The Department of Design at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a PhD Candidate in Human-Centred Robotics for Embodied AI. This position is based in Trondheim and affiliated with the Shore Control Lab, a research environment specializing in human-centred design for safety-critical operational contexts. NTNU is a leading technical-scientific university with a strong focus on professional education and research, offering a vibrant academic community and excellent employee benefits. This PhD opportunity is connected to the Norwegian Centre for Embodied AI (NCEI), a national AI centre led by NTNU. NCEI advances research on intelligence emerging from the interaction between body, computation, and environment, spanning aerial, ground, and aquatic robotic systems. The successful candidate will join a cross-sector collaboration involving universities, research institutes, industry, and public-sector partners, contributing to NCEI’s mission to establish new scientific and operational foundations for embodied AI and robotics. The project focuses on the revolution in physical intelligence within robotics, emphasizing robust human oversight and high-level remote control. Key research questions include how humans can team up with intelligent, semi-autonomous robots in safety- and time-critical missions as efficiently and effectively as with fellow humans. The candidate will apply human-centred design (HCD) methods to real cases of embodied intelligence, define end-user requirements, develop prototypes, and evaluate these in terms of team performance and system usability. Responsibilities include establishing HCD approaches for embodied AI, working with developed platforms (underwater, waterborne, or aerial robots), building and testing innovative solutions for human–robot teams, and combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies in user evaluation. Participation as a judge for usability and transparency during NCEI’s robotics competitions (“Grand Challenges”) is also expected. Duties involve completing doctoral education, conducting high-quality research, delivering academic publications and popular science dissemination, participating in research groups and centre activities at NTNU and NCEI, engaging in international activities such as conferences or research stays, and contributing to centre-level events. The position offers access to robotics platforms, research infrastructure for usability testing, and remote operations at the Shore Control Lab. Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree (or equivalent) in design, industrial design, human–computer interaction, robotics, human–robot interaction, human factors, cognitive psychology, or related fields, with a strong academic record (grade B or better). Proficiency in English and daily physical presence at NTNU are required. Master students may apply if the degree is completed by September 1, 2026. Preferred qualifications include experience in human-centred design for safety- or time-critical domains, prototype development, user research and evaluation methods, multidisciplinary teamwork, and familiarity with usability, transparency, trust, human–automation interaction, or team performance. Personal qualities such as independence, initiative, structured work, collaboration, curiosity, and flexibility are valued. The position offers a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum, favorable pension terms, free Norwegian language training, working capital for project implementation, a mentor programme, and access to employee benefits. The employment period is three years, conditional on external funding. NTNU values diversity and aims to reflect societal diversity in its workforce, promoting equality and inclusion. The university encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to responsible research assessment and recognition of a broad range of academic contributions. To apply, submit your application and required documents electronically via Jobbnorge.no by April 1, 2026. For questions about the position, contact Professor Ole Andreas Alsos ([email protected]). For recruitment process inquiries, contact HR advisor Marion Wohlen ([email protected]). Trondheim offers a rich cultural scene, excellent welfare services, professional subsidized day-care, international schools, and opportunities to enjoy nature, culture, and family life in a safe and clean environment. NTNU’s Department of Design is located in both Trondheim and Gjøvik, with expertise in interaction design and extensive collaboration with Norwegian industry.

The Department of Design at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim invites applications for a PhD Candidate position focused on Human-AI Teaming for Maritime Operations. NTNU is a leading technical-scientific university with a strong commitment to professional education and research, hosting over 9,000 employees and 43,000 students. The position is affiliated with the Shore Control Lab, a research environment specializing in human-centered design for safety-critical operational contexts, and is closely connected to the Norwegian Maritime AI Centre (MAI), a national hub for AI research, innovation, and education in the maritime domain. The PhD project aims to advance research in human-computer interaction and human factors, specifically targeting human–AI teaming in safety-critical maritime work. Key research topics include AI transparency and explainability in operational decision-making, interaction design for AI-enabled maritime systems, and evaluation of human performance, workload, trust, and safety-related outcomes. The candidate will employ human-centered design methodologies, including iterative prototyping, user testing, and mixed qualitative and quantitative methods, to develop and evaluate concepts that facilitate effective collaboration between onboard and remote operators and AI systems. As a PhD Candidate, you will conduct research on interaction design and evaluation for human–AI teaming, plan and execute prototyping cycles, perform empirical studies using interviews, observations, usability testing, experiments, and simulation-based evaluation, publish results in relevant venues, and participate in cross-disciplinary activities with MAI partners. The position offers an exciting mission in society, career guidance, a mentor program, working capital for project implementation, favorable pension terms, and free Norwegian language training. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in industrial design, design, HCI, human factors, maritime human factors, informatics, computer science, cognitive psychology, engineering, or a related field. A strong academic record, motivation for doctoral research, and documented English proficiency are required. Preferred qualifications include experience with explanations/visualisations for complex data, evaluation of decision-support systems in safety-critical domains, familiarity with maritime operations, and strong prototyping skills. Personal qualities such as independence, initiative, structured work, collaboration, curiosity, and flexibility are highly valued. Physical presence at NTNU on a daily basis is required. The position offers a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum, with a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund. The employment period is 3 years, conditional on external funding. The application must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no and include transcripts and diplomas, CV, Master's thesis or draft, project outline, motivation letter, publications or certificates, and contact information for three referees. All documents must be in English. The deadline for applications is 1st April 2026. For questions about the position, contact Professor Ole Andreas Alsos at [email protected]. For recruitment process inquiries, contact HR Advisor Marion Wohlen at [email protected]. NTNU values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The university is located in Trondheim, a modern European city known for its rich cultural scene, tech industry, and high quality of life.

