PhD Candidate in Trustworthy Agentic Artificial Intelligence
Investigate safe, transparent, and accountable agentic AI systems using open-weight foundation models for maritime applications.
Best for:Best for computer science or engineering master's graduates with strong Python and machine learning skills interested in agentic AI and maritime safety applications.
Overview
The Department of ICT and Natural Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a 3-year PhD position in trustworthy agentic artificial intelligence in Ålesund. Operating within the newly established Norwegian Maritime AI Center, the researcher will explore how open-weight foundation models can be utilized to build verifiable and accountable AI agents for safety-critical maritime use cases such as condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. The candidate is expected to conduct high-quality academic research, publish findings, participate in the Cyber-Physical Systems Laboratory, and complete 30 ECTS of coursework. Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree with strong academic standing and demonstrate robust programming and machine learning skills.
What you'll do
- Conduct research on trustworthy agentic AI built on open-weight foundation models, covering agent architectures, reasoning, planning, and tool use.
- Develop and evaluate methods that ensure reliable and accountable agent behavior, such as uncertainty quantification, interpretability, alignment, and monitoring.
- Validate developed methods on realistic case studies in maritime and other safety-relevant applications in collaboration with industry partners.
- Produce academic publications and engage in popular science dissemination.
- Participate in research activities of the Cyber-Physical Systems Laboratory and the Norwegian Maritime AI Centre.
- Complete a minimum of 30 ECTS in relevant technical coursework.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering cybernetics, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, or equivalent
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; applicants from non-English speaking countries outside Europe must present an official language test (TOEFL score 92 internet-based/600 paper-based, Academic IELTS 6.5 with no section lower than 5.5, or CAE/CPE grade B or A)
Instruction: English
- Strong academic background with an average grade of B or better on the Master's degree according to NTNU's grading scale
- Strong programming skills, particularly in Python
- Practical experience with modern machine learning frameworks
- Eligibility for admission to the doctoral programme in Engineering Cybernetics
- Must meet the requirements for admission to the doctoral programme in Engineering Cybernetics at NTNU
Funding & terms
How to apply
Submit your application electronically through NTNU's vacancies portal by clicking the apply button. Ensure all required academic transcripts, language test reports, and supporting documents are attached before the closing date.
- CV
- Master's degree transcripts
- Language test report
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