PhD Candidate in Marine Technology – Offshore Wind Response Estimation and Control Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway

The Department of Marine Technology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a 3-year PhD position focused on response estimation and control for offshore wind installations. NTNU is a leading technical-scientific university in Norway, with a strong commitment to professional education and research, and a vibrant community of 9,000 employees and 43,000 students.

This PhD project is part of FME NorthWind, a Norwegian Research Centre on Wind Energy, aiming to advance sustainable wind power through outstanding research and innovation. The Centre is led by SINTEF and includes NTNU, University of Oslo, NINA, NGI, and over 40 industrial partners, forming a world-leading consortium for wind energy development.

The research will focus on cost- and risk-optimal installation and operation of offshore wind farms, emphasizing accurate forecasts and predictions of environmental conditions and vessel responses. The PhD work will involve response estimation using remote distributed sensing of the wave field in offshore wind parks, combined with metocean forecasting data. Improved sea-state and wave prediction will enable real-time solutions for motion response and wave load prediction during critical installation tasks, such as turbine/blade installation, mooring, and cable installation.

Further research will explore active motion reduction methods based on feedforward wave motion/load compensation in dynamic positioning (DP) and crane/winch control systems for floating vessels, as well as their application in online decision support systems (DSS) for tactical planning. The project offers opportunities to collaborate with leading research and industry partners, contributing to the sustainable development of offshore wind energy.

Supervision will be provided by Associate Professor Marit Kvittem, with additional support from Professor Roger Skjetne. The Department of Marine Technology is renowned for its work in the blue economy, including oil and gas extraction, ship technology, fisheries, aquaculture, and sustainable solutions for offshore renewable energy, coastal infrastructure, and marine robotics.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in marine technology, ocean engineering, or equivalent, corresponding to a five-year Norwegian master program with 120 credits at master's level. Final-year master’s students may apply. A strong academic background is required, with an average grade of B or better on NTNU's grading scale or equivalent. Candidates with weaker grades may be considered if they can demonstrate particular suitability for PhD education. Good written and oral English language skills are essential. Candidates from countries subject to export restrictions or listed in threat assessments are not eligible. Admission to the faculty's doctoral program in Engineering is required.

Preferred qualifications include research or engineering experience in marine applications, marine cybernetics, hydrodynamics, probabilistic methods, AI algorithms, and programming skills. Personal qualities such as curiosity, motivation, independence, and flexibility are valued.

The position offers a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum, with a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund deducted. Employment is for 3 years, with access to public employee benefits and discounts, and membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK). NTNU provides a supportive, inclusive, and diverse working environment, with career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no by 25th April 2026. Required documents include transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, CV, copy or draft of master's thesis, documentation of completed master's degree, motivation letter, publications, certificates, and names/contact information of three referees. If your education was completed abroad, attach documentation of scope and quality, and diploma supplement if available. Certified copies must be brought to the interview if invited.

For further information, contact Associate Professor Marit Kvittem ([email protected]) or Professor Roger Skjetne ([email protected]). The position is based in Trondheim, a modern European city known for its rich cultural scene, excellent welfare system, and opportunities for education, nature, and family life.

NTNU’s vision is “Knowledge for a better world,” and the Department of Marine Technology is dedicated to solving global challenges related to environment, climate, energy, food, and efficient transport through innovative research and technology development.