The Department of Marine Technology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a 3-year PhD position in AI-driven ship design. This opportunity is connected to the newly established Norwegian Maritime AI Centre and aims to advance the integration of artificial intelligence into ship design processes, making them faster, more knowledge-rich, and capable of delivering solutions with improved commercial, environmental, and technical performance.

As a PhD candidate, you will join a vibrant, world-leading research community in marine technology, collaborating with over 60 PhD students from around the globe. The research will focus on adapting and extending emerging AI technologies—such as foundation models, generative design tools, agent platforms, reasoning engines, and reinforcement learning—for maritime design challenges. Key research themes include generative methods for design documentation, 2D and 3D spatial reasoning, AI-based performance assessment in early design, human–AI collaboration, reinforcement learning for automated design exploration, integration of domain knowledge into AI models, and evaluation of trust and transparency in AI-driven design tools.

The position is funded directly by NTNU and is associated with the Norwegian Maritime AI Centre, recently awarded through the Research Council of Norway. The successful candidate will contribute to positioning NTNU and the Norwegian maritime industry at the forefront of AI-enabled ship design, helping to establish new methods, datasets, and prototypes that support sustainability goals and enable innovative vessel concepts.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in marine technology, engineering design, artificial intelligence, or computer science. Master students graduating by summer 2026 are eligible, and NTNU master students finishing before summer 2027 may apply as part of an Integrated PhD study plan. Strong skills in mathematics, programming, and applied AI are required, with preference for candidates with experience in Python, maritime industry knowledge, generative models, reinforcement learning, geometric deep learning, optimization, simulation, 3D modeling, and CAD APIs. Excellent English skills (written and oral) are essential.

Funding: The position offers a competitive salary (NOK 550,800 per annum before tax), with a 2% deduction for the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. The employment period is 3 years, and the position includes access to excellent facilities, career guidance, and employee benefits.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted in English and include transcripts, diplomas, CV, a copy or draft of the Master's thesis, a motivation letter, relevant publications, and contact information for three referees. The deadline for applications is 19 December 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the official job posting.

NTNU is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, background, or career interruptions. The university offers a supportive, inclusive environment in Trondheim, a city known for its high quality of life, excellent public services, and vibrant cultural scene.