PhD Fellow in LLMs-based Knowledge Graphs for Digital Twin Development in Green Shipping UiT The Arctic University of Norway invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in the Department of Technology and Safety, Faculty of Science and Technology, within the Advanced Maritime Ship Operations research group. The position is part of the TwinShip Horizon Europe Project, a major European initiative focused on digitalization and decarbonization in the maritime sector. The successful candidate will work at UiT’s Tromsø campus, contributing to the development of digital twin technology for ocean-going vessels, a key strategy for achieving the International Maritime Organization’s decarbonization goals. The research will center on leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) and knowledge graphs, associated with ontologies, to advance digital twin development for the maritime industry. The candidate will utilize ship performance and navigation data, applying advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques on the VesselAI digital platform. The project aims to create open-source, data-enriched digital platforms and decision support systems to drive rapid digital and environmental transformation in shipping, targeting significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, 2040, and 2045. Key research objectives include: Developing LLMs to support knowledge graphs for selected vessels and ship systems. Constructing knowledge graphs based on engine-propeller combinator diagrams. Designing machine learning algorithms for clustering and regression of ship performance and navigation datasets. Quantifying ship performance through digital twin applications in shipping. Eligibility: Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybernetics, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Nautical Science, Maritime Technology, or a related field. Strong software development skills and some sea-going experience are required. The degree must be equivalent to a 2-year Norwegian master’s with at least a B grade. Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is advantageous. Preferred skills include LLM-based application development, knowledge graph development, deep learning, data engineering, semantic technologies, open-source AI, statistical estimation, and programming (Python, C++, LABVIEW). Experience with emission control regulations and ship navigation is beneficial. Funding and Benefits: The position offers a salary of 550,800 NOK/year with a 3% annual increase, a state pension scheme, and potential reimbursement of relocation costs. Employees benefit from Norway’s National Insurance Scheme, including comprehensive health care services. The position is for three years, full-time, with flexible working hours and a supportive academic environment. Application Process: Applications must be submitted via Jobbnorge and include a cover letter, CV, diplomas and transcripts for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, documentation of English proficiency, 2-3 references, and the master’s thesis. All documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Only applications submitted through Jobbnorge will be considered. The application deadline is 18 January 2026. For further information, contact Professor Lokukaluge Prasad Perera at prasad.perera@uit.no . More details about working and living in Norway can be found at uit.no/staffmobility . UiT is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. The university offers a vibrant research environment, excellent career opportunities, and a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in the High North.