Jan Kocbach

Chief scientist at NORCE Norwegian Research Centre

Norway

About

Chief Scientist at NORCE working across multiple fields including energy systems, measurement science, and sensor technology. Core expertise in uncertainty quantification and modeling, with focus on bridging the gap between theoretical models and real-world performance. With a foundation in physics and over 25 years of scientific programming experience, I develop solutions ranging from sensor-level analysis to complete system optimization. My work spans flow measurement technology, geothermal systems, building energy optimization, ultrasonic sensors, and electromagnetic systems. Data analysis approaches combine traditional mathematical and statistical methods with modern machine learning techniques. Research includes complex measurement systems and renewable energy integration, with emphasis on uncertainty quantification and propagation across multiple system levels. Extensive experience in both developing and using simulation tools - from creating the finite element software FEMP (used by researchers for more than two decades) to being a power user of commercial tools like COMSOL Multiphysics. Strong track record in managing research projects and developing automated analysis frameworks. Background includes work in renewable energy systems, aquaculture monitoring, telecommunications, medical technology, hydrogen supply chain measurement, and industrial measurement applications including oil and gas. Experience extends to integration of multiple value streams in energy systems and development of piezoelectric transducer design with acoustic wave propagation. In the sports sector, I work with high-performance winter sports, particularly cross-country skiing, applying advanced measurement science and sophisticated data analysis techniques to athletic performance optimization. This involves processing complex sensor data and developing specialized analysis and visualization techniques to extract insights that can provide crucial marginal gains for elite athletes.

Experience

  • Scientist 20% at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
    Sep 2015 - Present · 10 yrs 10 mos

  • Chief Scientist at NORCE Norwegian Research Centre
    2018 - Present · 8 yrs 6 mos

  • GPS analysis expert at Norwegian Orienteering federation
    Apr 2010 - Dec 2021 · 11 yrs 9 mos

    Responsible for GPS analysis for the Norwegian national team in orienteering. Project leader for the "GPS analysis and development of technique" research project funded by Olympiatoppen. Part time position.

  • Senior Scientist at Christian Michelsen Research
    Sep 2006 - Nov 2018 · 12 yrs 3 mos

    Senior Scientist with focus on modelling within electromagnetics and acoustics. Working on a wide range of projects within oil and gas, fisheries and medicine. Project leader on several projects.

  • Trainer and Activity coordinator at Varegg Fleridrett
    Jan 2008 - Jun 2009 · 1 yr 6 mos

    50-80% job as activity coordinator and trainer in the club Varegg Fleridrett for 1.5 years, reducing the amount of work at CMR for this period. Responsibility for developing 30-35 youths in age 13-20 years within the sport orienteering, and coordinating activities towards schools, organizing events for several thousand pupils in the period.