PhD Candidate in Advancing Corrosion Science Through AI and High-Throughput Experimentation
NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology is recruiting a PhD Candidate for a project on advancing corrosion science through artificial intelligence and high-throughput experimentation. The position is based in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in Trondheim, Norway, and is part of a newly formed research group in Corrosion and Corrosion Protection.
The project addresses a major industrial and societal challenge: corrosion, which causes substantial economic loss worldwide. The research will combine digital and experimental approaches to build a unified corrosion knowledge base. On the digital side, the project uses natural language processing and AI-driven information extraction to harvest corrosion data from scientific literature. On the experimental side, it will design and refine electrochemical setups for rapid screening of corrosion rates. The work will focus especially on electrochemical corrosion of alloys relevant to carbon capture and storage applications.
This is a full-time, temporary PhD position with a 3-year employment period. The salary is normally NOK 580,000 per year depending on qualifications and seniority, with standard pension contributions. The post is intended for a candidate who will be admitted to NTNU's PhD programme in Engineering within three months of starting, and who will complete doctoral education as part of an organized doctoral programme.
Eligibility highlights include a relevant master's degree in mechanical and industrial engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or an equivalent field; a major independent project of at least 30 ECTS; and a strong academic record equivalent to a B grade or better on NTNU's scale. Master students may apply if they complete the degree before starting. Applicants should show strong interest in materials science, electrochemistry, or AI in an engineering context, along with good English communication skills. Analytical and computational strengths, as well as experience in modelling or experimentation, are preferred.
The application must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no by 14 October 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Oslo). Applicants must provide transcripts and diplomas, a CV, a copy or draft of the master's thesis, a project outline of up to 1500 words, a motivation letter, and contact information for three referees. Additional documentation is required for education completed abroad. For questions about the position, contact Professor Michael Auinger at [email protected].
NTNU emphasizes an open, inclusive, and international research environment, with career guidance, mentoring, and employee benefits including Norwegian language training at basic level. The position offers the chance to contribute to research at the intersection of corrosion science, electrochemistry, data science, and materials engineering in a leading Norwegian university.
