PhD Candidate - Hydrogen and Industrial Decarbonization Pathways

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At NTNU, 8,6000 employees and 44,000 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

We invite applications for a 3-year PhD Candidate position on the future role of hydrogen and hydrogen products in industrial decarbonization. The position is based at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, located at NTNU’s campus in Trondheim.

The mission of Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management (IØT) is to carry out education, research, and innovation activities at an international level at the intersection between technology/natural sciences and business economics, management, and HSE. The department’s activities aim to contribute to sustainable value creation within technology-based areas in industry, business, and the public sector in Norway

 

About the position

Electrification is widely promoted as a key pathway to industrial decarbonization. At the same time, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS) are increasingly recognized as important solutions for sectors where direct electrification may be difficult or uneconomic. This has led to a growing debate about the future role of "electrons versus molecules" in a net-zero economy.

Most existing studies assume that today's industrial structure remains largely unchanged and focus on how current industries can reduce emissions. However, deep decarbonization may fundamentally reshape industrial production, value chains, competitiveness, and the location of energy-intensive activities. As a result, future hydrogen demand may depend as much on industrial transformation as on technological choices.

This PhD project will investigate how alternative pathways toward a zero-emission industrial sector affect the future demand for hydrogen and the development of hydrogen value chains. The research will analyze the interplay between electrification, hydrogen, and CCS, while explicitly accounting for potential changes in industrial structures and production systems.

 

The project addresses research questions like:

• How will future hydrogen demand vary across alternative industrial decarbonization pathways?
• Which industrial sectors are likely to rely on electrification, hydrogen, or CCS to achieve net-zero emissions?
• How might industrial transformation affect hydrogen production, transport, storage, and trade?
• What level of hydrogen deployment is required to justify dedicated hydrogen infrastructure and markets?
• How can Europe and Norway prepare for different industrial and energy-system transition pathways?

 

The successful candidate will develop and analyze future scenarios for industrial transformation, hydrogen demand, and infrastructure development. The project will contribute to the scientific and policy debate on how competitive zero-emission industries can emerge under different transition strategies.

Research environment

The PhD candidate will join a multidisciplinary research environment at the intersection of energy economics, industrial economics, operations research, and energy systems analysis.

The position is affiliated with FME HYDROGENi, the Norwegian Research and Innovation Centre for Hydrogen and Ammonia. The centre brings together 46 research and industry partners to develop the knowledge, technologies, and solutions needed to support a sustainable hydrogen economy and contribute to Norway's ambitions for climate neutrality and industrial transformation. FME HYDROGENi conducts research across the hydrogen value chain, including hydrogen production, transport and storage, industrial and maritime applications, safety, and the broader role of hydrogen in future energy systems. The centre is funded by the Research Council of Norway through the Centres for Environment-friendly Energy Research (FME) programme and operates during the period 2022-2030

The PhD candidate will be hosted at the Managerial Economics, Finance and Operations Research (BEDØK) group at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management. The group is one of Norway’s leading academic environments in operations research, logistics, optimization, and quantitative decision support. The candidate will work in close collaboration with researchers from NTNU’s Department of Computer Science and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Your role in the project

The PhD candidate will:

• Conduct original scientific research on hydrogen and industrial decarbonization pathways.
• Develop and analyze scenarios for industrial transformation and climate neutrality.
• Assess the future role of electrification, hydrogen, and CCS across industrial sectors.
• Quantify hydrogen demand and infrastructure requirements under alternative transition pathways.
• Publish research results in leading international journals and conferences.
• Collaborate with academic, industry, and public-sector partners.
• Complete the required coursework as part of the PhD programme.
• Contribute to dissemination and communication of research findings.

 

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in a relevant field with strong academic results (B or better according to NTNU’s grading scale). Relevant academic backgrounds include:

• Operations research or optimization
• Energy systems
• Energy Economics
• Engineering disciplines with strong quantitative and analytical content
• Or other closely related disciplines.

Applicants must demonstrate strong analytical and quantitative skills.

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

Desired qualifications

The following qualifications will be considered an advantage:

• Experience with energy system modelling, scenario analysis, or techno-economic analysis.
• Knowledge of hydrogen technologies, industrial decarbonization, or climate policy.
• Experience with quantitative modelling and data analysis.
• Programming skills in Python, Julia, R, GAMS, or similar tools.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of technology, economics, and policy.

Applicants in the final phase of their master’s studies are encouraged to apply.

Personal characteristics

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Is intellectually curious and motivated to conduct high-quality research
• Has strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Works independently and in a structured manner
• Has excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Thrives in an interdisciplinary research environment. 
• Is interested in research with relevance for industry, policy, and society.

Emphasis will be placed on scientific quality, research potential, and personal suitability.

We offer

• An exciting and international academic environment with opportunities for competence development 
• Close collaboration with leading researchers in energy systems modelling, optimization, and something else 
• Opportunities to engage with industry partners and public sector stakeholders
• Participation in research addressing key challenges of the green transition.
• Opportunities for international research stays and conference participation.
• An open and inclusive workplace  with engaged colleagues 
• Favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Employee benefits
• Good loan, insurance, and pension schemes in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund 
• Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)
• Working at NTNU
  
   

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

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. (delete if not applicable)

Salary and conditions

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 580 000,-per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. 

The period of employment is 3 years. The position is connected to the PhD program at the Faculty of Economics and Management, and the faculty will be your employer. Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Industrial Economics and Technology Management within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

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.
• Research plan (maximum one page) – Applicants should provide a brief research plan describing how they would approach one or more of the research questions outlined in the description of the position. The plan should reflect the applicant’s research interests and provide an outline of how they envision contributing to the project objectives.
• CV, diplomas, and certificates 
• Scientific works, including the master thesis. 
• Names and contact information of at least two potential references

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. Description of the documentation required can be found here. Please note that diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).  

If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well.  

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

NTNU is committed to following the evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment – DORA and the commitments in CoARA (responsible research assessment and recognition of a broader range of academic contributions in line with NTNU's societal 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 Professor Asgeir Tomasgard (asgeir.tomasgard @ntnu.no) or Professor Anne Neumann (anne.neumann@ntnu.no).

If you have any questions regarding the employment process, please contact HR Advisor Oddny Lyngvær at oddny.lyngvar@ntnu.no.

 

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

Application deadline: 11.12.2026