The University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) is offering a PhD Research Fellow position in Systems Engineering. This opportunity focuses on developing innovative methods to ensure long-living systems, such as power grids and energy installations, remain changeable and affordable throughout their operational life, addressing challenges like outdated information and costly upgrades.
This PhD project is integrated into SFI CELECT, a major research center funded by the Research Council of Norway. The successful candidate will collaborate with leading industrial companies in Norway's technology cluster, gaining practical experience and building a strong network for future career opportunities in both industry and academia.
Quick Facts
| Opportunity | PhD Position |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of South-Eastern Norway |
| Department | Department of Science and Industry Systems |
| Location | Kongsberg, Norway |
| Region | Europe |
| Open to | International applicants |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Stipend / Salary | NOK 550,800/year |
| Duration | 3-4 years |
| Start date | May 2027 (at the latest August 2027) |
| Application deadline | 15 December 2026 |
About the Position
The doctoral project aims to create lightweight, AI-supported architecting methods that enhance the changeability and affordability of long-living systems, from initial design to decades of upgrades. The research will investigate how changeability and affordability are lost across the system life cycle, explore the role of AI and digital threads in supporting trade-offs and upgrade decisions, and assess the transferability of these methods across various sectors like product development, critical infrastructure, and defense. The successful candidate will help shape the final research questions with supervisors and industry partners, working on real development projects within CELECT partner companies.
Eligibility
- Master's degree (120 ECTS credits) or equivalent in Systems Engineering, Systems Architecture, mechanical, electrical/energy, industrial, or software engineering, or a similar relevant engineering discipline.
- Documented knowledge of relevant quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies at master's level.
- Weighted average grade of B or higher on the master's degree and thesis.
- Master’s thesis submitted by application deadline and approved before starting.
- Excellent written and oral English language skills, documented by valid certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE, PTE Academic) unless exempt.
- Meet formal requirements for admission to USN's doctoral programme in Technology (Systems Engineering) within three months of starting.
- Ability to obtain authorization for restricted information, security clearance, and an export license.
Benefits
- Organised research training with a focus on career development.
- Career advice and guidance throughout the doctoral programme, including a career plan.
- Inclusive working environment with ambitious colleagues.
- Opportunity to take Norwegian language courses.
- Salary in accordance with the Norwegian State salary scale for PhD research fellows (position code 1017) NOK 550,800, with potential for increases based on length of service.
- Statutory contributions to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, providing favourable pension, insurance, and loan schemes.
Documents Required
- Certified diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees (120 ECTS) in a Scandinavian language or English.
- Documentation of recognition and approval of foreign education by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), if applicable.
- Explanation of the grading system for foreign education (diploma supplement if available).
- Other relevant certificates and diplomas.
- Motivation letter (maximum 500 words) explaining skills and motivation.
- Documentation of Scandinavian/Norwegian language skills (if relevant).
- Documentation of English language skills.
- List of any scholarly publications.
- Contact information for up to three references.
- Copy of passport (for export license/security clearance).
How to Apply
- Submit an electronic application via the 'Apply for the position' link on the job page.
- Enter a short application text and information about relevant education and work experience, clearly describing skills and motivation.
- Upload all required documents in a Scandinavian language or English. Compress attachments if they exceed 30 MB.
Source: EURAXESS.
Details can change – always confirm eligibility and deadline on the official listing before applying.
Featured image: Photo by Kris Møklebust on Pexels
