About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD within “Autonomous Robotic Inspection and Maintenance on Ship Hulls and Storage Tanks”, preferably starting in August 2020 at the Department of Marine Technology. The position is financed by the research program Bugwright.

The objective of BUGWRIGHT2 will be to bridge the gap between the current and desired capabilities of ship inspection and service robots by developing and demonstrating an adaptable autonomous robotic solution for servicing ship outer hulls and marine structures. By combining the survey capabilities of autonomous Micro Air Vehicles (MAV) and small Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), with teams of magnetic-wheeled crawlers operating directly on the surface of the structure, the inspection and cleaning system will be able to provide a seamless merged representation of the structure. The project consists of a large consortium bringing together technological knowledge from academia and industry to provide a marine service.

The primary theme of this PhD position will be robot localization, 3D structure mapping and autonomous navigation. Based on sonar system, algorithms for efficient navigation and mapping will be developed both for absolute and relative navigation solutions. Methods for robotic perception will be adapted to enable documentation of ship hulls and submerged structures. The project also includes development of procedures for in mission planning and obstacle avoidance to enhance autonomous operations. This will include planning global trajectories, planning a coverage pattern and implementing the overall state machine responsible for sequencing tasks and autonomous behaviors.  Within the project, the concept will be showcased and demonstrated in a realistic scenario in close collaboration with the project partners.

The position reports to Professor Martin Ludvigsen.

Duties of the position

The research study for the available PhD position is within the following topics:

• Underwater robot localization and navigation
• 3D structure mapping
• Autonomous missions for AUVs

Required selection criteria

We seek a highly motivated candidate with a MSc degree in Marine Cybernetics (with a Marine Technology basis), or in Engineering Cybernetics or Control Engineering with an application basis on marine systems.

• The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in Marine Technology or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.

• Good written and oral English is required

Preferred selection criteria

• Relevant industry experience is an advantage

Academic results, publications, relevant specialization, work or research experience, personal qualifications, and motivations for making an impact on future autonomous marine systems will be considered when evaluating the applicants.

Master students graduating summer 2020 can apply.

Personal characteristics

• Strong analytical skills
• Flexible and dependable
• Collaborative
• Innovative and open minded

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement.

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 479 600 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years with possibility to extend to 4 years by contributing with efforts at the Department.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Marine Technology within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

General information

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Martin Ludvigsen, telephone 91897272, email martin.ludvigsen@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Oddny Østhus, e-mail: oddny.osthus@ntnu.no

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.

Please refer to the application number IV-88/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 14.04.20

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Marine Technology

We develop methods and technology related to the blue economy: oil and gas extraction at sea, ship technology and the equipment industry, fisheries and aquaculture. We also have a strong commitment to the development of sustainable solutions for offshore renewable energy, coastal infrastructure, and marine robotics. Marine technology helps to solve major global challenges related to the environment, climate, energy, food and efficient transport. The Department of Marine Technology is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Deadline 14th April 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Department of Marine Technology