minimum score of 6.5
• Cambridge English: Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic): minimum score of 62

You are exempt from this requirement if you:

• have completed at least one year of university studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States
• have completed a master's degree taught in English in an EU/EEA country or in India
• qualify for an exemption according to the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) GSU list
• do not fall within any of the exemption categories listed above, but have resided in Norway for the past five years.

As a PhD Fellow at UiS, you will receive

• a PhD education at a university with a strong societal mission and ambitious academic goals
• an ambitious and inclusive research environment. We strive to include employees at all levels in strategic decisions and promote an informal atmosphere with a flat organisational structure.
• free Norwegian language courses if you do not have proficiency in Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish at level A2 at the time of employment.
• access to Lifekeys, a digital service that supports mental health and well-being
• salary in accordance with the State Salary Scale, code 1017, NOK 580 000 gross per year, with salary progression during the employment period. A statutory 2% contribution is deducted for membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens pensjonskasse), which provides favourable pension and insurance schemes
• favourable membership terms at SiS Sports Centre and the university sports club
• employment with an Inclusive Workplace organisation committed to reducing sick leave and promoting and inclusive working life
• access to the Hjem-jobb-hjem programme, offering discounted public transportation to and from work
• relocation support
• access to comprehensive health services, generous parental leave arrangements and a well-developed welfare system.