PhD Candidate in Human-Centered Interactive AI Agents for Maritime Simulator Training

Ntnu; Ålesund; Hybrid; NOK 530,000 - 570,000; Full time

Job summary

NTNU seeks a PhD Candidate in Human-Centered Interactive AI Agents for Maritime Simulator Training. The project develops LLM-driven agents that assist trainees and instructors using simulator data and multimodal inputs, ensuring transparent explanations and adaptive support during training.

The position emphasizes collaboration with a supervision team, publication activity, and international conferences, with a 3-year commitment and a mandatory admission to a PhD program in Engineering.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in computer science, automation, maritime-related engineering or equivalent.
• Your master’s degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position.
• Strong academic background with average grade equal to B or better on NTNU’s scale.
• Experience with LLMs and related applications, preferably in maritime-relevant projects.
• Knowledge/experience in AI and data-driven approaches.

Responsibilities

• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate.
• Set up research plans with the supervision team and conduct them accordingly.
• Academic publications and dissemination of popular science.
• Take lead in research idea generation and paper writing.
• Collaborate with other PhD candidates and project partners to share knowledge and coordinate activities.
• Participate in international conferences or research stays at foreign institutions.

Skills

LLM experience

AI knowledge

Data-driven approaches

Motivation for PhD

Education

Master's degree in CS/automation/maritime engineering

Job description

The Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering has a vacancy for a

PhD Candidate in Human-Centered Interactive AI Agents for Maritime Simulator Training

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, 9,000 employees and 43,000 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

The maritime industry faces increasing demands for safe and efficient operations due to growing traffic, more complex vessels, and higher safety requirements. Simulator-based training is essential for preparing maritime professionals, but it relies heavily on experienced human instructors, whose availability is limited.

Recent advances in artificial intelligence, especially large language models (LLMs), enable the development of interactive AI agents that can support human learning in complex, safety-critical environments. Human-centered AI in this project means that the agent will learn from simulator data and expert knowledge, and will be designed to work collaboratively with trainees and instructors rather than replacing them. The AI agents will leverage LLMs for knowledge acquisition, natural language interaction, and decision support, while integrating simulator data and multimodal inputs to provide timely guidance, feedback, and post-training analysis.

This PhD project aims to develop human-centered interactive AI agents for maritime simulator training. The research will investigate how LLM‑driven agents can perceive and interpret dynamic maritime environments, collaborate with human trainees during simulator sessions, provide transparent explanations for their actions, and adapt their support to individual training needs

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.

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

Duties of the position

• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate
• Set up research plans with the help of the supervision team and conduct them accordingly
• Academic publications and popular science dissemination
• Take lead in research idea generation and research paper writing
• Collaborate closely with other PhD candidates and project partners to share knowledge, integrate findings, and coordinate research activities
• Participate in international activities such as conferences and/or research stays at foreign educational institutions

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

Required selection criteria

• You must have a relevant Master’s degree in computer science, automation, maritime‑related engineering or equivalent. Your course of study must correspond to a five‑year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been obtained at master’s level. Master students can apply, but the master’s degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position.
• You must have a strong 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 grade background, you maybe considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”.

• You demonstrate a strong motivation for the position
• You have experience of LLM and and related applications, preferably in maritime‑relevant projects
• You demonstrate knowledge/experience in AI and data‑driven approaches

Personal characteristics

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

• Work independently as well as in a cross disciplinary team
• Work in a structured way, set goals and make plans to achieve them
• Present and discuss your research with other professionals
• Get involved and contribute constructively with feedback
• Show enthusiasm and a strong motivation for the subject
• Analyze data, assess different perspectives and draw well‑founded conclusions
• Be flexible and open to adjusting the plan for the project as needed
• Communicate well in English

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.

At NTNU we want to increase the proportion of women in scientific positions. We have a number of measures to promote equality.

Salary and conditions

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.

The employment period is 3 years.

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 bein conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

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 Professor Houxiang Zhang, email: [e-mail]

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