PhD Candidate in Modelling Risk and Vulnerability in Drone Detection and Interception Supply Chains Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway

NTNU – the Norwegian University of Science and Technology – invites applications for a full-time PhD Candidate position in modelling risk and vulnerability in supply chains for drone detection and interception systems. The position is based at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management in Trondheim, Norway, within the Health, Environment and Safety research group.

The project examines how suppliers, critical components, data, infrastructure, logistics, market conditions, and regulations create vulnerabilities across national and international supply chains supporting counter-drone capabilities. The successful candidate will develop dynamic risk and vulnerability models using AI-supported analytical methods and historical and real-time data from civilian and military domains. The research will support risk-informed decision-making at tactical, operational, and strategic levels and contribute to resilience of critical infrastructure amid evolving drone and hybrid threats.

The PhD is part of the multidisciplinary project Managing drone threats to critical infrastructure, involving research on drone detection and interception, consequences of drone attacks, supply-chain vulnerability, and organization and decision-making in drone operations. The candidate will conduct original research, publish internationally, collaborate with academic, industrial, and public-sector partners, complete doctoral coursework, and communicate research results.

Applicants should hold a relevant master's degree with strong academic results (B or better), particularly in safety management, risk assessment, RAMS, or logistics and supply-chain management. Documented competence in risk assessment and good Scandinavian oral and written language skills are required. Final-year master's students may apply. Interest in emerging technologies, eligibility for security clearance, and NATO nationality are advantages. Admission to NTNU's PhD programme in Industrial Economics and Technology Management is required within three months of employment.

The four-year appointment pays NOK 580,000 annually before tax. Three years are dedicated to doctoral work and one year to career-enhancing activities such as teaching and supervision. Benefits include pension and insurance schemes, working capital for the project, opportunities for international research stays, and an international interdisciplinary research environment.

Submit a motivation letter, one-page research plan, CV, diplomas and certificates, scientific works including the master's thesis, and contact details for three references through Jobbnorge by 20 November 2026.