PhD Research Fellow in Energy System Modelling and Nature-Use Trade-offs

We are seeking a motivated and talented candidate for a three-year PhD position focused on analysing and modelling trade-offs between climate mitigation, nature impacts, and area-use conflicts in the low-carbon energy transition. The position is a collaborative effort between the Department of Technology Systems (ITS), University of Oslo and the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) and will be formally employed at IFE.
This PhD project addresses the urgent need to incorporate environmental and land-use considerations into energy system models, thereby contributing to better-informed and sustainable energy transition strategies for Norway and Europe. The candidate will be jointly supervised by Associate Professor Marianne Zeyringer (ITS) and Senior Research Scientist Pernille Seljom (IFE).

Research topics

The decarbonisation of energy systems requires significant electrification and infrastructure expansion. However, such developments often create land-use conflicts and environmental impacts. This project will enhance existing energy system modelling frameworks—TIMES at IFE and highRES at ITS—to integrate nature-related constraints and spatial conflicts. The findings will contribute a robust and comprehensive set of policy-relevant insights for the design of energy systems that are both climate-friendly and ecologically sustainable.

Qualifications 

Required qualifications
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in energy systems, environmental engineering, industrial economics, industrial ecology, sustainability science, or a closely related field.
- Solid background in quantitative analysis, energy modelling, or systems thinking
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Preferred qualifications
- Experience with energy system modelling (e.g., TIMES, highRES, or similar).
- Experience with data handling and analysis.
- Knowledge of environmental impact assessment, spatial planning, or land use analysis.
- Familiarity with programming languages (e.g., Python, GAMS, Julia).
- Interest in science-policy interface and stakeholder engagement.
- Understanding of Norwegian language is preferable, but no prerequisite

Grade requirements
The norm is as follows: the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system Fluent oral and written communication skills in English English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements: https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8
The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see: http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/ or http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

 

Personal qualities

For this position, we are looking for a candidate with the following qualities: ability to take initiatives and come up with new ideas analytical, systematic, and thorough practical ability to work independently as well as in a team and good communication skills.

 

We offer

- A stimulating research environment across two leading institutions in Norway.
- Access to well-established modelling platforms and networks (e.g., FME NTRANS, SecurEL and InterPlay, IEA TCP ETSAP).
- Supervision and mentoring from leading researchers in energy systems and sustainability.
- Offices and research engagement at both IFE and ITS, with equal integration in both research groups.
- Salary in accordance with IFE’s salary structure, including pension and social benefits.

Application procedure

- A cover letter describing your motivation and research interests
- CV including education, experience, academic publications (if any)
- a written work of yours (e.g Master thesis)
- Copies of relevant academic transcripts and diplomas
- Names and contact details of two academic references
- Documentation of English proficiency (if applicable)

IFE is subject to the Security Act, which includes requirements for the organisation’s management of critical national information, as well as other relevant legislation concerning the management of sensitive information. The successful applicant for the position advertised will have access to classified information and critical national objects and infrastructure. In order to meet the qualification criteria, the applicant must therefore meet the security clearance and/or authorisation requirements. Note that relevant applicants will be asked questions that are necessary to ascertain this. This includes questions about any ties to countries that the Norwegian National Security Authority (NSM) has classified as a ‘high-risk country’ in its open threat assessment. Background checks are performed as part of our recruitment process.

Kontaktinformasjon

Mari Lyseid Authen, Department Head , +4745466328, mari.authen@ife.no
Pernille Seljom, Senior Researcher, +4799020263, Pernille.Seljom@ife.no
Marianne Zeyringer, marianne.zeyringer@its.uio.no

Arbeidssted

Instituttveien 18
2007 Kjeller

Nøkkelinformasjon:

Arbeidsgiver: Institutt for energiteknikk (IFE)

Referansenr.: 4974573547
Stillingsprosent: 100%
Temporary
Søknadsfrist: 10.06.2025