PhD Candidate in Counter-Drone Systems (C-UAS) Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology is advertising a PhD Candidate position in Counter-Drone Systems (C-UAS) at the Department of Engineering Cybernetics in Trondheim, Norway. The position sits within a strong research environment focused on automatic control, monitoring of dynamic systems, and advanced aerial drone operations through the university’s UAV-lab.

The project addresses a highly relevant societal challenge: how to detect, track, and mitigate drone threats to civilian critical infrastructure and other sensitive assets. The work will explore counter-drone concepts and solutions tailored to Norwegian needs, including challenging geography, harsh climate, and the protection of assets such as railroads, bridges, power plants, airports, harbors, and water supplies. Research activities may involve drone detection systems, interceptor drones, advanced sensors, data communication systems, and artificial intelligence, combining both conceptual and practical research.

This is a fully funded PhD position internally funded by NTNU. The advertised salary is normally NOK 550,800 per year, depending on qualifications and seniority, and the employment period is 3 years for doctoral work, with up to 12 additional months of career promotion work available for the right candidate. The project also includes collaboration with governmental agencies and industry, offering an applied research context with strong societal relevance.

Applicants should hold a relevant master’s degree in control engineering, cybernetics, aerospace engineering, electronic systems, mechatronics, or an equivalent discipline. The degree should correspond to the Norwegian five-year master’s standard, with 120 credits at master’s level. A strong academic record is expected, typically a grade average of B or better on NTNU’s scale. Master’s students may apply if they can document completion of the degree before starting and no later than 1 September 2027. Admission to the doctoral program in Engineering Cybernetics is required after appointment, and candidates are expected to qualify for security clearance at CONFIDENTIAL level or higher.

Preferred experience includes practical work with aerial drone systems, aircraft, or air defense systems, together with expertise in systems engineering, systems simulation, relevant electronic systems, or guidance/navigation/control systems. Good oral and written Norwegian or Scandinavian language skills at approximately A2 level are also preferred. Personal qualities such as structure, curiosity, motivation, and strong communication skills will be important in selection.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no by 24 September 2026. Required attachments include transcripts and diplomas, CV, a copy of the master’s thesis if completed, a short motivation letter, relevant publications or other research outputs, certificates if applicable, and names/contact details of at least two referees. If education was completed outside Norway, additional documentation on scope and quality of studies, and diploma supplement or HK-dir documentation if available, should be included.

For questions about the position, contact Professor Tor Arne Johansen at [email protected]. For recruitment process questions, contact HR Consultant Berit Dahl at [email protected].