PhD in Trustworthy Agentic Artificial Intelligence Maritime AI in NTNU Norway – Norway

Summary

NTNU in Ålesund, Norway, is offering a PhD Candidate position in Trustworthy Agentic Artificial Intelligence, focusing on Maritime AI. The research project is part of the new Norwegian Maritime AI Center and aims to develop trustworthy agentic AI systems using open-weight models for safety-critical domains like maritime operations. A central use case will be condition monitoring and predictive maintenance of ships. The position is for three years, with a gross annual salary of NOK 580,000. Applicants need a relevant Master's degree with a strong academic background and proficiency in Python and machine learning frameworks. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of ICT and Natural Sciences
Position Type	PhD Candidate
Discipline	Computer science, Artificial intelligence, Data science, Engineering cybernetics, Applied mathematics, Electrical engineering
Research Area	Trustworthy Agentic Artificial Intelligence, Maritime AI, Open-weight models, Condition monitoring, Predictive maintenance
Degree Required	Master degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering cybernetics, applied mathematics, electrical engineering or equivalent
Experience	Strong academic background, strong programming skills (Python), practical experience with modern machine learning frameworks
Salary	NOK 580 000 per annum
Funding	Research Council of Norway and partners
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-31
Employer Address	NTNU in Ålesund

About the Project

The PhD project focuses on developing trustworthy agentic AI systems for safety-critical maritime operations, specifically using open-weight models. This approach allows for inspection, adaptation, and verification of AI behavior, addressing challenges with closed proprietary models. A key application is condition monitoring and predictive maintenance of ships, where AI agents will interact with heterogeneous operational data to identify anomalies, diagnose faults, assess equipment condition, and recommend maintenance actions. The project is part of the Norwegian Maritime AI Center, which aims to accelerate AI use in the maritime sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on trustworthy agentic AI built on open-weight foundation models, including agent architectures, reasoning, planning, and tool use.
• Develop and evaluate methods for reliable and accountable agent behavior, such as uncertainty quantification, interpretability, alignment, monitoring, and human oversight.
• Validate developed methods on realistic case studies in maritime and other safety-relevant applications.
• Carry out high-quality research, including academic publications and popular science dissemination.
• Participate in the Cyber-Physical Systems Laboratory (CPS Lab) and Norwegian Maritime AI Centre activities.
• Take courses in relevant technical topics, comprising a minimum of 30 ECTS.

Required Skills

• Relevant Master degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering cybernetics, applied mathematics, electrical engineering or equivalent.
• Strong academic background from previous studies (average grade B or better from Master degree).
• Meet requirements for admission to the faculty doctoral programme in Engineering Cybernetics.
• Strong programming skills, particularly Python.
• Practical experience with modern machine learning frameworks.
• Official language test report (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE) for non-English speaking applicants outside Europe.
• Ability to work independently and in a structured way.
• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Effective communication skills for presenting and discussing research.
• Flexibility and openness to adjusting project plans.

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for candidates with a Master's degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering cybernetics, applied mathematics, or electrical engineering. Ideal candidates will have a strong academic record, excellent programming skills in Python, and practical experience with modern machine learning frameworks. Those with experience in agentic AI systems, trustworthy AI topics, or maritime autonomous systems are preferred. The role requires individuals who can work independently and collaboratively, communicate effectively, and adapt to project needs.

Benefits

• Exciting job with an important mission in society.
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment.
• Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period.
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues.
• Working capital for project implementation.
• Mentor programme for new employees.
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK).
• Access to employee benefits as a PhD Candidate at NTNU.

About the Employer

NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile, focusing on professional education. It is located in three cities, with its headquarters in Trondheim. The university has 9,000 employees and 43,000 students, working to create knowledge for a better world. The Department of ICT and Natural Sciences is located in Ålesund.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the PhD project?

The PhD project focuses on developing trustworthy agentic AI systems using open-weight models for safety-critical domains, particularly maritime operations, with a central use case in condition monitoring and predictive maintenance of ships.

What are the main responsibilities of the PhD Candidate?

The main responsibilities include conducting research on trustworthy agentic AI, developing and evaluating methods for reliable agent behavior, validating methods on maritime case studies, producing academic publications, and participating in research group activities and courses.

What academic qualifications are required for this position?

Applicants must have a relevant Master's degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering cybernetics, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, or equivalent, with a strong academic background (average grade B or better).

Is there a language requirement for international applicants?

Yes, applicants from non-English speaking countries outside Europe must present an official language test report from TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, or CPE with specified minimum scores.

What is the duration of the employment and the salary?

The employment period is 3 years for the doctoral work, and the gross salary will normally be NOK 580,000 per annum.

Where will the PhD Candidate be based?

The place of service for the PhD Candidate will be NTNU in Ålesund.