PhD Candidate in Sea Ice Monitoring in NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology – Norway

Summary

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology is offering a three-year full-time PhD Candidate position in Sea Ice Monitoring within the Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering in Ålesund, Norway. The project, affiliated with the Arctic Ocean 2050 initiative, focuses on developing radar-based methods for monitoring sea ice in the Arctic Ocean, particularly for maritime operations. The successful candidate will conduct high-quality research, develop models for sea-ice information from radar measurements, contribute to academic publications, and participate in fieldwork. Applicants need a relevant Master's degree (e.g., Cybernetics, Electrical Engineering, Remote Sensing) with a strong academic background. The gross annual salary is NOK 580,000. The application deadline is October 12, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering
Position Type	PhD Candidate
Discipline	Engineering
Research Area	Sea Ice Monitoring
Degree Required	Master's degree
Salary	NOK 580,000 per year
Funding	Arctic Ocean 2050, a ten-year Norwegian research initiative
Contract Duration	three years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-12
Employer Address	Ålesund, Møre og Romsdal, Norway
Employer Contact	Torodd Skjerve Nord, Associate Professor; Lara Broman, HR & PhD Coordinator

About the Project

The PhD project focuses on monitoring the present and future state of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean, specifically to provide high-resolution information for Arctic maritime operations. It will investigate using marine radar on ice-going vessels to identify sea-ice drift and determine characteristics like ice concentration, floe size, geometry, and stage of development. A key objective is to develop models that use radar measurements to populate the Stage of Development, Concentration, and Form fields of the Egg Code, providing live sea-ice information for onboard decision-making. The project is part of the Arctic Ocean 2050 research initiative, contributing to its 'modelling and observing' theme.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete the doctoral education and obtain a PhD degree.
• Conduct high-quality research within the framework of the sea-ice monitoring project.
• Develop and investigate radar-based methods for sea-ice monitoring.
• Study sea-ice drift around ice-going vessels.
• Explore the potential of radar observations for determining sea-ice concentration, floe size, geometry, and stage of development.
• Develop models for deriving relevant sea-ice information from radar measurements.
• Contribute to academic publications.
• Participate in popular-science dissemination activities.
• Participate in the Maritime and Smart Infrastructure research groups.
• Take part in international activities such as conferences and research stays at foreign educational institutions.
• Undertake other career-promoting activities related to the position.
• Be prepared for possible changes to work duties after employment.

Required Skills

• Relevant Master's degree in Cybernetics, Electrical Engineering, Remote Sensing, Geophysics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Marine Technology, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Mechatronics.
• Master's degree including a major independent project of at least 30 ECTS.
• Course of study corresponding to a five-year Norwegian course, including 120 credits at Master's level.
• Strong academic background, normally a Master's degree average equivalent to B or better.
• Meeting admission requirements for NTNU's Doctoral Programme in Engineering.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work in a structured manner.
• Ability to set goals and develop plans to achieve them.
• Ability to present and discuss research with other professionals.
• Ability to participate actively and contribute constructively through feedback.
• Ability to work constructively under pressure or in challenging circumstances.
• Demonstrated curiosity and strong motivation for the research subject.
• Ability to analyze data and evaluate different perspectives.
• Ability to draw well-founded conclusions.
• Ability to remain flexible and adapt the research plan when necessary.

Benefits

• An exciting research position connected to an important societal mission.
• Developing research tasks in a strong and international professional environment.
• An open and inclusive working environment.
• Committed colleagues and an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Working capital that can be used to implement the research project.
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Free basic Norwegian-language training at A2 level.
• Access to NTNU employee benefits.

About the Employer

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology is inviting applications for a PhD Candidate position. The Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering focuses on international knowledge and innovation in maritime operations, covering ship and marine-equipment design, vessel operations, and the interaction between technology, human factors, and business. The position is located in Ålesund, a coastal city known for its Art Nouveau architecture, natural surroundings, maritime environment, cultural life, modern facilities, and business activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the PhD project?

The PhD project focuses on monitoring the present and future state of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean, with particular emphasis on providing high-resolution information for Arctic maritime operations using marine radar.

What is the duration of the employment?

The employment period for the PhD Candidate position is three years.

What is the required academic qualification for applicants?

Applicants must have a relevant Master's degree in areas such as Cybernetics, Electrical Engineering, Remote Sensing, Geophysics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Marine Technology, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Mechatronics, with a major independent project of at least 30 ECTS.

What is the annual gross salary for this position?

The normal gross salary for the PhD Candidate position is NOK 580,000 per year.

Where is the position located?

The position is based in Ålesund, Møre og Romsdal, Norway.

What documents are required for the application?

Required documents include transcripts and diplomas, CV, Master's thesis copy, documentation of completed Master's degree, a project outline, a motivation letter, relevant publications/research work, certificates, and contact information for three referees.