Postdoctoral Fellow position: AI and Machine Learning for Energy Systems Modelling

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About the position

Are you ready to take your research career to the next level? We offer an exciting 3-year postdoctoral position that gives you the opportunity to develop a strong research profile. You will also gain valuable experience that may be relevant for your future career. The purpose of a postdoctoral position is for the employee to develop a research profile and competence that qualifies them to apply for an Associate Professor position. The position can also provide other competencies relevant to the Postdoctoral Fellow's further career. Join our research environment and take the next step in your career with us.

We invite applicants for a three-year Postdoctoral fellowship focused on advancing energy system modelling and optimization using AI and Machine learning. The position is based at NTNU’s campus in Trondheim, Norway, within the Managerial Economics, Finance, and Operations Research group (BEDØK) at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Faculty of Economics and Management.

About the research project 

Energy Systems Modelling is essential for providing insights and strategies to plan a carbon-neutral future. The implementation of an effective energy transition plan faces multiple challenges, spanning from integrating the operations of multiple energy carriers (gas, heating, electricity, etc.) and sectors (e.g., transport, buildings, industry, etc.) to appropriately modelling different spatial and temporal resolutions. The BEDØK group at the department runs several projects in these areas and offers the selected Postdoctoral Fellow flexibility to shape a focused research agenda. A key aspect of the position is to integrate and co-develop AI and machine learning techniques with energy system models. The candidate should have some competence in AI/ML for energy system applications and interest in developing new AI-enabled modelling approaches. Possible research directions or areas of applications include (but are not limited to):

• Power markets: Flexibility markets, TSO–DSO coordination, re-dispatch, cross-border integration, day-ahead/intraday markets, and other relevant topics.
• Energy system planning & optimization: Extend NTNU’s open-source EMPIRE model for diverse applications (flexibility, grid expansion, offshore wind, demand response, etc.).
• Sector coupling & hydrogen: Modelling integrated energy carriers and the role of hydrogen in high-renewables systems.
• Energy communities & local markets: P2P trading, local electricity markets, and incentives for distributed renewable integration.

The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with multiple high-impact European and Norwegian research initiatives, including iDesignRES, AiD (Norwegian Centre on AI-Decisions ), FME Interplay, PowerMAX, and others.

Required selection criteria

• A doctoral degree in operations research, energy or power system design and optimization, industrial engineering (optimization focus), applied AI/machine learning, or a closely related field. Candidates in the final stages of their PhD may also apply.
• Proven expertise in energy and/or power systems.
• Demonstrated competence in optimization or applied AI/machine learning; expertise in both is an advantage.
• Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, Julia, or similar).
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Factors that will contribute positively to the evaluation and that should be documented in the application:

• A good publication record in peer-reviewed journals and conferences in relevant areas such as energy systems and optimization.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with both technical and administrative staff.
• Project management or project development experience.
• Documented experience of working with international partners in Europe (or similar international collaboration, including research stays abroad)

If you do not already have educational competence that meets the requirements for a position as associate professor in Norway, NTNU will arrange for you to acquire such competence during the employment period. In such cases, you will also be assigned relevant teaching as part of the career-promoting work.

 

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions and for general criteria for the position.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Perform energy system modelling analyses in one (or two) of the research areas noted. New areas or ideas are welcome.
• Apply and explore machine learning and AI applications in Energy Systems
• Develop and engage in research activities in EU and National projects
• The position also allows the postdoctoral fellow to carry out their own research activities and explore their own ideas
• Joint supervision of post-graduate students

The methodologies used are based on competence from mathematical programming and optimization, energy economics, and energy systems modelling. The postdoc position aims to combine this competence with the latest trends in AI and machine learning.

Personal characteristics

We are looking for a highly motivated, quality-oriented, conscientious, creative, and independent scientist. The right candidate enjoys interdisciplinary research and is a team player. A self-driven, structured, and proactive attitude will be central for this position. 

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

We offer 

• An exciting and international academic environment with opportunities for competence development 
• Opportunities for collaboration with significant industrial companies and public organizations 
• Career guidance throughout the postdoctoral program and together with you we will prepare a career plan, which contains the skills and knowledge you will acquire
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues 
• Favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)
• Working at NTNU

As a Postdoctoral Fellow at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

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

 

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. (deleted if not applicable)

Salary and conditions

Postdoctoral candidates are remunerated in code 1352, presently at gross NOK 633.400,- before tax per year. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years. 

The position is conditional on external funding.

Trondheim is the workplace. For 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 be in conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

Any statutory leave will be added to the employment period.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important to stay updated on professional and organizational changes and adapt to these.

About the application 

Please note that the application will only be assessed based on the information we have at the application deadline. Therefore, ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experiences meet the criteria described above.

The application must contain the following: 

• Motivation letter – The motivation letter must clearly state how the candidate meets the qualification requirements.
• CV, diplomas, and certificates 
• Scientific works including the dissertation (not the master thesis). 
• A complete list of publications 
• Relevant publications 
• Names and contact information of three potential references

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and is committed to follow evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment DORA and the obligations in CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

General information 

A public applicant list with names, ages, job titles, and municipalities of residence will be prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to reserve yourself from being included on the public applicant list, this must be justified. The assessment will be made in accordance with applicable laws. You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is Norway's technology capital with a population of over 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens, and general equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized childcare is readily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers excellent educational opportunities (including international schools) and opportunities to enjoy nature, culture, and family life, with low crime rates and clean air quality.

Questions about the position can be directed to Associate Professor  Pedro Crespo del Granado (+47 458 49 710 / pedro@ntnu.no) or Senior Researcher Mostafa Barani (+47 73 55 89 97/ mostafa.barani@ntnu.no).

If you have any questions regarding the employment process, please contact HR Advisor Hilde Selli Egelie at hilde.s.egelie@ntnu.no.

 

An application including attachments should be sent electronically through www.jobbnorge.no 

Application deadline: 22.06.2026