项目介绍

2026年7月2日

About the position

Are you ready to take your research career to the next level? 

We offer an exciting three-year postdoctoral position designed to support the development of a strong international research profile at the intersection of digital twin architectures, ontology engineering, semantic integration, and information modelling. The position will allow you to contribute to cutting-edge interdisciplinary research while gaining valuable experience relevant for an academic career as well as positions in research-intensive public and private organisations. 

The purpose of a postdoctoral position is to develop a research profile that qualifies for appointment as an Associate Professor or an equivalent academic position. The position may also provide additional competencies and experience that are valuable for the candidate’s future career. 

The successful candidate will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment at the Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering (IVB), Faculty of Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). 

Your immediate leader will be the Head of the Department.

About the project 

The position is associated with Mission Mjøsa, NTNU’s interdisciplinary research initiative for sustainable knowledge development, environmental stewardship, and societal innovation in the Mjøsa region. A central ambition of the initiative is the development of a Digital Twin of Lake Mjøsa as a shared framework for integrating research, data, models, and knowledge across multiple disciplines.

Unlike many digital twin initiatives that focus primarily on technological implementation, Mission Mjøsa adopts a broader perspective. The Digital Twin is envisioned as a long-term knowledge infrastructure that supports research, decision-making, communication, and public engagement. The twin will integrate quantitative and qualitative information from the research domains History, People, Environment, Water, and Technology, creating new opportunities for interdisciplinary understanding and sustainable regional development.

The Digital Twin of Lake Mjøsa is not conceived as an isolated technological artefact, but as a shared knowledge infrastructure that enables integration and interaction across all Mission Mjøsa research domains and stakeholder communities. By developing the semantic and information architectures required to support such integration, the project contributes to NTNU’s strategic ambitions in digital transformation, interdisciplinary research, and sustainable societal development.

Research objectives

The postdoctoral project addresses a fundamental scientific challenge: how heterogeneous research data, models, and knowledge representations can be integrated into coherent and reusable digital twin ecosystems through semantic technologies, ontology engineering, and information architectures.

The successful candidate will lead research on methods, frameworks, and architectures that transform stakeholder information requirements into interoperable semantic models, ontologies, knowledge graphs, and digital twin services. Particular emphasis will be placed on:

• Semantic interoperability
• Ontology engineering
• Knowledge graphs
• FAIR data principles
• Information modelling
• Information requirements engineering
• Standards and frameworks such as ISO 19650 and Level of Information Need (LOIN)

The research will investigate how semantic information architectures can support long-term data stewardship, provenance, traceability, and integration across shared research infrastructures.

The research will contribute to the development of semantic information architectures that support FAIR data management, provenance, traceability, and integration with national research data infrastructures such as Sigma2, Norway’s national e-infrastructure for research data and advanced computing.

Scientific focus

The position will contribute to the scientific foundations of next-generation semantic digital twins by developing methods for linking:

• Stakeholder information requirements
• Domain knowledge
• Ontological representations
• Research data infrastructures
• Digital twin services

through interoperable semantic frameworks.

The research will explore how semantic technologies, ontology-based information models, and knowledge graphs can enable scalable integration of heterogeneous research data and computational models across disciplinary domains.

Particular attention will be given to the development of human-centred and knowledge-centric digital twins. In this context, information architectures are designed not only to represent physical and environmental systems, but also to support decision-making, collaboration, communication, and long-term knowledge stewardship across research communities, public-sector organisations, industry stakeholders, and society at large.

The project may also investigate how semantic digital twin architectures can provide trusted and explainable foundations for future AI-enabled services, data-driven analytics, and decision-support systems.

Expected outcomes

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Establish a recognised international research profile within semantic digital twins, ontology engineering, and information architectures.
• Publish in leading international journals and conferences.
• Contribute to the development of competitive national and international research proposals.
• Collaborate across disciplines within Mission Mjøsa and relevant external research networks.
• Strengthen NTNU’s position within digital twin research, semantic interoperability, and interdisciplinary knowledge infrastructures.

The postdoctoral fellow will play a central role in developing the semantic and conceptual foundations of the Digital Twin of Lake Mjøsa as a long-term research and knowledge infrastructure.

