PhD Candidate in wind-assisted ships

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU); Trondheim; On-site; NOK 540,000 - 570,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Open and inclusive environment

Career guidance during PhD

Pension fund membership

Norwegian language training

Job summary

NTNU's Department of Marine Technology invites applications for a PhD Candidate to explore wind-assisted propulsion and sail technologies for decarbonizing shipping. The project emphasizes fluid-dynamic properties of sail types and aims for practical measurements and improved control.

You will complete the doctoral degree, publish research, and participate in international activities within a strong, international research community.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in marine hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, fluid mechanics or equivalent.
• Degree must include a major independent project (≥30 ECTS) or equivalent.
• Master's degree must be documented by 31.12.2026.
• Strong English communication skills (oral & written).

Responsibilities

• Complete the doctoral education up to the PhD.
• Carry out high-quality research within the project scope.
• Publish academic papers and disseminate results.
• Participate in the Marine Structures research group.
• Attend international conferences and research stays.

Skills

Fluid dynamics

English proficiency

Analytical thinking

Research methodology

Presentation skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in marine hydrodynamics/aerodynamics/ fluid mechanics

Master's thesis (≥30 ECTS)

Tools

Sensors & measurement tech

CFD software

Machine learning basics

Job description

About The Position

The international shipping industry is striving to decarbonize and save energy. One of the most promising technologies is to use the wind for propulsion. If you want to contribute to the decarbonization of shipping, or if you are interested in sailing, this is an opportunity for you! The Department of Marine Technology has a very strong position internationally, and a large and vibrant community of PhD candidates. We also have very good connections to relevant industry and research institutions, which will help you find relevant employment after the PhD. 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.

About The Project

The planned topic of the PhD project is to find practical ways to make the forces from different types of “sails” (wing sails, rotors, suction sails …) as directly measurable as possible, by that enabling improved control and optimization. Stall detection will be a natural part. The PhD project is internally financed but will be associated to two large research programmes at NTNU and SINTEF Ocean; FME Martrans https://martrans.no/ and the Norwegian Maritime AI Centre https://www.ntnu.edu/mai. The research is foreseen to focus on fluid-dynamic properties of the different sail types. Thus a background in fluid mechanics (marine hydrodynamics or aerodynamics) is required. Knowledge of measurement technology and relevant sensors, as well as industry experience from the industry providing sails for merchant ships will be a great benefit.

Duties of the position

• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate
• Carry out research of good quality within the framework described above
• Academic publications and popular science dissemination
• Participate in the research group Marine structures
• 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 meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's Doctoral Programme https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phiv, see Section 6-1 of the PhD regulations for more information.
• You must have a relevant Master's degree in marine hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, fluid mechanics or equivalent. Your degree must include a major independent project (minimum 30 ECTS) equivalent to a master’s thesis.
• Master students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position and no later than 31.12.2026.
• 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.
• Very good oral and written communication skills in English.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions for general criteria for the position.

Preferred Selection Criteria

• Knowledge of sensors and measurement techniques
• Experience from the industry providing sails for merchant ships
• Experience with Computational Fluid Mechanics
• Knowledge of machine learning methods
• Knowledge of automatic control
• Good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian/Scandinavian language

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
• Present and discuss your research with other professionals
• Get involved and contribute constructively with feedback
• Work constructively under pressure or in the face of adversity
• Show curiosity and a strong motivation for the subject
• Analyze data, assess different perspectives and draw well‑foundated 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
• Career guidance and follow‑up during the PhD period
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

Diversity

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.

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 https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phiv within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme throughout the period of employment. As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational 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.

About The Application

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in Norwegian/a Scandinavian language or English.

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above. The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request.

The Application Must Include

• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees
• CV
• Copy of Master's thesis. If you have recently submitted your Master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed Master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Short letter of motivation (400 words/1 page)
• Possibly publications etc. other relevant research work
• Possibly certificates
• Names and contact information of three relevant referees

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor's and Master's education, in addition to other higher education. If your institution uses “diploma supplement” (normal for most European institutions), you must attach this. A description of the documentation required can also be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well.

Joint work will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint work, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

When assessing the best qualified, we emphasize necessary qualifications such as education, experience and personal suitability. Motivation for the position, ambitions, and potential for research will also count when assessing the candidates.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and has committed itself to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment and CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

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 prof. Sverre Steen tel. [phone] [e-mail]. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Maria Hjertner (HR consultant) [e-mail].

Application deadline: 05.10.2026

For practical information about working at NTNU, please visit this webpage.

The city of Trondheim

is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the tech capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day‑care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

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 Marine Technology

We develop methods and technology related to the blue economy: oil and gas extraction at sea, ship technology and the equipment industry, fisheries and aquaculture. We also have a strong commitment to the development of sustainable solutions for offshore renewable energy, coastal infrastructure, and marine robotics. Marine technology helps to solve major global challenges related to the environment, climate, energy, food and efficient transport. The Department of Marine Technology is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.