This PhD position is part of an academic network working on ecodesign, an international research and training initiative. The network aims to advance ecodesign methodologies and manufacturing strategies that enable circular economy practices at industrial scale, in line with European sustainability and resource-efficiency policy objectives.
Circular economy strategies, including ecodesign, are becoming increasingly important not only for environmental reasons, but also for securing access to critical raw materials (CRMs). This is particularly relevant for batteries and electronics, which rely heavily on imported CRMs, creating vulnerabilities in supply chains and posing risks to European industries that are central to the transition toward carbon-neutral mobility. Circular strategies — including reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling — have the potential to improve resource efficiency, reduce emissions and import dependency, and strengthen supply-chain resilience. However, the development of robust domestic and circular supply chains is currently hindered by a range of technological, economic, social, and regulatory barriers. Addressing these challenges requires stronger coordination among companies and regulators to align business opportunities, infrastructure development, and policy frameworks. In this context, a robust understanding of industrial plants and supply chains as interconnected physical systems is essential for identifying inefficiencies across scales and for aligning regulations with sustainable and competitive business strategies.
The objective of this PhD project is to develop a multi-scale framework for improving the resource efficiency of critical materials used in batteries. The candidate will model the stocks and flows of selected critical raw materials within industrial plants, across value chains, and at the EU level using Material Flow Analysis (MFA). Scenarios will be used to identify potential bottlenecks, problem shifts, feedbacks, and delays for different intervention options with the aim to identify opportunities for enhancing resource efficiency and circularity at multiple scales, from individual facilities to broader industrial systems and the European Union. To ensure the scientific robustness and practical relevance of the research for both industry and policy makers, the PhD project includes two mandatory international secondments (2–3 months each).
In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 550 800,-per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary.