PhD Candidate in Digital Twins and AI for Cultural Heritage Preparedness

The Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Gjøvik invites applications for a PhD Candidate position in Digital Twins and AI for Cultural Heritage Preparedness. This opportunity is part of the Horizon Europe project HERITWIN (2025–2028), which brings together 17 European partners to advance digital infrastructure for cultural heritage through national pilots in Sweden, Norway, Spain, UK, and Greece. The Norwegian pilot focuses on the Telemark Canal, aiming to develop and validate digital twin-based preparedness modelling for cultural heritage infrastructure. The PhD candidate will engage in research activities including digital twin development for heritage risk preparedness, AI-based predictive monitoring (humidity, flooding, structural stress), integration of GIS/BIM, LiDAR, and IoT telemetry, federated data architecture, and semantic interoperability. The project emphasizes explainable and trustworthy AI aligned with European regulations. The candidate will contribute to modelling, system validation, and scientific dissemination within the HERITWIN framework, collaborating internationally and publishing in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, geomatics, computer science, data science, engineering cybernetics, or equivalent, corresponding to a five-year Norwegian degree program including 120 ECTS at master’s level. A strong academic background is required, with an average grade of B or better according to NTNU's grading scale. Candidates must meet the requirements for admission to NTNU’s PhD program in Engineering and demonstrate good written and oral English skills. Preferred qualifications include experience with digital twins, data modelling, semantic technologies, resilience engineering, preparedness systems, data interoperability, simulation systems, AI/ML methods, BIM, GIS, spatial data, sensor systems, IoT, and interdisciplinary research projects. Personal suitability, motivation for research, analytical skills, and effective communication and collaboration are emphasized. The position is funded by the Horizon Europe project HERITWIN, offering a salary of NOK 550,800 gross per annum, with a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund deducted. The employment period is three years, and the candidate will have access to NTNU employee benefits, working capital for project implementation, and membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2) is provided if needed. Diversity and inclusion are core values at NTNU, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no by the deadline of 7th April 2026. Required documents include transcripts and diplomas, CV, copy of master’s thesis, project outline, letter of motivation, and names/contact information of three referees. Attachments form the basis of assessment, and certified copies of certificates and diplomas must be brought to interviews if requested. For questions about the position, contact Associate Professor Bjørn Arild Godager at [email protected]. For recruitment process inquiries, contact Kristine Rognlid Hagaseth at [email protected]. This PhD position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in digital twins and AI for cultural heritage preparedness, within a vibrant interdisciplinary environment at NTNU Gjøvik.