University of Stavanger PhD Fellowship 2026 | Eligibility and How to Apply

The University of Stavanger (UiS) in Norway is offering a fully funded PhD Fellowship in the optimization of energy transfer in shallow geothermal wells. This position sits at the intersection of renewable energy, engineering, and artificial intelligence, and is part of a broader effort to make geothermal energy systems more efficient and cost-effective. If you are driven by the challenge of solving real-world energy problems and want to contribute to sustainable energy transitions, this is an outstanding opportunity to develop as a researcher in one of Europe’s most dynamic university environments.

This fellowship is aimed at graduates with a strong quantitative background in energy engineering, physics, cybernetics, computer science, or petroleum engineering. You do not need to be Norwegian or European to apply. The university welcomes candidates from all over the world who meet the academic requirements and have a genuine interest in geothermal energy research.

This post covers every detail you need to know about this fellowship, including what the research involves, eligibility criteria, the salary and benefits you will receive, all required documents, and a clear step-by-step guide to applying before the May 31, 2026 deadline.

Scholarship Overview

Eligibility

Citizenship: No citizenship restriction is stated. Applicants from all countries are welcome to apply. Non-EU/EEA candidates will need to obtain a Norwegian work and residence permit if selected.

Academic qualifications: You must hold a five-year Master’s degree (or equivalent) in energy engineering, physics, cybernetics, computer science, or petroleum engineering. Both your Master’s thesis grade and your overall weighted average must individually be equivalent to a B grade or better on the Norwegian A-F scale. Students who will complete their Master’s degree in spring 2026 are also eligible to apply.

Applicants from institutions using a different grading scale must submit a confirmed conversion document showing how their grades correspond to the Norwegian A-F scale, along with a Diploma Supplement or equivalent that explains the scope of their studies.

Work experience: Practical experience in experimental work and software development is an advantage but not a strict requirement.

Language requirements: All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. Accepted tests and minimum scores are:

TOEFL IBT: minimum score of 90 IELTS: minimum score of 6.5 Cambridge CAE or CPE: accepted without a minimum score specified PTE Academic: minimum score of 62

The following applicants are exempt from language testing: those with one year of completed university study in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the USA; those with a completed Master’s degree taught in English in an EU/EEA country; and those exempt based on the HK-dir GSU list.

Other requirements: You must be willing to be physically present at the University of Stavanger campus during normal working hours. You must also submit a preliminary project proposal as part of your application (see the How to Apply section for details).

Eligible Countries

The job posting does not restrict applicants by nationality. All countries are eligible to apply, subject to Norwegian immigration requirements.

Africa: All countries eligible Asia: All countries eligible Americas: All countries eligible Europe: All countries eligible Middle East: All countries eligible Other: All countries eligible

Non-EU/EEA applicants should check the requirements for a Norwegian work and residence permit with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) after receiving an offer.

Eligible Fields of Study

This fellowship is specifically targeted at graduates from the following disciplines:

Energy engineering, physics, cybernetics, computer science, and petroleum engineering. Related fields with strong components in numerical modelling, control systems, fluid mechanics, or thermodynamics may also be considered relevant.

Priority will be given to candidates with skills in numerical modelling of dynamic physical systems, control system algorithms, data analysis, and AI methods. Experience with experimental work, instrumentation, and flow loops is considered an additional advantage.

Benefits

This is a salaried position under the Norwegian State Salary Scale. Benefits include:

1. Salary: NOK 550,800 gross per year (salary code 1017, l.pl 17.515). A 2% deduction is made as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Salary increases with seniority.
2. Tuition fees: No tuition fees apply. PhD positions at Norwegian state universities are employment-based.
3. Pension: Automatic membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which provides favourable retirement and insurance benefits.
4. Health coverage: As an employee in Norway, you have access to Norway’s public health service system.
5. Parental leave: Access to generous Norwegian maternity and paternity leave provisions.
6. Transport subsidy: A discounted public transport scheme called “Hjem-jobb-hjem” (Home-work-home) is available for commuting.
7. Norwegian language courses: Free Norwegian language courses are provided if you do not already have proficiency in Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish at level A2.
8. Mental health support: Access to Lifekeys, a digital service for personal mental health and well-being.
9. Gym and sports access: Favourable membership terms at a campus gym and the SIS sports club.
10. Relocation support: A relocation programme is available for new employees.
11. Childcare: Nursery places are guaranteed and reasonably priced in Norway.
12. Visa fees: whether the university covers visa or work permit fees for international hires.