Duties of the position

• Conduct high-quality research within digital twin architectures, ontology engineering, semantic interoperability, and knowledge infrastructures.
• Develop scientific methods, frameworks, and architectures that support the integration of heterogeneous research data, models, and knowledge representations in the Digital Twin of Lake Mjøsa.
• Publish research results in leading international journals and conferences and contribute to popular science dissemination and stakeholder-oriented communication.
• Participate actively in Mission Mjøsa and relevant research groups at the Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering.
• Contribute to the scientific and methodological development of the Digital Twin of Lake Mjøsa as a shared knowledge infrastructure for interdisciplinary research, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable regional development.
• Contribute to the development of national and international research proposals and participate in activities related to external research funding.
• Collaborate with researchers from multiple disciplines and contribute to the integration of research activities across the Mission Mjøsa research domains.
• Participate in international research activities, including conferences, workshops, scientific networks, and research stays at foreign institutions where relevant.
• Contribute to the supervision and mentoring of master’s students associated with relevant research activities.
• Perform other career-promoting activities relevant to the development of an independent academic research profile.
• Carry out other duties as agreed with the Head of Department.

You must have completed a doctoral degree in information systems, computer science, civil engineering, building information modelling, digital twins, knowledge engineering, semantic technologies, data science, or a closely related field.

• If you are in the final phase of your doctorate and can document that the thesis has been submitted or that the defence date has been confirmed, your application may be considered. Documentation of the awarded doctoral degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Documented research competence within one or more of the following areas:
• Digital twin architectures
• Ontology engineering
• Semantic technologies
• Knowledge graphs
• Information modelling
• Data integration and interoperability
• FAIR data principles and research data management
• Information architectures and knowledge infrastructures

Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific work of high quality.

• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplinary boundaries and contribute to interdisciplinary research environments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Please note: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see the section “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 may also be assigned relevant teaching as part of the career-promoting work.

The appointment will be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions and the general criteria governing appointments to postdoctoral positions.

Required selection criteria

• You must have completed a doctoral degree in information systems, computer science, civil engineering, building information modelling, digital twins, knowledge engineering, semantic technologies, data science, or a closely related field.
• If you are in the final phase of your doctorate and can document that the thesis has been submitted or that the defence date has been confirmed, your application may be considered. Documentation of the awarded doctoral degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Documented research competence within one or more of the following areas:
  • Digital twin architectures
  • Ontology engineering
  • Semantic technologies
  • Knowledge graphs
  • Information modelling
  • Data integration and interoperability
  • FAIR data principles and research data management
  • Information architectures and knowledge infrastructures
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific work of high quality.
• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplinary boundaries and contribute to interdisciplinary research environments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Please note: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see the section “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 may 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 for general criteria for the position.

Preferred selection criteria

• Research experience in ontology engineering, semantic interoperability, knowledge graphs, or semantic web technologies.
• Experience with digital twin development, information modelling, or data integration in complex interdisciplinary environments.
• Experience with geospatial data, GIS, spatial databases, geospatial information infrastructures, or related geodata management and analysis is considered an advantage. Candidates with experience in integrating geographically referenced data into digital platforms, knowledge graphs, or digital twins are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Knowledge of standards, frameworks, or methodologies related to information management and digital twins, such as ISO 19650, Level of Information Need (LOIN), FAIR principles, or related approaches.
• Experience with research data infrastructures, metadata management, provenance, or long-term data stewardship.
• Experience with interdisciplinary research involving heterogeneous data sources, models, or stakeholder communities.
• Experience with proposal development and participation in externally funded research projects.
• Experience with supervision or mentoring of master’s students or junior researchers.
• Knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.

Personal characteristics

Working as a Postdoctoral Fellow in this position requires that you:

• Are able to work independently and take initiative in developing your own research profile.
• Are structured and goal-oriented, with the ability to plan and deliver research activities over time.
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to understand, integrate, and communicate complex information across disciplinary boundaries.
• Are curious, creative, and motivated to explore new scientific challenges within digital twins, semantic technologies, and interdisciplinary knowledge infrastructures.
• Engage constructively with colleagues and stakeholders, contributing positively to interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer 

• An exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of the Digital Twin of Lake Mjøsa as a unique interdisciplinary research and knowledge infrastructure.
• A stimulating and ambitious research environment at NTNU, with opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and contribute to research of international relevance on digital twins, semantic technologies, and knowledge integration.
• Challenging and rewarding tasks in a strong and international professional environment.
• Career guidance throughout the postdoctoral period. Together with you, we will develop a career plan that supports the advancement of your research profile, scientific leadership, and long-term career ambitions.
• Opportunities to establish international research collaborations and strengthen your academic network through conferences, research visits, and participation in international projects.
• An open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues.
• A mentor programme for new employees 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 a wide range of employee benefits and opportunities for professional and personal development.

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.

Salary and conditions

As a Postdoctoral Fellow (code 1352) you are normally paid from gross NOK  633 400,- 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 organisational 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 be in 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. 

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
• Academic works – published or unpublished
• Possible recommendation letters
• Name and contact information of three referees

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. Description of the documentation required can be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well.