PhD Candidate in AI for Accelerated Concept and Tender-Phase Ship Design

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU); Ålesund; In loco; NOK 522.000 - 638.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Mentor programme

Pension scheme (SPK)

Norwegian language training

Descrizione del lavoro

NTNU in Ålesund invites applications for a PhD candidate position focused on developing AI methods to accelerate concept evaluation and tender preparation in marine engineering and ship design. The project spans rapid estimation, data transformation and AI‑assisted design‑space exploration linked to Fjordlab and the Maritime AI centre.

The successful candidate will conduct independent research within the Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering, collaborate with industrial partners,

Competenze

• Must meet admission to the faculty’s Doctoral Programme.
• Master’s degree must include a major independent project (≥30 ECTS) or equivalent.
• Degree should be equal to or better than NTNU’s grading scale: B or better; if no letter grades, demonstrate strong academic foundation.
• Affinity with programming and AI‑related tools for applied computational development.
• Excellent oral and written English presentation skills.

Mansioni

• Take part in the mandatory PhD research education program.
• Develop AI applied to the Maritime Domain with strong cooperation with industrial partners.
• Collaborate within the research team and incorporate feedback throughout the process.
• Carry out high‑quality research and publish in recognized journals; present at international conferences.
• Engage with industrial partners and participate in the Maritime AI centre activities.
• Disseminate research for academia and industry.

Conoscenze

Affinity with programming

English proficiency

Formazione

Master's degree in mechanical/related field

Master's thesis / 30 ECTS independent project

Strumenti

AI tools

Descrizione del lavoro

About The Position

AI is disrupting how we approach design and engineering. This PhD position is about developing AI methods for reducing the time required for concept evaluation and tender preparation in marine engineering and ship design through rapid estimation, automated data transformation, knowledge graphs and AI-assisted design-space exploration.

We are looking for a PhD candidate who wants to explore and develop AI‑based methods for early‑stage concept exploration in marine and ship design. The position will develop methods that make concept design faster and more informed: methods that generate and explore design concepts, estimate their performance quickly, and learn from full‑scale data. The focus is on early‑stage concept exploration and on methods that apply across marine vessels, from ships to uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). A case study will be linked to Fjordlab, part of the Norwegian Ocean Technology Center.

Possible Research Directions Include

• AI‑based design tools for generating and exploring marine design concepts.
• How to structure data for effective use in AI design tools.
• Study how designers and engineers use such tools, and how they affect companies.
• How full‑scale data can drive new concept development.

Duties of the position

• Take part in the mandatory PhD research education program obtaining a doctorate
• Develop research and AI applied to the Maritime Domain, with strong cooperation with the industrial partners
• Collaborate effectively within the research team, remaining open to constructive feedback throughout the research process
• Carry out research of good quality within the framework described above
• Participate actively in discussion with the industrial partners
• Participate in activities in the Maritime AI centre
• Participate in relevant dissemination activities for the academia and industry
• Conduct independent research and publish the result in recognised scientific journals and present them at international conferences

Required Selection Criteria

• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty’s Doctoral Programme, see Section 6-1 of the PhD regulations for more information.
• You must have a relevant Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, product design, marine engineering, naval architecture or a closely related field or equivalent. Your degree must include a major independent project (minimum 30 ECTS) equivalent to a master’s thesis. Degrees from other engineering disciplines such as computer science or mechatronics are also welcome to apply.
• Master students can apply, but the master’s degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position.
• You must have a strong and relevant academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your master’s degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker academic background, you may be considered if you can document that you are exceptionally suited for a PhD education, for example through relevant work experience and/or peer‑reviewed academic works.
• Affinity with programming, AI‑related tools and a desire to work with the development of applied computational tools
• Excellent oral and written presentation skills in English

Preferred Selection Criteria

• Experience applying machine learning or generative AI to engineering design problems.
• Experience with CAD and parametric modelling.
• Experience with simulation, sensors, data acquisition or field testing.
• Experience with marine vessels, USVs or other marine engineering systems.
• Interest in design methodology and how engineers reason and make decisions.

Personal Characteristics

• Work independently
• Work in a structured way, set goals and make plans to achieve them, also when the path is unclear
• Show curiosity and enjoy combining building things with writing code.
• Present and discuss your research with other engineers, researchers and industry partners
• Get involved and contribute constructively with feedback
• Enjoy working both in the lab and in the field, including tests at sea.
• Analyze data, assess different perspectives and draw well‑founded conclusions
• Be flexible and open to adjusting the plan for the project as needed

We offer

• An exciting job with an important mission in society
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• Working capital that can be used to implement the project
• Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU
• Favourable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population’s collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender‑balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education.

Salary and conditions

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 580 000,-per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary.

The employment period is 3 years for the doctoral work.

For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in Engineering within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organised doctoral programme through out the period of employment.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organisational changes and adapt to them.

For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act, and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to be in conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

Application deadline

22.11.2026

Ålesund

Known for its unique Art Nouveau architecture and spectacular nature, Ålesund is a gem on Norway's west coast. The city offers a vibrant cultural life, modern facilities, and a dynamic business environment. With its strategic location by the sea, Ålesund provides a perfect balance between urban living and natural experiences. Here, you will find excellent schools, top‑notch healthcare services, and a wide range of recreational activities. Ålesund is an ideal place for both career and family life, with a safe and inclusive community.

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering

We aim to be a hub of international knowledge and innovation in maritime operations. This involves education and research on the design of ships and marine equipment as well as on the operation of vessels. Maritime operations integrate technology, human factors and business. The interfaces between these areas often spark inspiration for innovation and new solutions. The Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Questions About The Position

Øystein Bjelland
Associate Professor
[e-mail]

Lara Bromann
HR and PhD Coordinator
[e-mail]

General information

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Øystein Bjelland, email: [e-mail]

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact PhD Coordinator Lara Bromann, email: [e-mail]