PhD Fellow in skill adaptations for remotely controlled and autonomous ship operations

UiT Norges arktiske universitet; Tromsø; Remote; NOK 550,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting PhD opportunity at a leading university offers candidates the chance to delve into the fascinating world of remotely operated maritime vessels. This innovative position focuses on human factors, autonomy implications, and the evolving roles of maritime professionals. As part of a supportive academic environment, you will engage in cutting-edge research, collaborate with experts, and contribute to significant advancements in maritime operations. If you are passionate about maritime science and eager to make a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Participation in an interesting research project

Career development opportunities

A supportive academic environment

Flexible hours

State collective pay

Pension scheme

Relocation reimbursement

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in maritime operations or human factors.
• Strong academic record with a minimum grade of B (3.5).

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on human factors in maritime operations.
• Collaborate on research design, data collection, and analysis.

Skills

Maritime operations knowledge

Effective communication skills

Ability to work in multicultural teams

Fluency in English

Navigation experience

Education

Master's degree in Maritime operations

Master's degree in Human factors or related field

Job description

The position

A PhD position is available at the Department of Technology and Safety (ITS), UiT The Arctic University of Norway, for candidates interested in the human factors associated with remotely operated and autonomous maritime vessels. This position offers the opportunity to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in this rapidly advancing domain.

ITS is organized under the Faculty of Science and Technology and is located at three campuses: Tromsø, Bardufoss, and Harstad. The department has approximately 90 employees and 500 students. It offers undergraduate, master, and PhD programs, as well as research in nautical science, aviation, societal safety, environment, and international preparedness.

The position is for three years, aiming to complete research training to the doctoral level. Employment requires admission to the PhD program, which begins upon employment. The candidate must also obtain admission into the National Joint PhD Program in Nautical Operations and fulfill all degree requirements.

The workplace is at UiT in Tromsø, and the candidate must be able to start within a reasonable time after receiving the offer.

The position’s field of research

This PhD position is funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) through the project titled “Reframing Education and Competence Model for Remote Maritime Operations (REFRAME).” The project explores digitalization and remotely controlled ship operations' effects on maritime competence, skill needs, training paradigms, and pedagogical frameworks.

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct research aligned with these objectives, potentially investigating Human-Machine Interaction (HMI), autonomy implications, and evolving roles and skills of maritime professionals. You will collaborate on research design, data collection, analysis, co-author scientific papers, and present at conferences.

Applicants must submit a project description (max 5 pages) outlining the research topic, questions, rationale, methodologies, and how it aligns with the project objectives. This will be developed with your supervisor.

Contact

For further information, contact project manager Tae-eun Kim at [e-mail].

Qualifications

The position requires a master's degree or equivalent in:

• Maritime operations, nautical science, or related maritime field
• Human factors, ergonomics, cognitive psychology, or related human factors field

Essential qualifications include knowledge of maritime operations and equipment, effective communication skills, ability to work in multicultural teams, and a strong academic record (B grade or better). Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Norwegian or Scandinavian languages is advantageous. Navigation experience and a deck officer CoC are beneficial.

Personal qualities

We value motivation, collaboration skills, good communication, and a positive attitude towards contributing to a good working environment.

Admission to the PhD program

You must qualify for admission to the National Joint PhD Program in Nautical Operations and participate in organized doctoral studies during employment. Admission typically requires a bachelor's and master's degree (or equivalent), with a minimum grade of B (3.5). For foreign degrees, evaluation against Norwegian standards is necessary.

Inclusion and diversity

UiT promotes equality, gender balance, and diversity. Applicants with disabilities, CV gaps, or immigrant backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and accommodations will be made if needed.

What we offer

• Participation in an interesting research project
• Career development opportunities
• A supportive academic environment
• Flexible hours, state collective pay, pension scheme
• Salary around 550,000 NOK/year with annual increases
• Relocation reimbursement may be available

Application

Your application must include a motivation letter, CV, diplomas, transcripts, grading explanation, language proficiency documentation, references, academic works, and a project description (max 5 pages). All documents should be in English or Scandinavian languages. Applications are submitted via Jobbnorge by the deadline.

Additional information

The appointment follows Norwegian regulations. The position is subject to export control laws. The salary follows the State salary scale, with a 2% pension contribution. The employment may be shortened if parts of the research training are already completed. Personal data will be processed according to privacy laws.