Are you a curious and motivated engineer with a PhD (or nearing completion) in geotechnical or rock engineering? NGI is looking for a talented Research Fellow to join our exciting “Rock-Off” initiative—focused on pile foundations in soft rock for offshore wind turbines.This is your chance to do impactful, applied research in a diverse, collaborative environment—while building your career in one of the most exciting areas of the energy transition. Our research environment aligns tightly with industry needs and we offer a supportive, inclusive culture.

About the Role

You’ll be a key contributor in NGI’s strategic offshore wind research, working on geotechnical challenges that matter. The focus is on understanding and improving the performance of pile foundations in soft rock—a critical step toward reliable, sustainable offshore wind infrastructure. The Research Fellowship lasts two years. Opportunities for a permanent position will be considered after this period. 

What You’ll Do

• Lead and contribute to R&D on offshore foundations (i.e., piles in soft rock)
• Carry out literature reviews to guide your work
• Use and enhance advanced FE tools (in-house and commercial)
• Develop new models and methods to better simulate complex soil–structure interactions
• Publish in high-impact journals and present at top conferences
• Work closely with an international network of researchers and industry partners

Why Join NGI?

At NGI, you’ll find more than just a workplace—you’ll find a purpose-driven team committed to innovation, collaboration, and impact.

• Meaningful Work: Help accelerate the energy transition through practical research
• Inclusive Culture: We’re actively building a diverse, welcoming, and respectful work environment. Our flat organizational structure foster quick decision-making and a culture of knowledge sharing among dedicated professionals
• Career Development: Opportunities to grow into leadership roles—academic, technical, or industrial
• Life Beyond Work: In Norway there is a good balance with family life and work life. We offer a flexible work culture, and lots of ways to connect outside of work (hiking, skiing, board games—you name it)

What We’re Looking for

Must-haves*:

• PhD (or near completion) in Geotechnical/Civil/Rock Engineering, or related field 
• Strong grasp of (soft) rock/soil behaviour and soil–structure interaction for modelling offshore foundations, in particular piles.
• Experience with constitutive and finite element modelling
• Scripting (e.g. Python) and/or programming (e.g. Fortran, C++) experience, particularly for numerical modelling and data processing
• Interest or experience in pile driveability analysis and interpretation of results
• Analytical thinking, scientific curiosity, and desire to contribute meaningfully to collaborative research
• Motivation to develop expertise in applied geotechnics while contributing to a shared mission

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience with large-deformation FE analysis
• Knowledge of physical/numerical modelling of piles in rock
• Past collaboration with industry or research institutions

*You don’t need to be an expert in all requirements listed, please get in touch if you are uncertain.

Grow With Us

At NGI, mentorship isn’t a bonus—it’s built in. You’ll be supported from day one with technical guidance, professional development, and the chance to shape your own research path.

In your first year, you’ll:

• Gain deep expertise in applied offshore geotechnics
• Present your work at international venues
• Contribute meaningfully to both the “Rock-Off” project and NGI’s wider offshore wind efforts

Practical Info

• Working Language: English
• Start Date: From September 2025 (or as agreed)
• Travel: Occasional conferences, workshops, partner meetings
• Salary: Competitive and aligned with NGI's framework and market levels

How to Apply

Please send us a brief cover letter (tell us why you’re excited about “Rock-Off” and your fit for the role.

• A detailed CV
• Academic transcripts and PhD documentation (or expected defence date)
• Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—so don’t wait too long!

NGI is an equal opportunity employer.
We believe diversity drives innovation and welcome applicants of all genders, backgrounds, and experiences—especially those traditionally underrepresented in engineering. 

We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. As part of our recruitment process, please note that background checks may be conducted on relevant candidates, and this will only be done with the candidate’s consent.