PhD Research Fellow in Power Quality Assessment and Planning of Distribution and Transmission Grids

About the position

A 100% PhD Research Fellow position is available at the University of Agder (UiA), Faculty of Engineering and Science, affiliated with the Department of Engineering Sciences, for a period of three (3) years. The position is located at Campus Grimstad, with a negotiable starting date.

The position is associated with the Energy Systems Group and is part of the national research centre FME SOLAR, which brings together leading research institutions and industry partners within photovoltaic (PV) energy.

Project description

The PhD research will address power quality monitoring and operational planning of distribution and transmission grids with a high share of photovoltaics and inverter‑based resources.

Key tasks include:

• Development of digital twins for pilot distribution (LV/MV) and transmission (HV) grids with high penetration of PV and inverter‑based technologies.
• Development of an event‑based power quality assessment framework, including a PQ toolbox based on electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations.
• Evaluation of grid control strategies for increasing PV hosting capacity, including active/reactive power control, voltage management, reactive power compensation (SVC/STATCOM), energy storage, demand‑side management, and hybrid PV–wind systems.
• Development of optimal strategies for increasing grid hosting capacity considering power quality, voltage stability, and losses.

The research will be validated through scaled hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) laboratory experiments. Collaboration within the FME SOLAR consortium is an integral part of the position.

Required qualifications

• Master’s degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related discipline (final‑semester candidates may apply).
• Experience with scientific programming and data analysis, preferably using MATLAB and/or Python.
• Good written and spoken English. Applicants not exempt from NOKUT requirements must document English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS).
  • TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum score of 600 for the Paperbased Test (PBT), or 92 for the Internet-based Test (iBT)
  • IELTS - International English Language Testing System, with the result of 6.5

A prerequisite for employment is that the candidate is to be admitted to UiA’s PhD programme at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Specialisation in Engineering Sciences, Scientific Field Renewable Energy

Criteria for positions as PhD Research Fellow (in Norwegian).

Desired qualifications

• Experience with power quality analysis, EMT simulations, or event‑based power system studies.
• Familiarity with voltage control, hosting capacity analysis, or renewable energy grid integration.
• Experience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) or laboratory‑based power system experiments.
• Research experience documented through a Master’s thesis or publications.
• Knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.

Applicants will be evaluated based on academic qualifications, relevance of educational background, research potential, technical and methodological competence related to the project, motivation, personal suitability, and language skills. Emphasis will be placed on the candidate’s potential to complete the PhD within the given time frame.

Personal qualities

We seek a highly motivated and technically capable candidate with a strong sense of curiosity and perseverance. The successful applicant should be able to independently identify and investigate engineering research challenges, critically assess evidence and methodologies, communicate results effectively, and maintain high standards of scientific integrity. The candidate should also seek and incorporate feedback, and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

We offer

• Participation in Norway’s leading PV research network (FME SOLAR)
• A dynamic, inclusive, and international research environment
• Modern laboratories, including OPAL‑RT‑based facilities
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

More about working at UiA.

The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, currently NOK 550,800 gross per year. UiA does not charge tuition fees.
A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions.

General information

UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV.

The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating toControl of Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions.

Abackground checkmay be conducted to verify information that appears in available documents. Background checks are always done with the applicant's consent, and employment in the position requires an approved background check. Relevant applicants will receive further information.

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment.

Read more about the employment process.

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the “Apply for this job” link and include:

• Diplomas and transcripts (with grading‑system description for foreign education)
• List of publications (if any)
• Contact details for referees

The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English.

Application deadline: 23.10.26.

Contact

For questions about the position:

• Prof. Rade Ciric, tel. +47 37 23 30 83, e-mail rade.ciric@uia.no
• Prof. Joao Leal, tel. +47 37 23 31 39, e-mail joao.leal@uia.no

For questions about the application process:

• HR-adviser Heidi Kristensen, tlf. 38 14 13 79, e-mail: heidi.kristensen@uia.no

Creating knowledge together

When people who are committed come together to further knowledge, anything is possible.

The University of Agder combines the unique warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological and artistic expertise.

Would you like to work with us to create better solutions to our shared challenges?

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