Postdoctoral Fellow in Digital Decision Support Tools for Sustainable Urban Transformation

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

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

     

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About the position

The Department of Architecture and Planning invites applications for a position as Postdoctoral Fellow in Urban Planning and Digital Decision Support Tools for Sustainable Urban Transformation.

Are you ready to take your research career to the next level? We offer an exciting 3-year postdoctoral position that allows you to develop a strong research profile. You will also gain valuable experience that may be relevant to your future career.

The purpose of a postdoctoral position is to build a researcher profile that qualifies for a position as an associate professor. (The position may also offer additional skills that are relevant to the postdoctoral fellow's future career)

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department. 

Research and Teaching focus

This postdoctoral position contributes to the Department's research and pedagogical activities in urban planning, with a particular focus on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), land use analysis, and digital decision support systems. The role addresses the increasing demand for advanced analytical frameworks and computational tools to tackle complex urban transformation challenges, including climate change, ecological shifts, socio-cultural dynamics, mobility needs, and sustainability imperatives. 

This postdoctoral research will explore the potential of digital technologies - particularly spatial decision-making methodologies and data-driven approaches - to enhance sustainable urban planning practices. It aims to develop and integrate GIS-based analytical tools and evaluation frameworks across thematic domains, facilitating interdisciplinary and evidence-informed decision-making. 

The application of digital tools will centre on deepening the understanding of their role in urban transformation and the interdependencies within the built environment. Through urban analytics, data science, and participatory planning methods, the research will support key areas such as mobility planning, socio-ecological systems, adaptive reuse of urban heritage, as well as strategic urban design and planning – contributing to the development of inclusive, climate-resilient, and future-proof cities.

Duties of the position

• Carry out research of good quality. 
• Collaborate with the supervisory team to co-author at least two publications in peer-reviewed journals and actively participate in science communication through conferences, seminars, and public outreach activities
• Conduct independent and collaborative research focused on digital tools and methods for urban planning and decision-making.
• Develop and apply computational urban models, simulations, and data-driven frameworks to support urban policy and planning processes. 
• Collaborate with urban planners, data scientists, and stakeholders under joint research projects (e.g., NTNU Department of Architecture and Planning, SINTEF, Trondheim Municipality, other municipalities and industry partners in Norway and Europe). 
• Contribute to grant writing, project reporting, and dissemination work at the department. 
• Participate actively in the project meetings with Norwegian and European partners in Norway and Europe, as applicable.
• Mentor students in research and design projects and advise on the use of digital tools in master’s level courses.
• Participate in other career-enhancing activities as necessary.

Required selection criteria

• You must have completed a doctoral degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Urban Design , or a related field with a proven track record of professional experience in urban planning, urban design or urban transformation.
• If you are in the final phase of your doctorate and can document that the thesis has been submitted or that the defense date has been confirmed, your application can be considered even if you have not defended. NOTE: Documentation of the obtained doctorate must be presented before you can take up the position.
• Excellent competence in the use and application of geographic information systems (GIS), analytical modelling of urban systems, and sustainability frameworks
• Experience with urban simulation tools or urban planning support systems 
• Experience with visualisation methods
• Experience publishing interdisciplinary or applied research
• Experience designing or delivering courses, workshops, or studio-based learning
• Good oral and written presentation skills in English equivalent level - proficiency.

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

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 Regulations concerning the degrees of philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) in artistic development work at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)for general criteria for the position.

As a result of the new Act relating to universities and university colleges with associated regulations of 01/08/2024, NTNU has, during a transitional period (for decisions on employment in recruitment positions before 1 August 2025), chosen to use the terms of employment in the old regulations of 31 January 2006 no. 102 on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, research fellow, scientific assistant and specialist candidate

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience with programming or scripting (e.g., Python, R, SQL) for spatial analysis or modelling
• Experience with participatory planning tools or civic technology platforms 
• A strong record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields
• Experience applying for research funding or contributing to grant proposals
• Experience coordinating with stakeholders or external partners
• Ability to supervise master’s theses or student research projects
• Good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian/Scandinavian

Personal characteristics

Working as a Postdoctoral fellow requires that you

• Share a strong interest in academic research and teaching
• Work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Analyse data, assess different perspectives and draw well-founded conclusions 
• Demonstrate curiosity and a strong motivation for the subject 
• Communicate clearly, translate technical findings into accessible insights for both academic and non-academic audiences
• Act ethically and responsibly, considering the social and environmental implications of digital decision-support tools, and strive for inclusive and equitable urban solutions
• Collaborate effectively with multiple co-supervisors and large research teams, including transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary groups
• Participation in international research networks or projects

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer 

• An exciting job with a critical social mission
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment, and close collaboration with co-supervisors under different research groups at IAP
• 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 
• Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU
• Favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

As a Postdoctoral Fellow 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.

Salary and conditions

As a Postdoctoral Fellow (code 1352) you are normally paid from gross NOK 604 900,- per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years. 

As an employee at NTNU, it is important to keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and to 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 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-,Master's- and PhD degrees. If you have not yet completed your PhD, you must provide confirmation on your estimated date for the doctoral dissertation, or confirmation that your PhD thesis has been submitted. Documentation of a completed doctoral degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• CV
• A copy of the doctoral thesis. If you are close to submitting,you can attach a draft of the thesis. 
• Research plan with reference to the expected outcomes listed in Duties of the Position
• Academic works - published or unpublished(up to 5 items)
• Possible recommendation letters
• Name and contact information of three referees

If all or parts of your education hasbeen taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education. Description of the documentation requiredcan 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 works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

If you have had leave or another break in your career, it is important that this is stated in your application so that the selection committee can take this into account and that the amount of your research may be reduced as a result.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal qualities. Motivation, ambitions and potential for research will also be emphasized in the assessment of the candidates.

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).

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 list of applicants, 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 have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Anna Kaczorowska, email: anna.kaczorowska@ntnu.no, Professor Yngve Karl Frøyen, email: yngve.froyen@ntnu.no and NTNU Onsager Fellow / Associate Professor Slađana Lazarević, email: sladjana.lazarevic@ntnu.no.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Advisor, Astrid Steine Lyngby, email: astrid.s.lyngby@ntnu.no.

If you find this position interesting, and in accordance 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. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.

Application deadline: 30.11.2025

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. 

Gjøvik, a charming town by the shores of Lake Mjøsa, is known for its beautiful nature and rich cultural offerings. The town boasts a vibrant community with excellent schools, modern healthcare services, and a variety of recreational activities. With its strategic location, just a short drive from Oslo, Gjøvik combines the best of urban life and natural experiences. Here, you'll find a dynamic business environment and exciting career opportunities in a setting that values work-life balance. 

Ålesund, known for its unique Art Nouveau architecture and spectacular nature, is a gem on Norway's west coast. The city offers a vibrant cultural life, modern facilities, and a dynamic business environment. With its strategic location by the sea, Ålesund provides a perfect balance between urban living and natural experiences. Here, you will find excellent schools, top-notch healthcare services, and a wide range of recreational activities. Ålesund is an ideal place for both career and family life, with a safe and inclusive community.