About the position

Digitalization fundamentally changes the maritime industry and consequently raise new challenges in regards to security and safe operation of vessels.  New solutions allows for more remote surveillance through sensor technology, better possibilities for remote control and improved connectivity between shore and vessel. The implementation of digital safety-critical systems are vital to achieve this. Such systems are necessary to manage the risk that can arise within physical systems and/or the environment. The consequence of failure of such systems can be dramatic, either in terms of loss of life, environmental damage or damage to critical infrastructure. The developments in automation and autonomy make the human role important in a new way, with increased focus on human-technology interaction.

The PhD research is supervised from NTNU in Ålesund and will be carried out in an interdisciplinary environment. The institute currently have several ongoing PhD projects working on related aspect of changes facing the maritime industry, such as developments within autonomy, remote ship operations, situational awareness and management challenges due to digitalization. In line with the strategy of the institute, the candidate will be expected to make use of NTNU’s simulator labs in the project.

The position reports to Head of the department.

Job description

The current project focuses on cybersecurity in the maritime domain, with particular focus on human in the loop.The goal of this research project is to improve functional safety by incorporating strategies to manage ICT security threats.

This includes

(1) the definition of how safety and security requirements can be formulated, when considering their combined effects on functional safety, and (2) how the follow-up of requirements formulated under (1) are maintained in the operational/use phase. The project may be regarded as applied research, in the sense that weight is put on applying research to real industrial cases.  

Qualification requirements

PhD candidate:

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 a relevant technology-, nautical- or social-science 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

• Experience/skills within the area of Human Factors
• Interst and/or knowledge in safety or security
• Work experience from the maritime /marine industry is preferred
• Should be eligible for Norwegian Defence Safety clearance if required
• Knowledge of industrial applications of safety-critical systems
• Good written and oral English and Norwegian language skills 

Personal characteristics

• Proficiency to carry out goal-oriented work
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams
• Good skills to deliver structured oral and written presentations of research results
• Good collaboration and communication skills
• Motivation for taking a PhD

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 candidate:

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 4 years (with required duties). Appointment to a PhD position requires admission to the PhD programme in engineering(https://www.ntnu.edu/iv/doctoral-programme). 

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.

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 criterias 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.

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. 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 Associate Professor Frøy Birte Bjørneseth, e-mail froy.b.bjorneseth@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-158/19 when applying.

Application deadline: 29.04.2019

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 Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering

We aim to be a hub of international knowledge and innovation in maritime operations. This involves education and research on the design of ships and marine equipment as well as on the operation of vessels. Maritime operations integrate technology, human factors and business. The interfaces between these areas often spark inspiration for innovation and new solutions. The Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Deadline 29.04.2019
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Ålesund
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service NTNU Ålesund