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.