Required Documents

Prepare and upload the following when applying through Jobbnorge:

1. Application letter stating your research interests and motivation for the position
2. Preliminary project proposal explaining the problem, its relevance, and your proposed theoretical and methodological approach (a template is available on the UiS website)
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a full summary of your education and work experience
4. Academic transcripts from all relevant higher education institutions
5. Degree certificate(s) confirming your Master’s qualification
6. Diploma Supplement or equivalent document explaining the scope of your studies (required if your institution uses a different grading system)
7. Confirmed conversion scale showing how your grades compare to the Norwegian A-F system (required if applicable)
8. English language test certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge CAE/CPE, or PTE Academic) if you are not exempt
9. References and contact details for at least two referees
10. Publications, thesis work, or other relevant research outputs if available
11. Any other documentation you consider relevant to demonstrate your qualifications

Note: All documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. If the total file size exceeds 100 MB, compress your files before uploading. Only applications and attachments submitted through Jobbnorge will be considered.

How to Apply

Step 1: Read the full job posting carefully on the University of Stavanger website to confirm that your qualifications and interests match the research topic and requirements.

Step 2: Identify which sub-area of the research project interests you most: experimental studies on heat transfer and pressure loss, development of thermal and hydraulic models, or development of AI-based or hybrid optimization and control methods.

Step 3: Download the project proposal template from the UiS website and write your preliminary project proposal. This should clearly explain the research problem, why it matters, and the theoretical and methodological approach you would take. This document is assessed as part of your application.

Step 4: Prepare your application letter. It must clearly state your research interests and your motivation for applying for this specific position. Directly connect your background to the project goals.

Step 5: Gather all required documents, including your CV, transcripts, degree certificate, Diploma Supplement, English proficiency test results (if required), and any relevant publications or research work.

Step 6: If your institution uses a non-Norwegian grading scale, prepare a confirmed conversion document that shows how your grades compare to the Norwegian A-F scale.

Step 7: Identify your referees and inform them that they may be contacted. Upload their contact details or reference letters as part of your application.

Step 8: Visit the official application portal on Jobbnorge using the “Apply for this job” link on the UiS vacancy page. Create an account or log in if you already have one.

Step 9: Complete the online application form, registering your application letter, education details, work experience, and language skills directly in the system. Upload all supporting documents as attachments.

Step 10: Review everything carefully before submitting. Confirm that your application clearly shows how your skills meet the stated criteria and that all required documents are attached.

Step 11: Submit your application before the deadline of May 31, 2026. Late applications will not be reviewed.

Step 12: If you have questions about the research content, contact Associate Professor Kristian Gjerstad at alf.k.gjerstad@uis.no or Professor Dan Sui at dan.sui@uis.no. For administrative questions, contact HR Advisor Rosa Andrade at rosa.c.andrade@uis.no or +47 51 83 11 91.

Key Dates and Timeline

Application Deadline

The application deadline is May 31, 2026.

Applications submitted after this deadline will NOT be accepted. The university also notes that applicants who request to be excluded from the public list of applicants may still have their names published under Section 25 of the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act if their request is not granted.

Selection Criteria

Qualified applicants will first be assessed by an internal expert committee based on the documents submitted in Jobbnorge. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an interview, after which references will be checked.

