PhD Candidate in Marine Electrification – Smart Onboard Energy Systems

Arbeidsplassen; Trondheim; On-site; NOK 542,000; Full time

Job summary

NTNU is seeking a PhD Candidate in Marine Electrification to develop smart power systems for maritime decarbonization. This role involves innovative research in collaboration with academic and industrial partners, aiming to advance sustainable maritime transport and contribute to impactful societal changes.

Benefits

Impacts society positively

Development in an international environment

Guidance during the PhD period

Inclusive workplace

Favorable benefits through pension fund

Qualifications

• Background in marine technology, cybernetics, electrical engineering or related fields.
• Proficiency in English with official test scores if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Complete doctoral education and fulfill all PhD requirements.
• Conduct high-quality research and publish findings.
• Engage in dissemination and outreach activities.

Skills

Systems modeling

Data analysis

Programming

Control engineering

Marine technology

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

PhD Candidate in Marine Electrification – Smart Onboard Energy Systems

NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus on professional education. The university is located in Trondheim, Gjøvik, and Ålesund.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

Learn more about working at NTNU and the application process here.

About the position

The PhD project at the Department of Marine Technology is part of European initiatives to accelerate sustainable maritime transport. The goal is to develop smart onboard power systems for efficient electrification and decarbonization of marine vessels, using technologies like onboard power electronics, MVDC grid architectures, solid-state transformers, fuel cells, and batteries. The project involves designing control and management systems, validating models on laboratory testbeds, and demonstrating on ships in collaboration with industry partners.

You will be part of the Marine Electrification Lab at NTNU, collaborating with top academic and industrial partners. The project is supervised by Professor Mehdi Zadeh, and your immediate supervisor will be the Head of the Department.

About the project

Funded by Horizon Europe, the STEESMAT project advances marine energy innovation through power electronics, solid-state transformers, onboard DC systems, sustainable fuels, and intelligent control systems. More information at steesmat.eu.

Duties of the position

• Complete doctoral education and fulfill all PhD requirements.
• Conduct high-quality research within the project framework.
• Publish findings in top-tier journals and conferences.
• Contribute to research group activities and European project collaborations.
• Engage in dissemination, outreach, and career development activities.
• Contribute to a collaborative research environment.

Work duties may evolve over time.

Required criteria

• Background in marine technology, cybernetics, electrical engineering, control engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, or related fields.
• Master's degree or equivalent, completed before starting the position, with a minimum grade of B or equivalent.
• Meet admission requirements for the NTNU Doctoral Programme in Engineering.
• Proficiency in English, with official test scores if applicable (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, or CPE).

Preferred criteria

• Knowledge in electrical system modeling, control, power electronics, optimization, or machine learning.
• Experience with marine power/control systems.
• Experience with experimental work and laboratory research.
• Skills in data analysis and programming (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
• Industry or collaborative project experience.

Personal qualities

Successful candidates should be able to:

• Work systematically, set goals, and plan.
• Engage actively and contribute constructively.
• Work effectively under pressure and show resilience.
• Be flexible and adaptable.
• Possess strong analytical skills.

We offer

• An impactful role in society.
• Development in an international environment.
• Guidance and follow-up during the PhD period.
• An inclusive workplace with committed colleagues.
• Favourable benefits through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

Diversity

NTNU values diversity and aims to reflect societal variety, fostering creativity and innovation. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.

Salary and conditions

The gross salary is approximately NOK 541,800 annually, with a 2% pension contribution. The position is for 3 years, contingent on admission to NTNU's PhD program and external funding.

Application process

Applications must include CV, transcripts, thesis draft if applicable, motivation letter, publications, certificates, and referees. All documents should be in English or Scandinavian language. Submit via Jobbnorge.no by July 31, 2025.

Additional info

For questions, contact Prof. Mehdi Zadeh at [e-mail] or HR Senior Officer Marit Gjersvold at [e-mail].