The Department of Structural Engineering has a vacancy for a

PhD Candidate in AI-driven smart material characterisation and modelling

Would you like to work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, material science, and offshore engineering, contributing to the development of the next generation of intelligent and adaptive offshore structures? The Department of Structural Engineering at NTNU has a vacancy for a PhD Candidate in AI-driven smart material characterisation and modelling. The position is part of the AIMOS project (Artificial Intelligence for Multiscale Offshore Structures), which develops integrated AI methods for the analysis, design, monitoring, and control of floating offshore systems.

The PhD project focuses on the experimental characterisation and computational modelling of smart materials with potential applications in adaptive offshore structures. These materials offer new opportunities for developing structural systems capable of actively responding to changing environmental and operational conditions. A central challenge is to understand and predict their mechanical behaviour, including stiffness variations, response times, and long-term durability, while developing computationally efficient models suitable for structural simulations. The candidate will combine experimental investigations, physics-informed modelling, and artificial intelligence to establish predictive material models and evaluate the feasibility of smart-material-based actuation in offshore structures. The position offers the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of material mechanics, artificial intelligence, and offshore engineering, contributing to the development of more adaptive and resilient marine infrastructure.Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population’s collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values ​​are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals. 

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education. 

If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.

At NTNU we want to increase the proportion of women in scientific positions. We have a number of measures to promote equality. 

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 580 000,-per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. 

The employment period is 3 years.

For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in Engineering within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme throughout the period of employment.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and adapt to them.

For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act, and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to bein conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.

If you think this position looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, you are welcome to apply.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact associate professor David Morin, email david.morin@ntnu.no. 

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Consultant June Hovde, e-mail: june.b.hovde@ntnu.no.

Application deadline: 20.11.2026

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For practical information about working at NTNU, please visit this webpage. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the tech capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality. 

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 Structural Engineering

We teach mechanical engineering, engineering and ICT, and civil and environmental engineering. The Department conducts internationally leading research and participates in several large national research projects. The Department of Structural Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.