Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

PhD training at NTNU

NTNU offers salaried doctoral positions open to applicants worldwide. Candidates join established research teams working on biotechnology applications and environmental sustainability challenges.

Overview

🏛️ Institution acronym	NTNU
🏷️ Institution name (original)	Norwegian University of Science and Technology
🌍 Country	Norway
🎓 Fields of study	Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, Sustainable development, Agricultural sciences, Animal sciences, Biology, Earth science, Food sciences, Plant sciences, Water and climate, Plant breeding
💶 Monthly stipend	4300 EUR/month
🔗 Official website	https://www.ntnu.edu
📫 Additional contacts	For inquiries about PhD scholarships, reach out to NTNU via email at [email protected] or call +47 73 59 42 02. Physical Address: NTNU Høgskoleringen 1 Trondheim, 7491 Norway

Stipend affordability

Stipend on this programme: €4,300/month (gross)

Estimated stipend vs student living costs in Norway.

Apply for Scholarship

Open PhD Vacancies

🎯 Vacancy 1

PhD Candidate in synthetic biology and biosynthetic gene cluster expression

Country: Norway | Deadline: 2026-08-09 | Funding: NOK 550,800/year — unknown

PhD title: PhD Candidate in synthetic biology and biosynthetic gene cluster expression

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology maintains active PhD tracks in biotechnology and environmental sciences with emphasis on sustainable resource management and bio-based innovation. Research groups operate across Trondheim and Ålesund campuses, integrating field sampling, laboratory analytics, and computational modelling. International candidates are recruited through open calls and are eligible for salaried positions funded by the Research Council of Norway or Horizon Europe projects. Admission is based on a completed master’s degree, supervisor acceptance, and documented funding, with rolling evaluation throughout the year.

Fields of Study

NTNU doctoral research spans several disciplines relevant to sustainable bio-economies. Three core areas are highlighted below.

Biotechnology

Projects examine microbial and enzymatic processes for converting biomass into chemicals and materials. Facilities include pilot-scale bioreactors and advanced omics platforms located at the Gløshaugen campus.

Environmental Sciences

Research addresses pollutant transport, climate impacts on ecosystems, and restoration strategies. Field stations in coastal and alpine regions support long-term monitoring campaigns.

Sustainable Development

Interdisciplinary groups analyse policy instruments and technological pathways for circular economy transitions. Collaboration with industry partners provides access to real-world case studies.

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These areas align with national priorities for green transition and are supported by competitive external grants.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet NTNU’s formal requirements for doctoral admission and funding security.

Academic Qualifications

A five-year master’s degree or equivalent with grades corresponding to a Norwegian B or better is required. Degrees from outside Norway are assessed individually via NOKUT.

Supervisor Agreement

Candidates must secure a confirmed main supervisor at NTNU before formal application. Contact is made directly with faculty members whose research matches the candidate’s background.

Funding Documentation

Positions are normally fully funded through employment contracts. Self-funded applicants must demonstrate coverage of salary level equivalent to NTNU PhD rates for the full period.

PhD Salary at NTNU

Doctoral candidates are employed as staff with gross monthly salary starting at approximately 4300 EUR. The salary follows the Norwegian state salary scale and includes pension contributions.

Research Operating Budget

Project funding covers equipment, consumables, travel and conference participation. Typical annual allocations range from 15000 to 30000 EUR depending on the grant source.

Application Steps

NTNU uses an electronic application portal for all PhD positions. The process is competitive and merit-based.

Identify Position and Supervisor: Browse current vacancies at jobbnorge.no or contact potential supervisors directly via the faculty pages on ntnu.edu.
Prepare Documentation: Collect transcripts, degree certificates, CV, and proof of funding. All documents must be in English or Norwegian.
Submit via Portal: Complete the online form at https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phd and upload required files before the stated deadline for each position.

For questions contact the NTNU PhD section at [email protected]. Deadlines vary by faculty and are published on the vacancies page.

Application Deadlines

NTNU advertises salaried PhD positions continuously. Specific deadlines appear on each vacancy notice, commonly 1–3 months before start date. Check https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phd for current openings.

Official Website

For more information, please visit the official website: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

Contact Information for PhD Admissions and Inquiries

For inquiries about PhD scholarships, reach out to NTNU via email at [email protected] or call +47 73 59 42 02.

Physical Address:
NTNU
Høgskoleringen 1
Trondheim, 7491
Norway

Further Information

International Student Services

NTNU International Office assists with residence permits, housing, and integration. Details are available at https://www.ntnu.edu/adm/edudivision/unit-for-international-relations

Career Prospects

Graduates typically move into research positions in academia, industry R&D, or public agencies focused on environmental and bio-based sectors.

Resource Links

Current vacancies: Jobbnorge NTNU listings. Faculty research pages: NTNU Research.

PhD scholarship programs and External Funding Opportunities for PhD Scholarships in Agriculture

Research Council of Norway Doctoral Funding

Open calls for project-based PhD positions in biotechnology and environmental topics. Eligibility includes master’s degree and supervisor affiliation. Funding covers full salary and operating costs. Applications submitted through NTNU in response to advertised positions. Deadlines published on each call.

Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Networks

NTNU participates in several MSCA networks. International candidates apply via the network coordinator. Grant provides salary plus mobility allowance.ntnu.edu/research-at-ntnu

University Location