PhD Candidate in AI-Driven Spectroscopy, Digital Twins and Autonomous Control for Bioprocesses

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for two PhD positions in AI-Driven Spectroscopy, Digital Twins, and Autonomous Control for Bioprocesses within the Department of Chemical Engineering. NTNU is a leading technical-scientific university with a strong focus on professional education and research, located in Trondheim, Norway. The university offers a vibrant academic environment with access to advanced laboratories and infrastructure. The AINA project aims to address the challenge of limited real-time measurements in autonomous microbial bioprocesses by developing and experimentally validating AI-enabled monitoring and control for microbial fermentation. The project focuses on transforming complex sensor signals into reliable state information to enable real-time, closed-loop operation. Candidates will develop algorithms and test them in an advanced, automated microbial feedback control laboratory, ensuring rapid iteration from concept to experimental validation. Research themes include AI for scientific instrumentation, digital twins and hybrid AI, uncertainty-aware AI, and autonomous laboratories. The scope of work involves linking advanced optical spectroscopy (including Raman, NIR, and MIR techniques) to state estimation and autonomous feedback control in microbial fermentation. Typical tasks include spectral pre-processing, chemometrics and machine learning, drift handling, calibration transfer, novelty detection, uncertainty quantification, hybrid modeling, grey-box models, residual learning, model adaptation, physics-guided ML, real-time estimation using Kalman-filter variants, probabilistic inference, multi-sensor data fusion, and closed-loop control strategies. As a PhD candidate, you will complete doctoral education, conduct high-quality research, publish academic and popular science work, participate in the Process System Engineering research group, and may assist with teaching. The position offers close supervision and collaboration across AI/ML, sensing, modeling, and control, access to advanced laboratory facilities, a publication pathway, mentorship, and employee benefits including favorable pension terms and free Norwegian language training. Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree (data science, engineering cybernetics/control, chemical/bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, applied mathematics, or applied physics) equivalent to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at master's level. Master students may apply if the degree is completed before September 2026. A strong academic background (B or better on NTNU's grading scale) and documented fluency in English are required. Preferred qualifications include foundations in machine learning/modeling, programming experience (Matlab or Python), knowledge in time-series inference, spectroscopy, estimation, control, digital twins, industrial microbiology or fermentation, and laboratory experience. Personal qualities such as problem-solving mindset, curiosity, careful working style, and teamwork are valued. The position is funded with a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum for three years, with a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund. The employment period is three years, and admission to the PhD programme in Chemical Engineering is required within three months of the contract start date. Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no, including transcripts, diplomas, CV, Master's thesis, motivation letter, publications, and referee contact information. The application deadline is March 5, 2026. For further information, contact Professor Nadi Bar ([email protected]). NTNU values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. The city of Trondheim offers a rich cultural scene, excellent welfare benefits, and a high quality of life.