NMBU Bioprocess Engineering PhD 2026: Applications Closed

NMBU Bioprocess Engineering PhD at a Glance

The vacancy formed part of NMBU’s research project on AI-controlled fermentation for microbial lipid production. The Research Council of Norway lists NMBU as the responsible institution for that project, led by Boris Zimmermann.

Research Focus: AI-Controlled Fermentation and Digital Twins

The PhD project combined experimental bioprocess engineering with data science and artificial intelligence. Its central goal was to develop a digital twin for microbial lipid fermentation by integrating data from laboratory bioreactors, online spectroscopy and process sensors.

The advertised research activities included:

• lab-scale fermentation in batch, fed-batch and continuous modes;
• online vibrational spectroscopy, including Raman and FTIR;
• bioreactor sensor-data integration;
• reference analysis using techniques such as HPLC and GC;
• chemometric analysis;
• process modelling and parameter estimation;
• machine-learning and data-driven modelling; and
• development of real-time monitoring, prediction and control strategies.

The broader research theme remains relevant for applicants interested in digital bioprocessing, microbial lipid production, process analytical technology and AI-enabled fermentation control.

Archived Eligibility Profile

The advertised position sought applicants with a relevant master’s degree or equivalent qualification. Suitable backgrounds included:

• Bioprocess Engineering;
• Biochemical Engineering;
• Chemical Engineering;
• Systems or Control Engineering;
• Applied Biotechnology; and
• closely related disciplines.

The vacancy also required qualifications that could satisfy admission to the relevant NMBU PhD programme and sufficient written and spoken English. Both the master’s-degree average and master’s thesis were expected to meet a strong academic standard equivalent to grade B or better in the Norwegian system.

Technical Background Sought in the Vacancy

The role was therefore designed for candidates able to bridge experimental fermentation and quantitative modelling rather than working exclusively in either wet-lab biotechnology or computational data science.

Employment and Work Location

The advertised appointment was a three-year, full-time PhD Research Fellow position at NMBU in Ås. The listing stated an advertised salary of NOK 550,800 for position code 1017, with the possibility of a higher salary for exceptionally well-qualified candidates.

The position expected regular physical presence at NMBU. It was not presented as a remote doctoral role.

Archived Application Requirements

The closed vacancy used the Jobbnorge recruitment system. Applicants were expected to provide a motivation letter and complete the Jobbnorge CV, together with relevant academic documentation such as diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements.

Applicants with education from outside Norway were also expected to document programme structure and grading information where relevant. Documents not in Norwegian or English required appropriate English-language documentation or translation according to the vacancy instructions.

Because the deadline has passed, CareerAidHub does not recommend attempting to submit through this old call. Applicants interested in similar work should monitor NMBU’s current vacancies and the Jobbnorge NMBU listings.