The committee looks for the following qualities beyond basic eligibility:

1. Academic excellence: A strong academic record with Master’s thesis and weighted average grades both at B level or above on the Norwegian scale. Candidates from stronger academic backgrounds with relevant specializations will be prioritized.
2. Technical capability: Demonstrated skills in numerical modelling of dynamic physical systems and control algorithms. Programming experience, data analysis, and AI skills are specifically listed as assessment criteria.
3. Research potential: Motivation for research, creativity, and the ability to work independently within a research timeframe. The quality of your preliminary project proposal is a key factor in the assessment.
4. Experimental ability: Practical experience with laboratory or experimental work is an advantage. Familiarity with flow loops, instrumentation, and related equipment adds to a candidate’s profile.
5. Professional qualities: Ability to handle a demanding workload, work in a structured manner, collaborate with a team, and communicate effectively in English.
6. Diversity commitment: The university actively encourages applications from women, candidates with disabilities, candidates with gaps in their CV, and candidates with immigrant backgrounds. Female applicants will be given priority when multiple candidates are considered equally qualified.

Important Tips

1. Your preliminary project proposal is one of the most important parts of this application. Do not treat it as a formality. Use the template provided, be specific about the research problem, and demonstrate that you understand the existing challenges in geothermal energy optimization.
2. Connect your background directly to the three sub-areas listed in the job posting. If you have experience in numerical modelling, AI methods, or experimental flow studies, make this visible in both your CV and your application letter.
3. Contact the supervisors before you apply. Reaching out to Associate Professor Kristian Gjerstad or Professor Dan Sui with a short, professional email expressing your interest can help you understand the project better and show that you are genuinely motivated.
4. If your grading system differs from the Norwegian A-F scale, prepare your conversion documentation early. This is a mandatory requirement and missing it will weaken your application.
5. Apply through Jobbnorge only. The university explicitly states that it does not consider applications submitted through any other channel. Make sure your account is set up and working well before the deadline.
6. Make your English proficiency documentation current. Expired test results will likely not be accepted. Check the validity period of your TOEFL or IELTS certificate before submitting.
7. Tailor your CV to highlight skills in Python, MATLAB, or other relevant programming languages; any experience with thermal or hydraulic modelling; and any exposure to machine learning or AI-based control methods.
8. Research geothermal energy systems and the SCAPIS-equivalent context in Norway before writing your project proposal. Demonstrating awareness of the current state of geothermal technology in Norway and Europe will strengthen your proposal significantly.
9. Start early. Between gathering documents, writing the project proposal, obtaining language test certificates, and converting grades, the preparation time required is substantial. Give yourself at least three to four weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a scholarship or a paid job? 

This is a paid employment position. PhD fellows at Norwegian state universities are employed, not just scholarship recipients. You will receive a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per year, pension contributions, and full access to Norway’s social welfare system.

Can applicants from outside Europe apply?

Yes. The posting is open to candidates from all countries. Non-EU/EEA applicants who receive an offer will need to apply for a Norwegian work and residence permit through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

Do I need a five-year Master’s degree specifically, or will a separate Bachelor’s plus Master’s (also totalling five years) qualify? 

The posting requires a five-year Master’s degree or equivalent qualifications. A standard Bachelor’s plus a two-year Master’s totalling five years of higher education should be comparable.

What happens if I finish my Master’s degree in spring 2026?

You are explicitly welcome to apply. The posting states that students completing their Master’s in spring 2026 can submit an application, with their final results considered upon completion.

Is the preliminary project proposal a full research plan?

No, it is a preliminary proposal. It should explain the research problem, its relevance, and your intended approach. During the first three months of employment, you will develop it further with your supervisors into a final project plan.

 Is Norwegian language skill required?

No. English is the required language for the position. If you do not speak Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish at level A2 when you start, the university offers free Norwegian language courses as part of its employment benefits.

How long is the PhD program?

The appointment is for three years with research duties exclusively. The program includes coursework equivalent to about six months, a dissertation, participation in national and international research, a trial lecture, and a public defence.

What is the research actually about? 

The PhD Fellow will work on improving the efficiency of shallow geothermal well systems used for heating and cooling. This involves studying how well design and flow conditions affect heat transfer, developing thermal and hydraulic models, and exploring AI-based or hybrid methods for optimizing geothermal system performance.

Official Link

Apply directly through the University of Stavanger’s official Jobbnorge application portal:

https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/299038/phd-fellowship-in-optimization-of-energy-transfer-in-shallow-geothermal-wells

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