About the position

Department of Marine Technology have an open PhD position related to this topic: Online risk modelling of autonomous ships

The position reports to Professor Ingrid B. Utne

Job description

• The Department of Marine Technology at NTNU and partners were awarded a Centre of Excellence by the Norwegian Research Council in 2013.
• NTNU AMOS vision is to establish a world-leading research centre for autonomous marine operations and systems: to nourish a lively scientific heart in which fundamental knowledge is created through multidisciplinary theoretical, numerical, and experimental research within the knowledge fields of hydrodynamics, structural mechanics, marine biology, guidance, navigation, and control. Cutting-edge inter-disciplinary research will provide the necessary bridge to realize high levels of autonomy for ships and ocean structures, unmanned vehicles, and marine operations and to address the challenges associated with greener and safer maritime transport, monitoring and surveillance of the coast and oceans, offshore renewable energy, and oil and gas exploration and production in deep waters and Arctic waters.
• Autonomous ships require extensive situation awareness based on advanced sensors scanning the environment for obstacles, and fault detection and diagnosis of on-board systems. Challenges are sensor fusion, collision avoidance, decision under uncertainty, intelligent supervisory control, real-time processing and analysis of large amounts of data, fault-tolerant energy management of hybrid marine power plants, and risk management. Research challenges include methods and strategies for safe and reliable performance to ensure that the autonomous systems comply with requirements.
• The research study for the available PhD position is on the development of methods for online risk modeling for supervisory control and decision criteria for autonomous ships.

Qualification requirements

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is completion of a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in Marine Technology, Engineering Cybernetics, Control Systems, RAMS or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. Applicants with no letter grades from previous studies must have an equally good academic foundation. Applicants who are unable to meet these criteria may be considered only if they can document that they are particularly suitable candidates 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, postdoctor and research assistant

Other qualifications

• Master students graduating summer 2019 can apply.
• Master students graduating by the end of June 2020 may apply for admission as integrated MSc and PhD.
• Relevant industry experience may be an advantage.
• Academic results, publications, relevant specialization, work or research experience, personal qualifications, and motivation and a desire to make an impact on critical societal problems will be considered when evaluating the applicants.
• Excellent English skills, written and spoken, are required. Applicants from non-English speak countries outside Europe must present an official language test report. The acceptable tests are TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). Minimum scores are:
  • TOEFL: 600 / writing 4.5 (paper-based test), 92 / writing 22 (internet-based test)
  • IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted)
  • CAE/CPE: grade B or A.

Personal characteristics

• Strong analytical skills
• Strong ability to express research work and results in English, both written and orally
• Flexible and dependable
• Collaborative
• Highly motivated and hard working

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, as well as motivation, 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 449 400 before tax per year. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years without duties. Appointment to a PhD position requires admission to the PhD programme in marine tecknology.

As a PhD candidate, you undertake to participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period. A condition of appointment is that you are in fact qualified for admission to the PhD programme within three months.

Appointment takes place on the terms that apply to State employees at any time, and after the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. Under the Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova), information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to have their name entered on the list of applicants.

Questions about the position can be directed to Professor Ingrid Bouwer Utne, phone number +47 982 22 465, e-mail: Ingrid.b.utne@ntnu.no

About the application:

Publications and other academic works that the applicant would like to be considered in the evaluation must accompany the application. Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify the individual applicant's contribution to joint works, the applicant must include a brief description of his or her contribution.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.

Please refer to the application number IV-90/19 when applying.

Application deadline: 15-03-2019

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 15.03.2019
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Department of Marine Tecknology