项目介绍

2026年9月17日

About the position

The international shipping industry is striving to decarbonize and save energy. One of the most promising technologies is to use the wind for propulsion. If you want to contribute to the decarbonization of shipping, or if you are interested in sailing, this is an opportunity for you!

The Department of Marine Technology has a very strong position internationally, and a large and vibrant community of PhD candidates. We also have very good connections to relevant industry and research institutions, which will help you find relevant employment after the PhD.

Are you motivated to take a step towards a doctorate and open up exciting career opportunities? As a PhD Candidate with us, you will work to achieve your doctorate, and at the same time gain valuable experience that qualifies you for a further career in higher education and research, in and outside academia.

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

About the project

The planned topic of the PhD project is to find practical ways to make the forces from different types of “sails” (wing sails, rotors, suction sails …) as directly measurable as possible, by that enabling improved control and optimization. Stall detection will be a natural part. The PhD project is internally financed but will be associated to two large research programmes at NTNU and SINTEF Ocean; FME Martrans https://martrans.no/ and the Norwegian Maritime AI Centre https://www.ntnu.edu/mai

The research is foreseen to focus on fluid-dynamic properties of the different sail types. Thus a background in fluid mechanics (marine hydrodynamics or aerodynamics) is required. Knowledge of measurement technology and relevant sensors, as well as industry experience from the industry providing sails for merchant ships will be a great benefit.

Duties of the position

• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate
• Carry out research of good quality within the framework described above
• Academic publications and popular science dissemination
• Participate in the research group Marine structures
• Participate in international activities such as conferences and/or research stays at foreign educational institutions

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

Required selection criteria

• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty’s Doctoral Programme https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phiv, see Section 6-1 of the PhD regulations for more information.
• You must have a relevant Master’s degree in marine hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, fluid mechanics or equivalent. Your degree must include a major independent project (minimum 30 ECTS) equivalent to a master’s thesis.
• Master students can apply, but the master’s degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position and no later than 31.12.2026.
• You must have a strong and relevant academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master’s degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker academic background, you may be considered if you can document that you are exceptionally suited for a PhD education, for example through relevant work experience and/or peer-reviewed academic works.
• Very good oral and written communication skills in English.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions for general criteria for the position.