PhD Research Fellow in autonomous Systems Ferry Project
Deadline: 04.08.2025
Publisert
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The Department of Maritime Operations have a vacancy for a position as PhD Research Fellow in autonomous Systems Ferry Project
About the position
The Faculty of Technology, Natural and Maritime Sciences is pleased to announce a forthcoming vacancy for a 100% position as a PhD Research Fellow in Human Factors and Autonomous Maritime Navigation, partially funded within, Operational Zero Emission Ferries – Safe and Efficient Human-Autonomy Teaming in Complex Maritime Transport Systems, (BZERO)
The position will be affiliated with the Department of Maritime Operations, with the immediate superior being the Head of the Department. The primary workplace will be at the Vestfold Campus in Horten.
The appointment is anticipated to be for a term of three years without teaching obligations or four years with 25% teaching obligations. Commencement on October 1st or by agreement. It is a prerequisite for employment that the PhD Research Fellow is enrolled in USN’s PhD program in Nautical Operations within three months of commencing the position.
About the PhD-project
The PhD project will focus on research theme of autonomous maritime systems, emphasizing integration between human operators and AI-based autonomous navigation systems. The position is partially funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) research grant 355695 (BZERO).
The project's key focus areas may include:
Studying Human-Autonomy Interaction: Ensuring collaboration between ship crews and autonomous navigation systems in dynamic control environments. This can include research on strategies for hand-over from system to human and vice versa, research on transparency and explainability, including uncertainty representation.
Human-AI Teaming: Investigating how humans and AI systems can work together effectively in sociotechnical operations. This can include research on role allocation, trust calibration, task engagement, and decision-making dynamics to optimize performance and safety.
Integration of Human Factors in Autonomous Systems: Examining how human capabilities and limitations impact autonomous system design and operation. This can include research on information presentation methods for (re)building and maintaining situation awareness when interacting with AI-enabled systems.
Ethics in Human-AI teaming: Addressing ethical challenges in AI-assisted decision-making, fairness, explainability, transparency, including accountability, bias, and any ethical implications.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Master's degree (120 ECTS) preferably in one of the followings: Maritime/Shipping Management, Nautical Operations, Operations Research, Computer Science, Engineering, Human Factors, cognitive psychology or an equivalent field, with an average grade B or higher. Highly qualified candidates with other relevant educational backgrounds may be considered. The degree must be completed before the application deadline.
Candidates must have an excellent command of written and spoken English. Applicants with MSc degrees from institutions outside Europe are expected to document English language proficiency.
A good command of research methods and/or data analytics is required. Knowledge of Human Factors (HFs) and application of HFs´ methods is an advantage.
Research and project work experience and a publication record are desirable.
It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university’s doctoral programme in Nautical Operations within three months of accession in the position. For admission to the Programme the weighted average grade is B or higher is usually required.
Personal characteristics:
Passionate about research with a high level of curiosity and motivation to learn.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Good communication skills.
Motivated to deliver research results through publications and presentations at international conferences.
Well-organized with a high level of personal responsibility and integrity.
Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.
Co-operation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realise common objectives.
Authorization and security clearance
The position requires authorization and/or security clearance in accordance with the Security Act. Applicants must therefore provide information about their citizenship and, if applicable, the citizenship of their spouse/partner in the application. Citizenship must also be documented, for example, by attaching a copy of a passport.
Applicants who hold citizenship in countries considered to pose a particular security risk may be excluded from further consideration in the application process. The same applies to applicants whose spouse/partner holds citizenship in such countries. USN may also decide, in other cases, to invite applicants to a meeting with the authorization officer, based on a discretionary assessment. Such meetings may also result in exclusion from further consideration in the application process.
We offer
A stimulating and growing research environment, with good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills
Opportunity for physical activities within working hours
Salary
PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 536 200 a year. Further promotion will be based on time served in the position.
A statutory contribution to the state pension plan will be deducted from the employee’s salary.
Other information
The Academic Appointments Board for PhD Research Fellowships is responsible for the appointment. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. The candidates deemed best qualified will be invited to an interview.
The person appointed must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply at any given time to the post. Please note that approved work permit is a prerequisite for the employment.
The successful candidate is obliged to participate in all common activities relating to the PhD education, such as coursework, seminars, and other events. These activities take place at Campus Vestfold.
According to its human resources policy, the University of South-Eastern Norway targets a balanced gender composition and aims to recruit persons with a background as an immigrant.
The Department has few women appointed in scientific positions, and women are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.
The University contributes to the Inkluderingsdugnaden (a voluntary scheme to promote inclusion), and it is our aim that our employees, to the fullest extent possible, shall reflect the diversity of the general population. We therefore encourage qualified applicants with disabilities to apply for the post. The University will facilitate the workplace for employees with disabilities.
Pursuant to section 25, 2nd paragraph of the Freedom of Information Act, information on the applicant may be disclosed even if the applicant has requested not be included on the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified if such requests are not allowed.
Contact information
For more information about the position, please contact:
The University of South-Eastern Norway makes use of online application management. Applicants to the post must register their application and CV with enclosures online via the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking on the link on the right-hand side – “Søk stillingen” (Apply for the post).
The following documents shall be attached to the online application:
Transcripts and diplomas of Bachelor's and Master's Degrees (120 ECTS)
Other relevant certificates (if applicable, must be specified)
A x page project description or motivation letter
Documentation of English proficiency [if required for the position]
Any scientific publications and a list of these
Three references (contact information)
Please note that all documents must be in a Scandinavian language or in English. Any translations must be certified.
If your higher education is from a university outside of Norway, we require it to be recognized by the Norwegian Directorate of Higher Education and Skills. You must apply for the recognition before the application deadline for this position expires. Add a receipt on your application or recognition when applying. The recognition must be sent to us and is a requirement for being hired.
The application will be assessed on the basis of the attached documentation as requested above. Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application deadline.
The University has been awarded a Charter & Code certificate by the European Commission, and is entitled to use the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) logo. The University is also a member of the EURAXESS network, which contributes to good working conditions for mobile researchers.
