The Predictive AI PhD at NTNU offers a fully funded, three-year research position focused on developing an AI decision-support tool for predictive maintenance and optimization of building energy management systems. In partnership with Statsbygg, the Norwegian Government’s Building Agency, the project will deploy research across a portfolio of public buildings, using simulation-based inference and building performance simulation to move beyond calendar-based maintenance.
NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile, headquartered in Trondheim. With 9,000 employees and 43,000 students, it hosts the Norwegian Center on AI for Decisions (aiD), a research hub funded by the Research Council of Norway and industry partners, led by NTNU and SINTEF.
Benefits of Predictive AI PhD Scholarship 2026
- An exciting job 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
- Working capital that can be used to implement the project
- Mentor program as a new employee at NTNU
- Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
- Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)
- Gross salary normally NOK 550,800 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority
- Access to employee benefits as a PhD Candidate at NTNU
Eligibility Criteria for the Predictive AI PhD Scholarship 2026
- A relevant master’s degree in civil engineering, mechanical power engineering or a related field
- Course of study equivalent to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at master’s level
- Strong academic background with an average grade from the Master’s degree equal to B or better compared to NTNU’s grading scale
- Weaker grade background may be considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education
- Meet the requirements for admission to the Doctoral Program – PhD – Faculty of Engineering Science – NTNU
- Good written and oral communication skills in English
- Preferred: robust foundation in probabilistic modeling, Bayesian inference, deep learning and/or anomaly detection
- Preferred: familiarity with Building Performance Simulation tools such as EnergyPlus or IDA ICE
- Preferred: familiarity with Building Automation Systems and Building Energy Management
- Preferred: ability to work with complex, heterogeneous data streams
- Preferred: familiarity with building energy systems, HVAC operations or fault detection and diagnosis
- Preferred: relevant work experience in operation and maintenance of buildings
- Preferred: good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language equivalent to level B2-C
How to Apply for the Predictive AI PhD Scholarship 2026?
- Send the application and all attachments electronically via Jobbnorge.no
- Include transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
- Include a CV
- Include a copy of your Master’s thesis, or a draft if recently submitted
- Attach a project outline of maximum 1500 words/4 pages with research questions, theoretical perspectives, methodological design and progress plan
- Attach a short letter of motivation of 400 words/1 page
- Include any publications or other relevant research work
- Include any relevant certificates
- Provide names and contact information of three relevant referees
- If education was taken abroad, attach documentation of scope and quality, including Diploma Supplement if applicable
- Submit by the application deadline: 16 August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Predictive AI PhD scholarship at NTNU. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Predictive AI PhD scholarship?
It is a fully funded, three-year PhD position at NTNU developing an AI decision-support tool for predictive maintenance and optimization of building energy management systems. The project partners with Statsbygg and uses Simulation-Based Inference and Building Performance Simulation to identify cost-optimal maintenance interventions in public buildings. The gross salary is normally NOK 550,800 per annum.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must have a relevant master’s degree in civil engineering, mechanical power engineering or a related field, equivalent to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at master’s level. A B or better average is required, with exceptions for particularly suitable candidates. Admission to the NTNU Doctoral Program and good English communication skills are mandatory. Machine learning and simulation experience are preferred.
What benefits are offered?
Benefits include an exciting societal mission, an international professional environment, career guidance, an open and inclusive workplace, working capital, a mentor program, favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, free Norwegian language training at A2 level, and access to NTNU employee benefits. The annual gross salary is normally NOK 550,800.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no. Required attachments include bachelor’s and master’s transcripts and diplomas, a CV, a copy of your master’s thesis, a project outline of maximum 1500 words/4 pages, a motivation letter of maximum 400 words/1 page, publications, certificates, and contact information for three referees.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 16 August 2026. Applications are assessed only on the basis of information received by this deadline. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request.
Is the position fully funded?
Yes, the position is fully funded for three years. As a PhD Candidate, code 1017, the gross salary is normally NOK 550,800 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary.
What project outline is required?
The project outline must be a maximum of 1500 words or 4 pages. It should include proposals for an overall description of research questions, theoretical perspectives, methodological design for the project, and a progress plan.
Are Norwegian language skills required?
Good written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory. Norwegian or another Scandinavian language at level B2-C is preferred but not required. NTNU offers free Norwegian language training at a basic level A2 to employees.
Where will the PhD be based?
The PhD is based at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NTNU in Trondheim, Norway. The place of service is Høgskoleringen 1, 7491 Trondheim. The candidate must be physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.
Who is on the supervision team?
The supervision team includes Prof. Ivan Depina, Prof. Mohamed Hamdy, Prof. Freja Nygaard Rasmussen, Prof. Sebastien Gros, Dr. Signe Riemer-Sørensen, and Prof. Ahmed Kedir Mohammed. The team covers probabilistic modelling, building performance simulation, life cycle assessment, AI, machine learning, and data analysis.
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