University of Agder

About the position​ A fixed-term 100% position is available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Science as a Post-doctoral Research Fellow in cybersecurity for Electrical Smart Grid, affiliated to the Department of Information and Communication Technology for a period of three years. The position is located at Campus Grimstad. The starting date is as soon as possible or by agreement with the university. Responsibilities​ The energy infrastructure is one of the most complex and critical infrastructures, as other sectors depend upon it to deliver their essential services. Therefore, unavailability in supply of energy has a high potential impact on the economy and proper functioning of the civil society that can last longer than the time of the incident itself.  The criticality of the energy sector and the possible high impact of cyber incidents and attacks are well understood and agreed among stakeholders. Consequently, there is an urgent need to protect energy systems to have secure energy supply. Since the energy sector is under continuous change digital technologies are playing an increasingly important role in the sector. A smarter energy system can provide power generation, transmission, network management and market-related tasks with better precision and faster response times than a human-dependent system.  Cloud-based Operation systems or digitized transformer stations are forms of emerging solutions to support efficient electrical grid operations that utilize cloud technology. Use of IoT and AI to build a scalable platform will provide flexibility for both service providers and operational staff with incorporated security, testing capabilities and improved reliability. However, the increased efficiency resulting from digitalization of the electrical grid infrastructure comes with a price: increased exposure to cyber incidents and attacks. These threats apply to all - generation, transmission, distribution and process technologies, and to energy market services. Unlike IT systems, a control system in the energy sector that is under attack cannot be easily disconnected from the network as this could potentially result in safety issues, and blackouts. Therefore, the anticipated Post-doctoral research focus areas will be information and cyber physical system (CPS) security and operational safety in the energy sector to support reliability and resilience of electrical grid infrastructure against cyber-attacks, such as false data injection. By utilizing advanced monitoring and detection systems and hardware in the loop (HIL) testbeds, the candidate will work to develop robust cyber-defense solutions for critical infrastructure protection.  Required qualifications​ • PhD degree in engineering & sciences, computer and control systems engineering, or a similar/related field. • Simulation and modeling for industrial systems.  • Written and spoken English proficiency. International candidates that are not exempt from the English language requirements pursuant to the guidelines of the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) must document this through one of the following tests with the stated results or better: • TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum score of 600 for the Paper-based Test (PBT), or 92 for the Internet-based Test (iBT) • IELTS - International English Language Testing System, with the result of 6.5 • Technical expertise in the following areas:  • Background in CPS systems’ security  • Strong programming skills, especially in Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++. • Physics-informed methods  • Anomaly detection in CPS • Stealthy attacks  • Code, data, or command injection Criteria for positions as Post-doctoral Research Fellow (in Norwegian).   Desired qualifications​ • Experience in operational technology, e.g., SCADA systems, autonomous systems. • Experience in electric power engineering (elkraft). • Experience in cybersecurity incident management. • Experience in machine learning/artificial intelligence methods. • Experience in simulation and modeling. • Prior experience in project managing.  • Prior experience in writing research proposals.  • Reviewer in conferences/journals in engineering & sciences, computer and control systems engineering, ICT, computer science or a similar/related field. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of academic background and results, attainment, and any previous research and development work. Finally, the research work will involve operators in critical infrastructure and accessing critical infrastructure information, as the candidate will be offered a 20% (part-time) position at the electricity grid operator in the region. Thus, it is subject to the National Security Act, and the candidate must be able to pass a background check and must be able to obtain security clearance and authorization. (See DEKSA ) Personal qualities​ Personal suitability, good teamwork and communication skills, inventiveness, and a proactive approach will be emphasized in the evaluation as well as relevant practical experience. The Post-doctoral Research Fellow will be expected to contribute to an active research community that promotes the personal and professional growth of the doctoral candidate. The position places great demands on the applicant’s capacity for independent goal-oriented work, ability to concentrate and attention to detail.  We offer​ • Training to publish in the top journals and conferences in the covered areas. • Professional development in a large, exciting and socially influential organization  • International collaborations with industrial partners  • A positive, inclusive and diverse working environment  • Modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers  • Membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund  More about working at UiA. The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.510, code 1352 Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, NOK 600 000 – 650 000 gross salary per year. Higher salary grades may be considered for particularly well-qualified applicants. A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions. General information​ UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV. Women are strongly encouraged to apply for the position.  The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organizational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Appointments are made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions.  A background check may be conducted to verify information that appears in available documents. Background checks are always done with the applicant's consent, and employment in the position requires an approved background check. Relevant applicants will receive further information.  Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process.  In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.  