Tor Arne Johansen

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is seeking a PhD Candidate for a research project in artificial intelligence (AI) for ship traffic monitoring, as part of the newly established Norwegian Maritime AI Centre. NTNU is a leading technical-scientific university located in Trondheim, Norway, with a strong focus on professional education and research excellence. The Department of Engineering Cybernetics (ITK) specializes in automatic control and monitoring of dynamic systems, contributing to digitalization, automation, and robotization in society. This PhD project aims to develop machine learning models for analyzing ship trajectories and traffic patterns, leveraging large historical datasets from the Automatic Identification System (AIS), as well as weather data, navigation charts, and maritime databases. The research will focus on building deep AI models that integrate real-time satellite-based AIS data and sensor inputs (such as radar), enabling advanced anomaly detection, risk analysis, and autonomous navigation. The outcomes will support maritime situational awareness, security, safety, and logistics. The Norwegian Maritime AI Centre is a collaborative hub funded by the Research Council of Norway and industry partners, running from 2026 to 2030. It brings together NTNU, University of Oslo, Oslo School of Architecture and Design, Royal Norwegian Naval Academy, Norwegian Mapping Authority, MET, SINTEF Nordvest, and about 30 user partners from the maritime sector. The center addresses diverse use cases including logistics, ship design, voyage planning, condition monitoring, crew training, surveillance, decarbonization, and autonomous ships. The PhD candidate will work closely with other researchers, companies, and governmental agencies, participating in center activities, international conferences, and potentially research stays with partners. Supervision will be provided by Professor Tor Arne Johansen. The position offers a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800 for three years, with favorable benefits as a public employee, including membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in engineering, informatics, or a related field, with strong academic results (average grade B or better on the NTNU scale). Admission to the faculty's Doctoral Program and eligibility for security clearance at CONFIDENTIAL level in Norway are required. Non-native English or Scandinavian speakers must provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL). Preferred qualifications include experience in machine learning, maritime situational awareness, ship dynamics, and ship surveillance systems, as well as good communication skills in Norwegian/Scandinavian language. NTNU values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The application must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no, including transcripts, diplomas, CV, motivation letter, relevant publications, certificates, and contact information for referees. The deadline for applications is 10 January 2026. For more information, visit Norwegian Maritime AI Centre and application link .

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] .