PhD Candidate - Hydrogen and Industrial Decarbonization Pathways

PhD Candidate - Hydrogen and Industrial Decarbonization Pathways

NTNU is seeking a PhD Candidate to investigate the future role of hydrogen and hydrogen products in industrial decarbonization. The position is based at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management in Trondheim.

About the position

This 3-year PhD position focuses on how alternative pathways toward a zero-emission industrial sector affect the future demand for hydrogen and the development of hydrogen value chains. The research will analyze the interplay between electrification, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage (CCS), while considering potential changes in industrial structures and production systems.

The project will address key research questions, including how future hydrogen demand will vary across different industrial decarbonization pathways, which sectors may rely on electrification, hydrogen, or CCS, and how industrial transformation might affect hydrogen production, transport, storage, and trade.

Research environment

The PhD candidate will join a multidisciplinary research environment at the intersection of energy economics, industrial economics, operations research, and energy systems analysis. The position is affiliated with FME HYDROGENi, a Norwegian research and innovation centre focused on hydrogen and ammonia, and will be hosted by the Managerial Economics, Finance and Operations Research (BEDØK) group at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management.

Your role in the project

• Conduct original scientific research on hydrogen and industrial decarbonization pathways.
• Develop and analyze scenarios for industrial transformation and climate neutrality.
• Assess the future role of electrification, hydrogen, and CCS across industrial sectors.
• Quantify hydrogen demand and infrastructure requirements under alternative transition pathways.
• Publish research results in leading international journals and conferences.
• Collaborate with academic, industry, and public-sector partners.
• Complete the required coursework as part of the PhD programme.
• Contribute to dissemination and communication of research findings.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in a relevant field with strong academic results (B or better according to NTNU’s grading scale). Relevant academic backgrounds include operations research, energy systems, energy economics, engineering disciplines with strong quantitative and analytical content, or other closely related disciplines.

Applicants must demonstrate strong analytical and quantitative skills.

Desired qualifications

Preferred qualifications include experience with energy system modelling, scenario analysis, or techno-economic analysis, knowledge of hydrogen technologies, industrial decarbonization, or climate policy, and programming skills in Python, Julia, R, GAMS, or similar tools.

Personal characteristics

We are looking for a candidate who is intellectually curious, motivated to conduct high-quality research, and has strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The candidate should work independently and in a structured manner, have excellent communication and collaboration skills, and thrive in an interdisciplinary research environment.

We offer

• An exciting and international academic environment with opportunities for competence development.
• Close collaboration with leading researchers in energy systems modelling, optimization, and other relevant fields.
• Opportunities to engage with industry partners and public sector stakeholders.
• Participation in research addressing key challenges of the green transition.
• Opportunities for international research stays and conference participation.
• An inclusive workplace with engaged colleagues.
• Favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Employee benefits and good loan, insurance, and pension schemes.
• Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2).

Salary and conditions

The gross salary for a PhD Candidate is normally NOK 580,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and seniority. The employment period is 3 years, and the position is connected to the PhD program at the Faculty of Economics and Management.

Trondheim is the workplace, and physical presence and availability are required on a daily basis. The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act and Export control legislation.