Job Information
- Organisation/Company: SINTEF
- Department: Energi AS
- Research Field: Engineering » Control engineering; Engineering » Thermal engineering; Engineering » Mechanical engineering
Offer Description
SINTEF Energy invites applications for a three-year PhD position within HeatMinds, a European Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network.
The research focuses on developing advanced control strategies for the dynamic operation of high-temperature heat pump systems, which have significant potential to reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in industrial processes.
The successful candidate will investigate advanced control methodologies, including Model Predictive Control (MPC), Reinforcement Learning (RL) and self-optimising control. The strategies will be evaluated under industrial decarbonisation and energy flexibility scenarios using a pilot-scale laboratory system.
The position involves collaboration with Brunel University of London, where the candidate will undertake doctoral studies under joint supervision, and an international research secondment at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Low Carbon Industrial Processes.
Through HeatMinds, the candidate will contribute to research advancing efficient, flexible and sustainable industrial heat pump technologies.
Where to apply
Requirements
- Research Field: Engineering » Control engineering
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Mathematical modeling, simulation, and analysis of dynamic thermal systems.
- Thermodynamic cycle analysis.
- Control theory and PID controller tuning.
- Proficiency in scientific programming (MATLAB/Python).
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Years of Research Experience: None
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria
- You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
- Master's students in their final year can apply, but the degree must be completed and documented before 1 January 2027.
- Strong academic record (average grade B or better) or demonstrated research potential
- Must meet the admission requirements for the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Brunel University.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Selection process
Additional background that will be valued in the selection process:
- Advanced control algorithms including MPC and/or RL
- Heat pump and/or thermal management system analysis and design
- Familiarity with optimisation methods (e.g. gradient-based methods)
- Familiarity with plantwide control procedures (e.g. self-optimizing control)
Additional comments
SINTEF Energi AS delivers research-based solutions and services that create value for customers, both nationally and internationally. SINTEF Energi AS is part of the SINTEF group. SINTEF is an independent and non-profit research foundation where no owners can draw dividends. Financial profits are invested in scientific equipment and expertise.
Salary and conditions
The employment period is three years, funded through the EU Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network Grant HeatMinds. For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme throughout the period of employment. The position is conditional on external funding. 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.
We offer
- An exciting and challenging research project within an international MSCA Doctoral Network With excellent opportunities to collaborate within international research groups and industry.
- A dynamic, creative, and inclusive working environment.
- Access to cutting edge facilities and interdisciplinary training.
- Career development and mentoring through the HeatMinds network.
About the application
The application must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter).
- Curriculum vitae.
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale.
- Names and contact information of two references.
Applications without the required documentation will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Website for additional job details: https://www.sintef.no/karriere-i-sintef/ledige-stillinger-i-sintef/stilling/145824/
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: SINTEF
- Country: Norway
Contact
- State/Province: Norway
- City: Trondheim
- Website: http://www.sintef.com
- Street: Strindvn 4
- Postal Code: NO-7465
- E-Mail: joshua.dowdell@sintef.no, lucas.bernardino@sintef.no, Elisa.Magnanelli@sintef.no
- Phone: Joshua Render Dowdell, Researcher +47 484 05 669; Lucas Ferreira Bernardino, Researcher +47 405 91 271; Elisa Magnanelli, Research Manager +47 944 32 692