Senior Researcher / Researcher in Energy Systems Optimization

About the Job

There are 1-2 permanent position available at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management  (IØT) as a Senior Researcher or Researcher. The position is resident at NTNU’s campus in Trondheim, Norway. The position is connected to the Managerial Economics, Finance and Operations Research (BEDØK) group at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management and the Faculty of Economics and Management will be your employer.  

The energy transition is accelerating, and energy system models provide key insights on the opportunities and challenges of integrating renewable energy sources. As a Senior Researcher or Researcher, you will actively contribute to the development of energy system models that analyse various aspects of the energy system in externally funded projects. The position(s) encompasses three primary responsibilities: Firstly, following research activities and discussions on implementing and solving energy system models as well as analysing their outputs. Secondly, actively participating in externally funded projects and assisting with grant management. Lastly, demonstrating a robust commitment to research output and maintaining high standards of scientific excellence through publications.

The group has developed multiple types of energy system models focused on: capacity expansion in European energy systems, stochastic modelling of renewable generation, cross-carrier integration and hydrogen deployment, energy in end-use sectors (buildings, transport and industry), local energy communities and P2P trading, flexibility markets, power grids re-dispatch, distribution grids, and others. The role encourages participation in many projects and provides also some time flexibility in these or other related topics. We seek self-driven individuals who actively propose new ideas, articles, models, and develop new projects. The BEDØK group at NTNU offers a wide range of possibilities, projects and topics related to energy transition research.
These include (not limited to) for example:

• Modelling the European energy transition, e.g., projects: SET-Nav , openENTRANCE  and iDesignRES.
• Integration of end-users, batteries and EVs, projects: INVADE  and SENDER
• Smart Cities and sustainable urban ecosystems, projects: +CityxChange , and ARV  
• Smart neighbours, local electricity markets and P2P, projects: BEYOND , Syn.ikia ,
• Energy-climate transition in regions and developing countries, projects: ENERGICA , TRANSFORMAR  and PATTERN
• Power Markets and digitalization: nextgenVPP, PowerDig , HONOR, and BEYOND
• Modelling Hydrogen integration: CleanExport , Hydrogen Nordic Hubs

The Senior Researcher / Researcher is expected to contribute to Horizon Europe projects financed by the European Commission, as well as national projects supported by the Norwegian Research Council and industry partners.  The majority of these projects emphasize the incorporation of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, spanning from local distribution grids and communities to national and pan-European assessments of decarbonization approaches. The position will also allocate time for the Senior Researcher or Researcher to develop his/her own research activities, projects or scientific papers.

Moreover, the position(s) will be participating and engaging in the activities of the NTNU Energy Transition Initiative (https://www.ntnu.edu/energytransition)  and collaborate with the FME-NTRANS centre.

Duties of the position

• Develop and engage into research activities in externally funded projects
• Conduct independent research activities and develop original ideas, papers, or projects
• Contribute to energy transition analysis and modelling activities in the group
• Support management and development of externally funded projects
• Contribute to PhD and master student supervision

The methodologies used are based on competence from mathematical programming and optimization, managerial economics, and energy systems modelling.

Required selection criteria

• Completion of a Norwegian doctoral degree in operations research or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree is required. An optimization-oriented PhD degree in one of the following areas can also be considered: industrial engineering, power systems, energy.
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and administrative staff
• Experience with optimization and energy systems modelling
• Applicants must have published their research in recognized international journals within the field

Candidates in the final stages of their PhD may also apply.

Desired qualifications

• Project management or project development experience
• Background in stochastic optimization or energy systems
• Documented experience of working with international partners in Europe (or similar international collaboration or stays abroad)
• PhD or Master student supervision experience
• Post-doctoral experience

Personal characteristics

We are looking for a highly motivated, quality oriented, conscientious, creative and independent scientist(s). She/he enjoys interdisciplinary research and is a team player. A self-driven, structured and proactive attitude will be central for this position.

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

We offer

At BEDØK/NTNU, we have established an exceptional environment for Senior Researchers and Researchers to flourish in their careers. Our diverse energy research team comprises over 20+ individuals from various nationalities and backgrounds. As a Senior Researcher or Researcher, you will benefit from administrative and seed-funding support to develop new projects, engage in high-level discussions with internationally recognized professors, and collaborate with major research centres (e.g., FME NTRANS, FME NORTHWIND, FME ZEN, FME CINELDI, etc.). These opportunities will empower you to excel in research publication output, jointly supervise PhD students, and spearhead international research collaborations, ultimately enhancing your professional growth and impact.

Moreover, we offer:

Information about Working and living in Norway can be found at the following link: https://www.norge.no/en/system/404

Salary and conditions

Researchers are remunerated in code 1109, presently from gross NOK 544.400,- before tax per year. Senior Researchers are remunerated in code 1186, presently from gross NOK 648.700,-. This can be discussed. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The position is permanent, and subject to external funding.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU

It is a prerequisite that you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily. 

About the application

Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.  If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result. 

The application must include: 

• Motivation letter (clearly stating how the candidate meets the qualification requirements)
• A CV with information on education, previous research experience, together with authorized documentation of certificates and study records.
• A complete publication list.
• Documented experience (s) in research projects
• Names and contact information for three relevant referees 

Joint work will also be considered. If it is difficult to identify your specific input to a joint project, you must include evidence of your contributions.  

In the assessment of the best qualified applicant, we will emphasize education, experience and personal suitability as well as your motivation for the position. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.  This means that we pay special attention to the quality and professional breadth of these works. We also consider experience from research management and participation in research projects. We place great emphasis on your scientific work from the last five years.

General information

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is a strength. We want our faculty and staff to reflect Norway’s culturally diverse population and we continuously seek to hire the best minds. This enables NTNU to increase productivity and innovation, improve decision making processes, raise employee satisfaction, compete academically with global top-ranking institutions and carry out our social responsibilities within education and research. NTNU emphasizes accessibility and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender identity, ability status, periods of unemployment or ethnic and cultural background.  

NTNU is working actively to increase the number of women employed in scientific positions and has a number of resources to promote equality.  

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted. 

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation . You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

Please reach us, we are ready to chat and dicuss how you fit to the position(s), or if you want to know more about the group and the working enviroment. Questions can be directed to Associate Professor Pedro Crespo del Granado +47 458 49 710 / [email protected]  or Professor Asgeir Tomasgard, [email protected]  /+47 930 58 771.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Consultant Hilde Selli Egelie, [email protected] .

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. 

Application deadline: 04.06.2023

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management

We conduct research and teaching at an international level in the interface between technology/natural sciences and economics, management, and HSE (health, safety and the environment). Our goal is sustainable creation of value within technology-based areas in industry, business and the public sector in Norway. We have academic groups in Trondheim and Gjøvik. The Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management  is one of four departments in the Faculty of Economics and Management . 

Deadline 4th June 2023
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Permanent
Place of service