PhD Candidate in Reliability of Autonomous Systems at NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway

The Department of Computer Science at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim is seeking a PhD Candidate in Reliability of Autonomous Systems. NTNU is Norway’s leading academic IT environment, offering a wide range of theoretical and applied IT programmes and hosting a vibrant research community. The university is renowned for its technical-scientific profile and commitment to professional education, with 9,000 employees and 43,000 students working to create knowledge for a better world.

This PhD position is part of the SALUBRIS project, funded by the European Defence Fund, focusing on Strategic Autonomous Logistics for Uncrewed Battlefield and Intervention Systems. The project aims to develop multimodal CASEVAC solutions using unmanned vehicles across land, sea, and air domains for casualty detection, recovery, and evacuation. The research will involve swarm coordination, sensor data fusion from wearable and nearable sources, and autonomous triage based on the START methodology, utilizing explainable AI to prioritize casualties.

The successful candidate will contribute to the reliability aspects of these autonomous systems, including the design of fault tolerance solutions and evaluation of the robustness of machine learning and data fusion approaches. You will be part of the System Software research group (www.ntnu.edu/idi/ssg), participate in international conferences and research stays, and collaborate with national and international partners to ensure the success of the SALUBRIS project.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent, corresponding to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at the master’s level. Master students may apply if their degree is completed by 2026-07-31. A strong academic background is required, with an average grade of B or better on NTNU’s grading scale, or equivalent. Good oral and written English skills, proficiency in C/C++, and low-level programming for embedded systems are essential. Admission to the NTNU Doctoral Program in Computer Science is mandatory within three months of employment. Preferred qualifications include open-source code contributions, experience with compiler-level tools, reliability and fault tolerance, and autonomous systems.

Funding: The position offers a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum, with a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund. The employment period is three years, and the position is fully funded by the European Defence Fund via the SALUBRIS project. Additional benefits include working capital for project implementation, a mentor programme, favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2).

Application Process: Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no (application link) by 15 June 2026. Required documents include transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, CV, copy or draft of Master’s thesis, project outline (max 1500 words), motivation letter (max 400 words), relevant publications and certificates, and contact information for three referees. If your education was completed abroad, provide documentation of scope and quality, and attach a diploma supplement if available. All documents must be in English. If invited to interview, bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas.

Environment: NTNU offers an open and inclusive working environment, career guidance, and access to employee benefits. The university values diversity and aims to reflect the broader society, promoting equality and gender balance. The city of Trondheim provides a rich cultural scene, excellent welfare services, and opportunities for education, nature, and family life.

For questions about the position, contact Associate Professor Leonardo Montecchi ([email protected]). For recruitment process inquiries, contact the HR office at the Department of Computer Science.

Join NTNU and contribute to innovative research in autonomous systems reliability, supported by a strong international network and a mission-driven academic environment.