The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a PhD Candidate position in Semantic Web for Autonomous and Adaptable Urban Services. NTNU is a leading technical-scientific university located in Trondheim, Norway, with a strong commitment to professional education and research that creates knowledge for a better world.

This PhD project is part of the interdisciplinary UrbanBREATH initiative, funded by the Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Partnership. UrbanBREATH focuses on measuring, modeling, and mitigating air pollution in urban environments by combining low-cost sensing, community engagement, and data-driven policy recommendations. The project aims to develop semantically enriched urban services that improve air quality and optimize energy consumption and carbon footprint across various urban stakeholders, including residents, landlords, infrastructure owners, utility companies, and recycling companies.

As a PhD candidate, you will explore knowledge representation languages (KRL) and tools to build semantic representations that facilitate automated reasoning and new insights. The research will investigate how to create and maintain urban services and their relevant knowledge over time, with a particular focus on air quality dynamics at multiple levels of a municipality. You will contribute to the development and demonstration of methodologies for building autonomous and adaptive urban services, collaborate with UrbanBREATH project partners, disseminate results in academic and popular science forums, and participate in the Knowledge-based Engineering and Knowledge-driven Systems research group.

The position offers a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum, favorable pension terms, free Norwegian language training, working capital for project implementation, and access to a mentor programme and employee benefits. The employment period is three years, and the position is conditional on external funding. Diversity and inclusion are core values at NTNU, and applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree (industrial ICT, information systems, IoT, HVAC engineering, sustainable design in construction, or equivalent) corresponding to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at master's level. Master students may apply if the degree is completed by spring 2026. A strong academic background (grade B or better) and good skills in mathematics, programming, and information systems are required. Preferred qualifications include programming experience (Python, OOA/OOD/OOP), semantic modeling, knowledge representation, automated reasoning, AI frameworks, and proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language. Admission to the PhD programme in Engineering within three months of employment is mandatory.

To apply, submit your application and all required attachments electronically via Jobbnorge.no by 15 April 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. All documents must be in English. If invited to interview, bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas.

For further information, contact Associate Professor Andrei Lobov ([email protected]) regarding the position, or HR Senior Consultant Hedda Winnberg ([email protected]) for recruitment process queries. The city of Trondheim offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent welfare services, and opportunities for education, nature, and family life.

NTNU's vision is 'Knowledge for a better world,' and the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering is dedicated to educating graduates who can create, operate, and maintain products and manage projects in technology, energy, product quality, and productivity. Join NTNU and contribute to innovative research that shapes healthier and more sustainable urban environments.