The Department of Structural Engineering has a vacancy for a 

PhD Candidate in Consequences of Drone Attacks

A key problem associated with malicious drone use in conflict relates to contact charges and near-field explosions, as well as fragments generated by detonating drones, which may cause severe damage to people, buildings, and critical infrastructure even with relatively small amounts of energy. In this PhD project, testing, modelling, and simulation of detonating drones are central.

Such issues require advanced numerical models, since both the detonation process and the fragmentation of the drone must be described using accurate and efficient mathematical models, thereby challenging existing theory. The accuracy of the modelling can be improved by combining better datasets with different numerical methods and by validating the results at multiple levels. This involves using quality-assured and representative input data, conducting systematic sensitivity analyses, and calibrating models against controlled reference data.

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 Professor Tore Børvik.

The position is part of the project “Managing drone threats to critical infrastructure” as one of four PhD candidates.

A resilient society depends on safe and robust critical infrastructure, including the ability to withstand drone attacks. The war in Europe and hybrid threats have shown that such systems can be deliberately targeted using low-cost, commercially available technology, and the Government’s drone strategy identifies reducing vulnerability to hostile use of drones as the greatest and most urgent challenge. As threats and technology evolve rapidly, new uses of drones must be met quickly with adapted countermeasures.

The project aims to contribute to a more resilient society by developing knowledge and technological solutions to understand, manage and respond to drone threats and attacks against critical infrastructure.

The project is part of a larger effort of four projects funded by NTNU on A More Resilient Society.

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 for 3 years for the doctoral work, in addition to the possibility of up to 1 year of career promotion work for the right candidate. A minimum of three work years of the total term period must be dedicated to doctoral work.  

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 Professor Tore Børvik, email: tore.borvik@ntnu.no. 

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR-consultant Kristine Grønvold, email: kristine.gronvold@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.