Application​ The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) are to be sent electronically. Use the link "Apply for this job"​. The following documentation must be uploaded electronically:  • Motivation letter. • Complete post-secondary transcript of all academic degrees. When attaching a non-Norwegian academic transcript that does not include a description of the grading system (e.g. maximum grade and minimum passing grade) used by the issuing institution, a (preferably official) description should also be attached. The description may simply contain a link to an official website where the grading system is explained. • Updated CV with a complete list of scientific publications • PhD thesis or link • Up to 5 representative publications or links • A description of the applicant’s research interests the relevance of your expertise to the advertised position and a preliminary work plan • Applicants who are required to document their English proficiency must submit their TOEFL or IELTS test results (these may be forwarded after the closing date) The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in English or in a Scandinavian language. Application deadline: 05.11.26​ Contact​ For questions about the position:  • Professor Vladimir Oleshchuk, tel. +47 37 23 32 12 , email: vladimir.oleshchuk@uia.no    • Dr. Nadia Noori, tel. +47 37 23 32 49, email: nadia.saad.noori@uia.no • Head of Department Folke Haugland, tel. +47 37 23 31 12, e-mail folke.haugland@uia.no  For questions about the application process: • HR-adviser Linda H. Kristiansen, tel. +47 38 14 11 88, e-mail: linda.h.kristiansen@uia.no  Creating knowledge together​ When people who are committed come together to further knowledge, anything is possible. The University of Agder combines the unique warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological and artistic expertise. Would you like to work with us to create better solutions to our shared challenges? Video: https://vimeo.com/782451416/773266e83a

About the position​ A 100 % position is available at the University of Agder (UiA), Faculty of Engineering and Science as a PhD Research Fellow in Terrestrial Ecology, affiliated to the Department of Natural Sciences, for a period of three years. The position is located at Campus Kristiansand. The starting date is negotiable with the Faculty. Responsibilities​ The position is in evolutionary ecology and centres on a fundamental question: how do natural populations respond when humans impose strong and sustained new selection pressures? Evolution depends on the genetic variation already present in populations, yet strong selection can rapidly reshape that variation. Understanding what variation persists, how populations evolve, and why responses differ among populations is important both for explaining diversity in nature and for predicting the evolutionary consequences of human intervention. The PhD project will exploit a globally unique opportunity to observe this process unfolding across real agricultural landscapes in the context of crop protection. In parts of Brazil, living biological control agents have been deployed against agricultural pests for decades, creating landscapes in which pest populations have experienced contrasting histories of sustained selection. By combining field sampling with laboratory experiments and statistical modelling to quantify genetic variation in complex traits, the candidate will test whether these contrasting histories have driven the evolution of resistance or other life-history shifts in crop pests, and what determines the magnitude of these responses. The project therefore connects fundamental questions about genetic variation and adaptation with an urgent applied challenge: predicting the evolutionary sustainability of biological control. Extended research stays in Brazil will be central to the project, including close collaboration with academic and industry partners, alongside opportunities for research visits and collaboration in Scotland and elsewhere within a wider international network. The candidate will join a growing collaborative research environment at UiA focused on robust inference about ecological and evolutionary change in human-influenced systems. Researchers work with complex data from diverse marine and terrestrial study systems to examine how historical conditions, environmental change, human interventions, and observation processes affect ecological and evolutionary dynamics and the conclusions drawn from them. The collaboration brings together complementary expertise in observational, experimental, molecular, and quantitative approaches to ecological and evolutionary research. Required qualifications​ • A completed Master's degree in evolutionary biology, ecology, entomology, agricultural biology, or a closely related field. Candidates in the final stages of completing their Master's degree may also apply. • A strong academic background relevant to the project. • Experience analysing biological data using R or a comparable programming environment. • Excellent written and spoken English. English will be the primary language for supervision and day-to-day research activities. Criteria for positions as PhD Research Fellow (in Norwegian). A prerequisite for employment is that the candidate is admitted to UiA’s PhD programme in Engineering and Science at the Faculty of Engineering and Science. Desired qualifications​ Strong candidates will typically bring several of the qualifications below, although we recognise that relevant experience may take different forms and do not expect applicants to meet every criterion. • Experience in relevant areas, such as evolutionary ecology, statistical quantitative genetics, experimental evolution, host–enemy interactions, entomology, plant–insect interactions, plant defence, or biological control • Experience undertaking laboratory research on insects or other organisms • Experience with advanced statistical modelling, particularly Bayesian and/or hierarchical models • A track record of scientific writing, demonstrated through theses, manuscripts, reports, publications, or other research outputs. • Knowledge of Portuguese, or to a lesser extent Spanish, will be an advantage for fieldwork and collaboration during extended research stays in Brazil. • Knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is an advantage for participation in the wider academic and social environment at UiA. Personal qualities​ • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and organise research effectively. • Strong collaborative skills and willingness to contribute to a supportive research environment. • Motivation and preparedness for extended international research stays, particularly in Brazil, and for working across different academic, cultural, and linguistic environments. • Intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for combining empirical biology with quantitative approaches. Personal qualities and suitability for the position will be emphasised. We offer​ • professional development in a large, exciting and socially influential organisation  • a positive, inclusive and diverse working environment  • modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers  • membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund  More about working at UiA. The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, NOK 550 800 gross salary per year. A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions.  General information​ UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV. The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology.  Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions. A background check may be conducted to verify information that appears in available documents. Background checks are always done with the applicant's consent, and employment in the position requires an approved background check. Relevant applicants will receive further information. Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process. In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.  