PhD Research Fellow within Renewable Energy Flexibility
Do you want to contribute to the development of knowledge, insight and solutions that are relevant to society and working life today and in the future?We are looking for a PhD research fellow within Renewable Energy Flexibility.
About the positionAre you interested in Energy Technology Management, and want to engage in research with skilled colleagues who share your interests? Maybe you can become our new colleague at the Department of Science and Industry Systems (IRI) at the Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences, and Maritime Sciences (TNM). The position is available from September 2026 with the latest starting date on January 2027.
This is an educational position that is primarily intended to give promising researchers the opportunity to develop academically and professionally through organised research training.
It is a condition that the person who accepts the position applies for and is granted admission to the Faculty’s PhD-program in Technology within three months of starting in the position.
The doctoral programme includes relevant courses corresponding to approximately six months of study, a thesis based on independent research, active participation in national and international research environments, relevant research dissemination, a trial lecture and public defence of the thesis. Read more about organised research training at USN on our website.
The PhD research fellowship is for a fixed term of three years with pure organised research training.
Your personnel manager will be Head of Department, Dr. Aida Omerovic and your supervisor will be Prof. Amir Safari. It is a prerequisite that you live close by so that you can be present at, and available to, the academic environment at your workplace during ordinary working hours. The place of work will be at campus Kongsberg.
About the doctoral projectThe PhD project confronts the global imperative for adaptable, low‐carbon energy infrastructure by investigating a hybrid system that synergistically integrates different renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic generation, hydrogen production, and storage alternatives with microgrid-driven power distribution. Through advanced modelling and optimization techniques, this research aims to identify optimum design and operational strategies that enhance system flexibility, improve resilience to variable supply and demand, and minimize environmental impact. By drawing on interdisciplinary expertise (spanning renewable energy engineering, power systems and energy market integration, stochastic multi-objective optimization, and data‐driven control methodologies) the project will establish a robust framework for coordinating electricity, heat, cooling, and hydrogen flows in distributed energy networks.
While the primary focus is on developing a scalable and economically viable energy management solution, potential case studies may include to illustrate real‐world applicability in a close collaboration with our international partner(s). In alignment with Energi21 as national strategic objectives for sustainable energy as well as international commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this PhD project aims to advance cutting-edge smart microgrid technologies by enhancing system flexibility and reliability, thereby making a significant contribution to the transition toward cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable energy infrastructures.
The person appointed will be affiliated with the research group Energy Systems and Advanced Materials (ESAM).
Duties:
Complete the doctoral programme up to completion of the doctoral degree within the employment periodConduct high-calibre research within the framework described aboveScholarly publicationsParticipate in the ESAM research group activitiesParticipate in national and/or international activities such as conferencesBe prepared for changes in your work tasks after appointment
QualificationsAll items are requirements, unless it is specified that they are preferred qualifications.
Master’s degree (120 ECTS credits) (or equivalent qualifications) within Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, or a closely related fieldDocumented knowledge of relevant methodologies, both quantitative and/or qualitative, at master’s levelWeighted average grade of B or higher on the master’s degree and thesis The master’s thesis must have been submitted for assessment by the application deadline for the position and approved before starting in the positionExcellent written and oral English language skills. Proficiency in a Scandinavian language is considered an advantage. Meet the formal requirements for admission to USN’s doctoral programmes and the faculty’s doctoral program in Technology no later than three months after starting in the positionOther qualification:
Solid background in at least one of the following areas: renewable energy sources, power systems integration, energy technology management, or smart grids.Experience in development of mathematical meta-models, control strategies, optimization methods and algorithms, data analysis and machine learning techniques, techno-economic study, design and analysis of integrated systems.Experience with energy system modeling/simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Modelica, and COMSOL Multiphysics), energy systems analysis/optimization/programming software (e.g., HOMER, GAMS, and Python).Evidence of previous scientific writing or academic publications (e.g., peer-reviewed journals), industrial collaboration, knowledge transfer activities, or participation in international projects. Previous involvement in research proposal writing-up, innovation projects, or startup initiatives.Interest in energy informatics and the role of digital technologies and ICT (e.g., blockchain, IoT, data analytics) in future energy systems.Willingness to contribute to academic dissemination (e.g., publications, conferences) and collaborative project tasks, internationally.Strong motivation for interdisciplinary and applied research in the energy transition, with the ability to work across disciplinary boundaries (including engineering, management, economics, and policy).Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.Personal qualities:
In order to be able to complete a doctoral degree, you need to be able to:
demonstrate motivation and potential for research in the fieldwork independently, but also participate in teamworkwork in a structured way, set goals, and make plans to achieve thempresent and discuss your research with other academicsget involved and contribute constructively with feedbackwork constructively under pressure or in the face of adversityshow curiosity and strong motivation for the subject areaanalyse data, assess different perspectives, and draw well-founded conclusionsbe flexible and open to adjusting the project plan as necessaryhave the academic skills and personal qualities to be able to complete the doctoral programme within the employment periodWhen assessing applications, particular importance will be attached to:
Formal qualificationsThe scientific quality, research relevance and degree of innovation of the projectThe relevance of the project to the profile of the doctoral programmeThe personal qualities mentioned aboveRequirements for proficiency in English
This position requires good English language skills. International applicants must document this with a valid certificate from one of the following tests. Specific requirements regarding grades can be found on our webpage English requirement for programmes and subjects taught in English at USN.
TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test (IBT)IELTS – International English Language Testing Service Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) from the University of CambridgePTE Academic – Pearson Test of English AcademicThe following applicants are exempt from the requirements listed above:
Applicants with one year of completed university studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK or USAApplicants who have completed a master’s degree with English as the language of instruction in an EU or EEA countryApplicants who are exempt based on the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir)’s GSU list (Higher Education Entrance Qualification for foreign applicants)Applicants from Norway can confirm their English language skills by submitting their upper secondary school diploma.
Project descriptionApplicants must submit a preliminary research proposal with the application. The project description for the research project should be short and concise, maximum 2–4 pages (600-1200 words). See further descriptions in the “Template for project descriptions for doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships at USN”
Introduction (the title, main problem and research questions and the background to the project)State of the art (the project’s research field)TheoryMethodologyWork planResults and hypothesesBibliographyApplications with a project description exceeding 1200 words will not be processed.
The project proposal will be included in the assessment of the applicant’s competence.
The final project description and work plan will be prepared in consultation with the supervisor(s) during the first three months of the employment period. It is a prerequisite that you complete the project during the employment period.
Requirements regarding a licence and/or security clearanceThe position may involve access to and handling of unclassified, sensitive information. The person appointed must demonstrate a high level of integrity, loyalty, and security awareness, and comply with applicable regulations and internal security procedures.
What we offerOrganised research training in a large undertaking with an important social missionCareers advice and guidance throughout th
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