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a PhD Candidate in Human-AI Teaming for Maritime Operations, based at the Department of Design in Trondheim. This position is affiliated with the Shore Control Lab, a research environment focused on human-centered design for safety-critical operational contexts, and is connected to the Norwegian Maritime AI Centre (MAI), a national hub for research, innovation, and education in artificial intelligence for the maritime domain. The PhD project aims to advance research in human-computer interaction and human factors, specifically targeting human-AI teaming in safety-critical maritime operations. Key research topics include AI transparency and explainability in operational decision-making, interaction design for AI-enabled maritime systems, and evaluation of human performance, workload, trust, and safety-related outcomes. The candidate will employ human-centered design methodologies, iterative prototyping, user testing, and mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to develop and evaluate concepts that facilitate effective collaboration between onboard and remote operators and AI systems. Duties include conducting research on interaction design and evaluation for human-AI teaming, planning and executing prototyping cycles, performing empirical studies (interviews, observations, usability testing, experiments, simulation-based evaluation), publishing results, and participating in cross-disciplinary activities with MAI partners. The position offers opportunities for collaboration with industry and real-world use cases. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in industrial design, design, HCI, human factors, maritime human factors, informatics, computer science, cognitive psychology, engineering, or another relevant field. A strong academic record, motivation for doctoral research, and documented competence in English are required. Eligibility for admission to NTNU’s PhD programme in Design is necessary. Preferred qualifications include experience with explanations/visualisations for complex data, evaluation of decision-support systems in safety-critical domains, familiarity with maritime operations, and strong prototyping skills. Personal qualities such as independence, initiative, structured work, collaboration, curiosity, motivation, analytical skills, and flexibility are valued. Physical presence at NTNU on a daily basis is required. The position offers a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum, with a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund, and a 3-year employment period. Additional benefits include working capital for project implementation, membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, free Norwegian language training at a basic level, and access to employee benefits. NTNU promotes diversity and aims to reflect societal diversity in its workforce. To apply, submit your application electronically via Jobbnorge.no, including transcripts and diplomas, CV, copy or draft of Master’s thesis, project outline, motivation letter, publications or certificates, and names/contact information of three referees. All documents must be in English and submitted by the application deadline of 1 April 2026. If invited to interview, bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas. For further information, contact Professor Ole Andreas Alsos ([email protected]) or HR Advisor Marion Wohlen ([email protected]). The position is conditional on external funding and requires daily physical presence at NTNU. The university is committed to responsible research assessment and recognition of a broad range of academic contributions.

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a PhD Candidate in Human-Centred Robotics for Embodied AI, based in the Department of Design in Trondheim. This position is affiliated with the Shore Control Lab, a research environment specializing in human-centred design for safety-critical operational contexts. The PhD project is part of the Norwegian Centre for Embodied AI (NCEI), a national initiative advancing research on intelligence emerging from the interaction between body, computation, and environment across various robotic systems. The research will focus on how humans can efficiently and effectively team up with intelligent, semi-autonomous robots in safety- and time-critical missions, aiming to transform robots from tools to true teammates. The candidate will apply human-centred design (HCD) methods to real cases of embodied intelligence, working with platforms such as underwater, waterborne, or aerial robots developed by consortium partners. Responsibilities include defining contexts of use, end-user requirements, design specifications, developing prototypes, and evaluating these in terms of team performance and system usability. The candidate will also participate as a judge for usability and transparency during NCEI’s robotics competitions (“Grand Challenges”) and have access to robotics platforms and research infrastructure for usability testing at NTNU Shore Control Lab. Duties include completing doctoral education, conducting high-quality research, publishing academic and popular science work, participating in research groups and centre activities, engaging in international conferences or research stays, and contributing to centre-level events. The position offers a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum, favorable pension terms, free basic Norwegian language training, working capital for project implementation, a mentor programme, and access to employee benefits. The employment period is three years, conditional on external funding. Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree (or equivalent) in design, industrial design, human–computer interaction, robotics, human–robot interaction, human factors, cognitive psychology, or related fields, with a strong academic record (grade B or better). Proficiency in English is required. Master students may apply if the degree is completed by September 1, 2026. Admission to the PhD programme in Design at NTNU’s Faculty of Architecture and Design is mandatory. Preferred qualifications include experience in human-centred design for safety- or time-critical domains, prototype development, user research and evaluation, multidisciplinary teamwork, and familiarity with usability, transparency, trust, human–automation interaction, or team performance. Personal qualities such as independence, structured work, collaboration, motivation, and flexibility are valued. NTNU values diversity and aims to reflect societal diversity in its workforce. The university offers an open and inclusive environment, career guidance, and support for new employees. The city of Trondheim provides a vibrant cultural scene, excellent welfare services, and opportunities for education and family life. To apply, submit your application and required documents electronically via Jobbnorge.no by April 1, 2026. Required documents include transcripts and diplomas, CV, Master's thesis or draft, project outline, motivation letter, publications, certificates, and contact information for three referees. If invited to interview, bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas. For questions, contact Professor Ole Andreas Alsos ([email protected]) or HR advisor Marion Wohlen ([email protected]).