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





