PhD position in docking for autonomous ships

We have a vacant PhD position in docking for autonomous ships at the Department of Engineering Cybernetics. 

For a position as a PhD Candidate, the goal is a completed doctoral education up to an obtained doctoral degree. 

The PhD candidate will work on challenging research problems related to motion control systems for autonomous docking.

Docking is a challenging operation that involves motion at relatively low and non-constant speeds, which can lead to large sideslip angles, and requires reactive and agile maneuvering in order to be able to approach the quay smoothly, without impacting on the infrastructure around it. In addition, autonomous ships must be able to dock successfully in harsh conditions, where the influence of unknown external disturbances, such as ocean currents, wind and waves, is significant and can make the task very challenging even for the most experienced sailors. Last but not least, docking often has to take place in relatively narrow spaces where additional marine traffic is part of the picture, and the COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) are not, in general, of practical use. 

The work will be a continuation of state-of-the-art research and experiments results recently achieved at the Department of Engineering Cybernetics. The successful candidate will develop advanced control algorithms capable of utilizing the outputs of a situational awareness system, which include information regarding the ship’s states and its surroundings, in order to achieve successful docking under challenging circumstances. All proposed methodologies will be tested and verified in full-scale experiments.  

The position is part of SFI AutoShip, the new 8-year research-based innovation Center in autonomous ships. The Centre focuses on autonomy, digital infrastructure, maritime transport, safety and risk analysis, maritime law, human-machine interaction, and cyber security, with partners from research, public sector and maritime industry. For more information about SFI AutoShip, see www.ntnu.edu/sfi-autoship . 

You will report to Associate Professor Anastasios Lekkas, as the main scientific supervisor of the research. 

There are several other PhD positions announced for SFI AutoShip, and you are encouraged to apply for more than one position if they agree with your background and interests.

The main objective of the research is to develop motion control algorithms for autonomous ship docking, based on numerical optimization and/or artificial intelligence methods.  To succeed in this task, the candidate will utilize the information from sensors such as cameras, LIDAR and GPS in order to account for a variety of traffic situations in the dock, as well as inaccuracies in electronic maps. As part of the research activities, you will collaborate actively with some of the partners in the SFI AutoShip Center. You will be encouraged to have a research stay with one of the collaborating universities outside Norway during the research period.

• You must have a strong academic background in cybernetics, marine technology, electrical engineering,  mathematics, computer science, physics, electronic systems. 
• Excellent English skills (written and oral)
• Programming skills, using Python, C++, Matlab, or other languages.
• Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree program, where 120 credits are obtained at master's level. 
• You must have an average grade from the master's degree program, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared with NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic basis. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's doctoral program  

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants  and Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosodophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant  

• Knowledge and skills in numerical optimization as well as guidance and control for robotic systems 
• Experience with autonomous systems. 

• Be scientifically curious and open to new research challenges
• Demonstrate independence and persistence in addressing technical problems
• Be flexible and reliable, with ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team

The position is also open for an integrated PhD for NTNU students starting the final year of their master's degree in autumn 2022; see https://www.ntnu.no/ie/forskning/integrertphd  for information about the integrated PhD.

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 491 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years (with possibilities for a 4th year with teaching duties). 

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Engineering Cybernetics  within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

The application must include: 

• A short and directed cover letter identifying: your motivation for a PhD study, your understanding and thoughts of topics in the position along with reasons as to why you are suited for the position. 
• CV including information relevant for the qualifications
• Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's and master's degrees. If you have not completed the master's degree, you must submit a confirmation that the master's thesis has been submitted.
• Contact information of at least two referees 
• Certified copies of academic diplomas and transcripts (in English or Norwegian) 
• Academic works – published or unpublished, if relevant, can also be added. 

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher education. Description of the documentation required can be found here . If you already have a statement from NOKUT, please attach this as well.

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation 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.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

In accordance with The Public Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Anastasios Lekkas, email [email protected] .  

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no  with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI) .

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number 2022/4578 when applying.

Application deadline: 23.02.2022. 

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 Engineering Cybernetics (ITK)

Engineering cybernetics is the study of automatic control and monitoring of dynamic systems. We develop the technologies of tomorrow through close cooperation with industry and academia, both in Norway and internationally. The Department contributes to the digitalization, automation and robotization of society. The Department of Engineering Cybernetics  is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering .