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

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology; Norway; Vor Ort; NOK 522.000 - 638.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Free Norwegian language training

Zusammenfassung

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology invites applications for a PhD position focused on developing AI methods for early-stage concept exploration in marine engineering and ship design. The project aims to accelerate concept evaluation, feasibility studies, and tender preparation using rapid estimation and AI-driven data flows.

The work spans ships to USVs in a Nordic research setting. You will join the Norwegian Maritime AI Centre, collaborate with industry partners, and pursue

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, product design, marine engineering, naval architecture or closely related field with a major independent project (min 30 ECTS).
• Strong academic background and an average grade of B or better, or equivalent.
• Affinity with programming, AI tools and applied computational methods; English proficiency.

Aufgaben

• Take part in mandatory PhD research education to obtain a doctorate.
• Develop AI methods applied to the maritime domain in collaboration with industrial partners.
• Collaborate within the research team and with the Norwegian Maritime AI Centre.
• Carry out high-quality research and publish results in journals and conferences.
• Engage in dissemination activities for academia and industry.

Kenntnisse

Affinity with programming AI tools

English communication

AI in engineering design

CAD and parametric modelling

Simulation sensors data acquisition

Experience with marine vessels USVs

Design methodology thinking

Ausbildung

Master's degree in mechanical engineering naval architecture marine engineering

Tools

CAD

Python

MATLAB

Machine learning frameworks

Jobbeschreibung

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Organisation/Company NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology Department Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering Research Field Engineering ′ Mechanical engineering Engineering ′ Maritime engineering Architecture ′ Naval architecture Computer science ′ Programming Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 22 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Oslo) Country Norway Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

NTNU is a broad-based university with atechnical-scientific profile and a focusin professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 8,6000 employees and 44,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

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 better 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.

Are you motivated to take a step towards a doctorate and open up exciting career opportunities? As a PhD Candidate with us, you will work to achieve your doctorate, and at the same time gain valuable experience that qualifies you for a further career in higher education and research, in and outside academia. You will be part of a research environment with several related PhD positions in the Norwegian Maritime AI Centre at NTNU.

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

About the project

The PhD project will be part of the Norwegian Maritime AI Center that aims to accelerate operationalization of AI in the maritime value chains. The center shall position the maritime sector for accelerated and successful use of AI. The demand for safe and sustainable maritime activities, as well as the shortage of crew and engineers, are key drivers for change in the maritime sector. At the same time, there is a pull for growth, increased efficiency and profitability, while managing volatility in the markets. Moreover, the sector is critically important for global supply chains and security in a tense geopolitical situation. To demonstrate and prototype maritime AI solutions, the center will address a diverse and impactful set of use cases: Logistics, shipping and business transactions; Ship design and construction; Voyage planning and optimization; Condition monitoring and maintenance; Crew training; Maritime traffic and ship surveillance; Decarbonization and energy management; Autonomous ships and remote control.

The research partners are the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, (NTNU), University of Oslo, Oslo School of Architecture and Design, Royal Norwegian Naval Academy, Norwegian Mapping Authority, MET and SINTEF Nordvest. There are about 30 user partners from the maritime sector, in addition to hundreds of members of the Maritime Forum, Blue Maritime, Ocean Autonomy, and Maritime CleanTech clusters. The center will be a hub, orchestrating the interfaces with research partners and user partners to facilitate collaboration, knowledge creation, dissemination, innovation, and sharing of knowledge. The Norwegian Maritime AI Center is funded by the Research Council of Norway and the partners for the period 2026-2030. There will be approximately 25 doctoral scholarships and some postdoc positions. More information can be found here: https://www.ntnu.edu/mai

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.

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 center
• Participate in relevant dissemination activities for the academia and industry
• Conduct independent research and publish the result in recognized scientific journals and present them at international conferences

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

• 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
• 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

To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are able to:

• 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

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

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
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

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.

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]

Ålesund, known for its unique Art Nouveau architecture and spectacular nature, 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

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.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering Country Norway State/Province Møre og Romsdal City Ålesund Postal Code N-6009 Street Larsårdsvegen 2 Geofield

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 organized 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.