1st December 2026

About The Position

A fixed-term 100 % position as a PhD Research Fellow in Civil and Structural Engineering, is available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Science. The position is affiliated with the Department of Engineering Sciences and is offered for a period of three years. The position is located at Campus Grimstad. The starting date is agreed with the Faculty.

The Department of Engineering Sciences has more than 120 employees in scientific positions and more than 1500 students at all levels. A wide range of research activities is conducted across the department’s research groups: Mechatronics, Renewable Energy, Civil Engineering, and Industrial Economy. Interdisciplinary projects within the department or with other research groups are also welcome.

This position will be affiliated with the Civil Engineering section. The department has extensive international collaboration and works closely with industrial partners and public-sector organisations in the region. These collaborations provide valuable opportunities for both teaching and research. Our partners contribute assignments, expertise and resources.

Project background

The position is associated with a recently awarded EU project, HelioSea. The project aims to develop innovative interconnected floating solar arrays for offshore sites. The project will assess innovative concepts under various environmental conditions, investigate systems integration and the co-location of different marine renewable energy devices, and conduct techno-economic analyses.

Responsibilities

The PhD research fellow will conduct research on the design and analysis of multibody floating solar systems under offshore environmental conditions.



Such systems are typically characterised by lightweight floats with mechanical connectors and mooring systems.

The work will involve analytical modelling and numerical analysis of multibody hydrodynamics. Structural analysis may also be included, depending on the research focus. The candidate is expected to work collaboratively in an international research environment.

The research will include preparing and submitting research reports, publishing high-quality scientific articles, and participating in dissemination activities at the European level.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in Marine Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field. Applicants must have their master’s thesis approved by the application deadline.

Applicants are expected to have in-depth knowledge of several of the following subjects:

- Marine hydrodynamics
- Structural Dynamics
- Physics-based simulations of marine structures
- Stochastic analysis methods
- Design optimization

As a General Rule, The Following Should Normally Apply

- The average grade for courses included in the bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) should be C (or equivalent) or higher.
- The average grade for all courses (including the dissertation)



in the master’s degree should be B (or equivalent) or higher. The master’s dissertation (or equivalent) should have the grade B (or equivalent) or higher.
- Competence in English is a requirement for all applicants to the PhD programme. International candidates that are not exempt from the English language requirements pursuant to the guidelines of the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT), must document this through one of the following tests with the stated results or better:
- TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum score of 600 for the Paperbased Test (PBT), or 92 for the Internetbased Test (iBT)
- IELTS - International English Language Testing System, with the result of 6.5

Desired Qualifications

- Research experience and a record of scientific publications
- Strong analytical and programming skills
- Research or work experience related to offshore structures

Personal qualities

The assessment will place emphasis on personal suitability, teamwork skills and relevant practical experience. Research fellows are expected to contribute to the active research community at the University. The position requires the ability to work independently towards defined goals, maintain focus and pay attention to detail.

We offer

- Professional development in a large, exciting and socially important organisation
- A positive, inclusive and diverse working environment
- Modern facilities and comprehensive welfare schemes
- Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

General information

UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us b

📌 PhD Research Fellow in Design and Analysis of Floating Solar Arrays (Tiltil)
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📍 Tiltil