项目介绍

2026年7月9日

About the position

With this position you will work in an interdisciplinary environment with strong computational mechanics groups. It gives a possibility to conduct cutting-edge research on the response of civil infrastructure subjected to blast and impact loading. The project combines advanced computational mechanics, nonlinear finite element analysis and fluid–structure interaction to address critical challenges in civil protection and societal resilience. 

About the project

The project investigates whether existing civil infrastructure can provide adequate protection against blast and impact threats arising from modern warfare scenarios, including missile and drone attacks. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding structural response, failure mechanisms and collapse resistance of typical building structures, underground facilities and other critical infrastructure.

The research will combine advanced finite element simulations, blast loading models and fluid–structure interaction analyses to establish methods for assessing the protective capacity of existing infrastructure and identifying effective strengthening measures. Selected existing structures will be used as case studies.

The project addresses emerging challenges related to civil preparedness and protection of critical infrastructure in a rapidly changing security environment. The project is carried out with an accompanying PhD project in geotechnics that will focus on propagation of pressure waves in the ground and underground structures when subjected to detonations. 

Duties of the position

• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a PhD degree
• Carry out high-quality research within the framework of the project
• Publish research findings in leading international journals and conferences 
• Actively participate in the research group Simlab  Research group SIMLab – Department of Structural Engineering – NTNU and collaborate with researchers from relevant disciplines

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

Required selection criteria

• You must have a relevant Master’s degree in Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Mechanics or equivalent. Your course of study must correspond to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been obtained at master’s level. Master students can apply, but the master’s degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position and no later than 30.11.2026.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master’s degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty’s Doctoral Programme .

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”.

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

Preferred selection criteria

• Finite element methods
• Plasticity and failure modeling
• Structural dynamics analysis
• Rules and design guidelines for structural engineering 
• Blast, impact or shock loading
• Programming and scientific computing (e.g., Python, Matlab, C++ or similar)

Personal characteristics

• Enjoy working both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team
• Work in a structured manner, set goals and make plans to achieve them
• Present and discuss your research with other professionals
• Work constructively under pressure 
• Show curiosity and strong motivation for research
• Be flexible and open to adjusting the research plans when needed
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer

• An exciting research position with an important mission in society
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• Access to advanced computational resources and internationally recognized expertise within computational mechanics and protective structures

As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

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

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 550 800,-per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. 

The employment period is 3 years.

For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in engineering within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme through out the period of employment.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and 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 bein conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

Candidates who do not meet the requirements for the necessary security clearance, access clearance and authorization as described in the National Security Act, and the Act on the Implementation of International Sanctions (Sanctions Act) cannot be considered (e.g., candidates from, among others, Russia, Iran, North Korea, China). Relevant countries are listed as examples and as such the list is not exhaustive (as a result of any changes in the world situation, other countries may be added at short notice).

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. The documents must be in Norwegian/a Scandinavian language or English. 

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 and Master’s degrees
• CV 
• Copy of Master’s thesis. If you have recently submitted your Master’s thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed Master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Research statement describing the applicant’s research interests, relevant background and motivation for the position (maximum 1000 words/2 pages)Short letter of motivation (400 words/1 page)
• Possibly publications etc. other relevant research work
• Possibly certificates
• Names and contact information of three relevant referees