Application​ The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) are to be sent electronically. Use the link "Apply for this job"​. The following documentation must be uploaded electronically:  • Certificates with grades • Master’s thesis. Candidates who have not yet completed their Master’s degree should instead submit a current draft of the thesis, or another substantial piece of scientific writing if a thesis draft is not yet available • Contact details for references • Academic publications (including any preprint or in press manuscripts) and other relevant research outputs, if applicable, including a list of these • Statement of research interests and motivation (maximum 2 pages). Applicants should describe their research interests and relevant experience, explain why this PhD project interests them, and identify one or two research questions arising from the advertised project that they find particularly interesting and briefly explain why. • Any other relevant documentation The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English.  Application deadline: 05.11.26​ Contact​ For questions about the position:  • Associate Professor Luc Bussière, mobile +47 453 98 325, e-mail luc.f.bussiere@uia.no For questions about the application process: • HR-Advisor, Linda H. Kristiansen, tel. +47 38 14 11 88, e-mail: linda.h.kristiansen@uia.no Creating knowledge together​ When people who are committed come together to further knowledge, anything is possible. The University of Agder combines the unique warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological and artistic expertise. Would you like to work with us to create better solutions to our shared challenges? Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMM-5UKuldA

About the position​ A fixed-term 100% researcher position is available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Science as a Researcher in Structural Engineering, affiliated to the Department of Engineering Sciences, for a period of 2 years. The position is located at Campus Grimstad.  The starting date is Spring 2027. The Department of Engineering Sciences has more than 90 employees in scientific positions, and more than 1500 students at all levels. A variety of research is conducted within all the groups; Mechatronics, Renewable Energy, Civil Engineering and Industrial Economy, and we also welcome interdisciplinary projects within the department or with other research groups. This position will be associated with the Civil Engineering section. We have a broad international cooperation, and close collaboration with industrial partners and public services in the region. This is a benefit both for teaching and research. The partners contribute with assignments, competence and resources. Project Background​ As one of the projects successfully funded by the CETPartnership, HelioSea aims to develop and demonstrate an innovative floating photovoltaic (FPV) concept for marine environments. The technology integrates a tension-leg platform, dual-axis solar tracking, and intelligent operational control. Through the design, deployment, and monitored operation of a pilot system, the project aims to advance the concept from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 to TRL 5. Responsibilities​ The researcher will contribute to the work package focused on advancing offshore solar farms. The work package involves five project partners and includes the following tasks: • Numerical modelling of shared mooring configurations; • Wave-basin testing of FPV farms; • Analysis of FPV farms co-located with floating breakwaters; and • Assessment of farm-level energy production and power performance. The focus of this position will be the design of shared mooring and cable layouts. The researcher may also support experimental testing and pilot activities. The work will include dynamic response analyses, covering both hydrodynamic and aerodynamic effects, as well as structural integrity analyses. The researcher will collaborate closely with project partners, including partners from Spain and Portugal, to carry out the project activities. The research will involve preparing and submitting project reports and high-quality scientific publications, as well as contributing to dissemination activities at the European level. Required qualifications​ • A PhD in marine technology, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or another relevant field. Applicants must have had their doctoral thesis approved by the application deadline. • Expertise in at least one of the following areas: Fluid dynamics; Design of marine structures; Offshore multibody structures; Multiphysics simulation of marine and offshore structures; Experimental analysis of marine structure. Desired qualifications​ • A strong record of high-quality scientific publications; • Strong programming and analytical skills; and • Experience working collaboratively in international research projects. Emphasis will be placed upon the project description and the relevance it has with regard to the subject in question and the research environment at the Faculty. Personal qualities and suitability for the position will be emphasised. We offer​ • professional development in a large, exciting and socially influential organisation • a positive, inclusive and diverse working environment • modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers • membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund More about working at UiA. The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.510, code 1109, NOK 680 000 – 730 000,- gross salary per year. Higher salary grades may be considered for particularly well-qualified applicants. A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions. General information​ UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV. The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions. A background check may be conducted to verify information that appears in available documents. Background checks are always done with the applicant's consent, and employment in the position requires an approved background check. Relevant applicants will receive further information. Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process. In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right. Application​ The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) are to be sent electronically. Use the link "Apply for this job"​. The following documentation must be uploaded electronically: • Transcripts from PhD, master, and bachelor studies with grades • CV with detailed education and work experience • Up to 10 academic articles and R&D projects which the candidate wishes to particularly emphasise for the assessment process • A brief project description on the topic of mooring design for FPV array (max 2 pages) • PhD diploma and thesis The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English. Application deadline: 21.10.26​ Contact​ For questions about the position: • Professor Zhiyu Jiang, tel. +47 451 01 672, e-mail: zhiyu.jiang@uia.no or • Head of Department Paul Ragnar Svennevig, tel. +47 37 23 32 54, e-mail: paul.r.svennevig@uia.no For questions about the application process: • HR Advisor Heidi Kristensen tel. +47 38 14 13 79, e-mail  heidi.kristensen@uia.no Creating knowledge together​ When people who are committed come together to further knowledge, anything is possible. The University of Agder combines the unique warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological and artistic expertise. Would you like to work with us to create better solutions to our shared challenges? Video: https://vimeo.com/782451416/773266e83a