PhD Research Fellow within Renewable Energy Flexibility

The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences have a vacancy for a position as

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 position

Are 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 project

The 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 period
Conduct high-calibre research within the framework described above
Scholarly publications
Participate in the ESAM research group activities
Participate in national and/or international activities such as conferences
Be prepared for changes in your work tasks after appointment

Qualifications

All 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 field
Documented knowledge of relevant methodologies, both quantitative and/or qualitative, at master’s level
Weighted 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 position
Excellent 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 position

Other 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 field
work independently, but also participate in teamwork
work in a structured way, set goals, and make plans to achieve them
present and discuss your research with other academics
get involved and contribute constructively with feedback
work constructively under pressure or in the face of adversity
show curiosity and strong motivation for the subject area
analyse data, assess different perspectives, and draw well-founded conclusions
be flexible and open to adjusting the project plan as necessary
have the academic skills and personal qualities to be able to complete the doctoral programme within the employment period

When assessing applications, particular importance will be attached to:

Formal qualifications
The scientific quality, research relevance and degree of innovation of the project
The relevance of the project to the profile of the doctoral programme
The personal qualities mentioned above

Requirements 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 Cambridge
PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English Academic

The 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 USA
Applicants who have completed a master’s degree with English as the language of instruction in an EU or EEA country
Applicants 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 description

Applicants 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)
Theory
Methodology
Work plan
Results and hypotheses
Bibliography

Applications 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 clearance

The 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 offer

Organised research training in a large undertaking with an important social mission
Careers advice and guidance throughout the entire doctoral programme. Together we will draw up a career plan that includes the skills and knowledge you will acquire
An inclusive working environment with ambitious colleagues
The opportunity to take Norwegian language course
Salary in accordance with the Norwegian State salary scale for PhD research fellows (position code 1017) NOK 550,800. In special cases, code 1378 may be used. Any further increases in pay grade will be based on length of service in the position
Deductions will be made from your salary in order to make statutory contributions to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund on your behalf
Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, ensuring favourable pension, insurance and loan schemes

Diversity

We believe that diversity is a resource in our work and learning environment. Different experiences and backgrounds contribute to different perspectives and better solutions to challenges that need to be solved.

We are committed to respecting each other's differences and will facilitate employees with disabilities. We take into account your needs and your situation in different phases of life.

If you find this position interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, disability, cultural background or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, gaps in their CV or an immigrant background, we will call at least one applicant in each of these groups for an interview. If you recognize yourself in one of these categories, you can tick the box in our job search portal.

General information

The Appointment Committee for Fellowship Positions (TUS) is the appointing authority for this position. Your competence for the position will be assessed by an expert committee. The expert committee will assess your competence for the position based on the documentation you have registered in Jobbnorge.

Based on the expert committee’s assessment, relevant applicants will be invited to an interview and to hold a trial lecture. References will also be obtained for relevant candidates.

Employment at USN is carried out in accordance with the principles set out in the Norwegian Civil Service Act, and the legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services. If your application is considered to be in conflict with the criteria in the latter legislation, it will be rejected without further consideration.

The University’s Guidelines for recruitment positions at the University of South-Eastern Norway provide a more detailed description of the criteria for appointment as a PhD research fellow.

As an employee of USN, you must at all times adapt to changes in the field and all organisational changes that are adopted.

Contact information

For more information about the position, please contact:

Head of Department, Aida Omerovic, aida.omerovic@usn.no, +4735952653

Professor Amir Safari, amir.safari@usn.no, (+47) 90361081

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact:

Advisor Tonje Holt Vøllestad, tonje.h.vollestad@usn.no

How to apply

If you think this position looks interesting and matches your qualifications, you can submit an application electronically by clicking on “Apply for the position” on this page. Here you will need to enter a short application text and information about your relevant education and work experience. In the application text, you must clearly describe your skills and motivation for the position.

The application must include:

Curriculum Vitae with cover letter
Certified diplomas for your bachelor’s and master’s degrees (120 ECTS). The diplomas must be in a Scandinavian language or English
- Applicants with higher education completed outside Norway must provide documentation that the education has been recognised and approved by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) You must submit your application for approval before the position’s application deadline. Attach a receipt or decision when applying. The approval must be forwarded once available and is a requirement for employment.
Transcripts and an explanation of the grading system for foreign education (diploma supplement if available)
Your master’s thesis. If your master’s thesis was a collaborative project, you must submit a short statement detailing your involvement
Other relevant certificates and diplomas
A 2–4 pages project proposal describing the doctoral project and a personal statement explaining your motivation for the position
Documentation of your English language skills
- Language proficiency in English can be documented in the following ways (see above: Requirements for proficiency in English)
List of any scholarly publications
Contact information for up to three references
Copy of passport

The application will be assessed based on the information available in Jobbnorge at the expiry of the application deadline. Make sure your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the competence requirements described in the job advertisement.

When assessing who is best qualified for the position, we attach weight to education, experience and personal qualities.

All documentation must be provided in a Scandinavian language or English. If the attachments exceed 30 MB in total, they must be compressed before uploading.

Please note that information about you as an applicant may be disclosed publicly even if you have requested not to be included on the public list of applicants (cf. Section 25 of the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act). You will be notified if your request for exemption from public disclosure is denied.

We only consider applications and attachments registered in Jobbnorge. On request, you must be able to provide certified copies of your documentation.

About us

The University of Southeastern Norway (USN) ranks as the country's fourth largest higher education institution. We are a vibrant community of approximately 18,000 students and 1,900 employees.

About the Faculty and Department

Institutt for realfag og industrisystemer - Universitetet i Sørøst-Norge

About USN

At USN you’ll contribute to a mission that matters. The University of Southeastern Norway was established in 2018, following the merger of several smaller university colleges, some with historical roots dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. We are committed to collaborative problem-solving, aiming to provide solutions that benefit our communities – locally as well as globally.

Our diverse campuses are located from the beautiful fjords to the snow-covered mountains. USN spans three Norwegian counties, with campuses in Bø, Drammen, Horten, Kongsberg, Notodden, Porsgrunn, Ringerike, and Rauland.

Wherever you’re located, you will engage in meaningful work amidst a thriving student culture and innovative research environments. Our university offers a wide range of high-quality and internationally recognized academic programs.With a strong emphasis on profession-oriented and socially relevant education, we prepare our students for the workforce and equip them with the necessary skills to make a positive impact on society.

At USN, we deeply value and cultivate our relationships with local communities. Our staff and students are actively engaged in a variety of projects that address societal challenges, driving change and innovation. We place a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, and we strive to shape future leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

Read more about working for us: (link to) Work for us - Universitetet i Sørøst-Norge

Universitetet i Sørøst-Norge

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PhD Research Fellow within Renewable Energy Flexibility