PhD Candidate in Marine Technology – Offshore Wind Response Estimation and Control Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway

The Department of Marine Technology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a 3-year PhD position focused on response estimation and control for offshore wind installations. NTNU is a leading technical-scientific university in Norway, with a strong commitment to professional education and research for societal impact. The university is headquartered in Trondheim, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural scene and technological innovation.

This PhD project is part of FME NorthWind, a Norwegian Research Centre on Wind Energy, aiming to advance sustainable wind power through outstanding research and innovation. The Centre is led by SINTEF and includes NTNU, University of Oslo, NINA, NGI, and over 40 national and international industrial partners, forming a world-leading consortium for sustainable energy development.

The research will address cost- and risk-optimal installation and operation of offshore wind farms, focusing on accurate forecasts and predictions of environmental conditions and vessel responses. The core task involves response estimation using remote distributed sensing of the wave field in offshore wind parks, combined with metocean forecasting data. Improved sea-state and wave prediction will enable real-time solutions for motion response and wave load prediction during critical installation tasks, such as turbine/blade installation, mooring, and cable installation.

Further research will explore methods for active motion reduction based on feedforward wave motion/load compensation in dynamic positioning (DP) and crane/winch control systems for floating vessels, as well as integration into online decision support systems (DSS) for tactical planning. The project offers opportunities to collaborate with leading research and industry partners, contributing to the development of sustainable offshore wind energy.

As a PhD Candidate, you will complete doctoral education, conduct high-quality research, publish academic and popular science work, and regularly report progress. You will work closely with your supervisor, Associate Professor Marit Kvittem, and cooperate with relevant project and industry partners. The position offers career guidance, a supportive international environment, and access to employee benefits, including membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

Applicants must have a master’s degree in marine technology, ocean engineering, or equivalent, corresponding to a five-year Norwegian master program with 120 credits at master's level. Final-year master's students may apply. A strong academic background is required, with an average grade of B or better on NTNU's grading scale. Candidates with weaker grades may be considered if they can document particular suitability for PhD education. Good written and oral English language skills are essential. Candidates from countries subject to export restrictions or listed in threat assessments from national security authorities are normally not eligible. Admission to the faculty's doctoral program in Engineering is required.

Preferred qualifications include research or engineering experience in marine applications, marine cybernetics, hydrodynamics, probabilistic methods, AI algorithms, and programming skills. Personal qualities such as curiosity, motivation, independence, flexibility, and the ability to engage with other professionals are valued.

The position offers a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum, with a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund deducted. Employment is for 3 years and is conditional on external funding from the Norwegian Research Council. The appointment is carried out in accordance with Norwegian regulations and export control legislation.

To apply, submit your application and all required attachments electronically via Jobbnorge.no by the deadline of 25 April 2026. Required documents include transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, CV, copy or draft of master's thesis, documentation of completed master's degree, motivation letter, publications, certificates, and names/contact information of three referees. If your education was taken abroad, attach documentation of scope and quality. Applications will only be assessed based on information received by the deadline.

NTNU values diversity and aims to reflect the diversity of society in its workforce. The university encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to promoting equality and inclusion. For further information about the position, contact Associate Professor Marit Kvittem at [email protected].

Trondheim offers excellent opportunities for education, nature, culture, and family life, with low crime rates and high air quality. NTNU’s Department of Marine Technology is dedicated to developing methods and technology for the blue economy, including offshore renewable energy, marine robotics, and sustainable solutions for global challenges related to environment, climate, energy, food, and transport.