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NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

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About the position

Technology development in geothermal energy and deep drilling has accelerated significantly in recent years, with major advances occurring in North America and Europe. Much of the latest progress in cost-effective drilling originates from the oil & gas sector, and several of these innovations can be adapted for geothermal applications.

This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of geothermal energy and drilling technology in an inspiring research environment at the Geoscience Department (IGV), NTNU, with cooperation between Well & Reservoir and the Engineering Geology & Rock Mechanics group. Technology development within geothermal and deep hard‑rock drilling has accelerated internationally, and Norway is now well positioned to adapt cutting‑edge solutions for its own geological conditions. Mainland Norway’s igneous and metamorphic rock presents drilling challenges distinct from sedimentary basins, yet the strong competence developed through decades of Norwegian petroleum research provides an exceptional foundation for innovation. By building advances in drilling systems, bit design, drilling fluids, and downhole thermodynamics, this position will contribute to new methods that improve drilling efficiency, reduce costs, and support the development of deep geothermal wells, seasonal thermal energy storage, and concepts such as GeoTermos.

You will become part of a dynamic, collaborative working environment with expertise in drilling engineering, geomechanics, machine learning, and energy systems. The project will integrate real‑time drilling data, digital‑twin methodologies, and AI‑driven optimization approaches to address fundamental challenges in hard‑rock drilling. As a PhD candidate, you will benefit from close supervision, access to an international research community, strong industry connections, and excellent opportunities for academic development.

Are you motivated to take a step towards a doctorate and open up exciting career opportunities? As a PhD Candidate with us, you will work to achieve your doctorate, and at the same time gain valuable experience that qualifies you for a further career in higher education and research, both in and outside academia.

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

About the project

The PhD project aims to advance next‑generation drilling technologies and AI-driven optimization methods for geothermal wells in hard crystalline rock. Norway’s geological conditions, dominated by igneous and metamorphic formations, present unique challenges for large‑scale geothermal development and require innovative approaches in bit technology, hydraulic hammer systems, drilling fluids, and thermal management. The project will combine experimental insights, physical modeling, digital‑twin technologies, and AI/ML methods to improve drillability, increase rate of penetration (ROP), reduce non‑productive time, and enable cost‑effective geothermal well construction. The work includes evaluating geothermal concepts relevant to Norway, such as deep hard‑rock wells, multilateral systems, and integration with seasonal heat storage solutions like GeoTermos.
In the structured format the key research topics include:

1. Hard‑Rock Drilling Technologies

High-frequency hydraulic hammers and their efficiency in igneous/metamorphic formations
Directional drilling methods suitable for geothermal well systems
Herringbone and multilateral drilling concepts for cost-effective heat extraction
Thermodynamic aspects of deep drilling: heat transfer, fluid–rock interaction, and downhole thermal effects on drilling performance
Identifying technological and operational factors requires significantly increasing the rate of penetration (ROP) and making drilling economically viable

2. Drilling Challenges in Crystalline Formations

Bit wear mechanisms, cutter degradation, and optimization of bit selection
Drilling fluid challenges: (a) lubrication under high temperature, (b) cooling efficiency, (c) rheology in fractured crystalline formations, (d) fluid-rock incompatibilities
Strategies for minimizing non-productive time (NPT) through early detection of drilling issues downhole and mitigating them in real time

3. Data‑Driven Drilling Optimization (AI/ML)

Developing AI/ML models to predict drillability issues based on mechanical rock properties
Real-time parameter optimization (WOB, RPM, flow rate, etc.) using machine learning techniques
Anomaly detection for downhole vibrations, bit failure, and circulation losses
Integrating physical modeling, digital twins, and data-driven decision systems

4. Geothermal Solutions for Norway

Assessing relevant geothermal well concepts for Norwegian conditions
Combining deep wells with shallow seasonal heat storage (GeoTermos) and short-term PCM-based storage

Duties of the position

Complete the doctoral education and fulfill all requirements needed to obtain a PhD degree.
Carry out high‑quality research within hard‑rock geothermal drilling, drilling technology, thermomechanical processes, and AI‑driven drilling optimization, as described in the project outline.
Develop and apply numerical, analytical, and data‑driven models for drillability prediction, real‑time parameter optimization, and integration of physical and machine‑learning approaches.
Conduct scientific publishing in peer‑reviewed journals and present research findings at national and international conferences.
Contribute to popular‑science dissemination and communication of project results to industry partners, students, and the broader public.
Participate actively in the research groups Well and Reservoir and Engineering Geology and Rock Mechanics engage in weekly meetings, and collaborative activities.
Take part in international activities such as conference participation, collaboration with partner institutions, and/or potential research stays abroad.
Participate in career‑promoting activities relevant to the project, such as innovation workshops, industry collaboration, and training in transferable research skills.

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

Required selection criteria

You must have a relevant Master's degree in Petroleum/Mechanical engineering or equivalent (Rock mechanics / Geotechnical Engineering/ Geomechanics specialization). Your course of study must correspond to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been obtained at master's level. Master's students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position.
You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master's degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's Doctoral Program PhD in Engineering
Good written and oral English language skills
The candidate must commit to following and completing the courses selected for his/her PhD program.

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions and Regulations for the degrees philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) and philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) in artistic development work at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)for general criteria for the position.

Preferred selection criteria

Relevant industrial and/or research experiences
Knowledge of Geothermal Drilling, Drill Bits, Drilling fluid, and Hard Rock Drilling.
Desired skills:
- Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence experience skills
- Python (for data analysis, automation, scripting, and simulations)

Personal characteristics

To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are able to:

Work independently
Work in a structured way, set goals, and make plans to achieve them
Present and discuss your research with other professionals
High level of personal responsibility and initiative
Get involved and contribute constructively with feedback
Show curiosity and strong motivation for the subject

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer

An exciting job with an important mission in society
Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period
Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

Diversity

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education.

If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.

At NTNU we want to increase the proportion of women in scientific positions. We have a number of measures to promote equality.

Salary and conditions

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 550 800,-per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary.

The employment period is 3 years.

For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in Engineering within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme through out the period of employment.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and adapt to them.

For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act, and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to bein conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

About the application

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in Norwegian/a Scandinavian language or English.

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above. The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request.

The application must include:

Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees
CV
Copy of Master's thesis. If you have recently submitted your Master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed Master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.
Project outline containing proposals for an overall description of research questions, theoretical perspectives, methodological design for the project and progress plan (maximum 1500 words/4 pages)
Short letter of motivation (400 words/1 page)
Possibly publications etc. other relevant research work
Possibly certificates
Names and contact information of three relevant referees

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor's and Master's education, in addition to other higher education. If your institution uses “diploma supplement” (normal for most European institutions), you must attach this. A description of the documentation required can also be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well.

Joint work will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint work, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

When assessing the best qualified, we emphasize necessary qualifications such as education, experience and personal suitability. Motivation for the position, ambitions, and potential for research will also count when assessing the candidates.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and has committed itself to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment and CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

General information

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt 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 exemption is not granted.

If you think this position looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, you are welcome to apply.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Behzad Elahifar, email: behzad.elahifar@ntnu.no or Professor Bjørn Syvert Frengstad, email: bjorn.frengstad@ntnu.no / Associate Professor Randi Kalskin Ramstad, email: randi.kalskin.ramstad@ntnu.no.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Senior Adviser HR Eli Meistad, email: eli.meistad@ntnu.no.

Application deadline: 19.04.2026

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For practical information about working at NTNU, please visit this webpage.

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the tech 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.

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