Postdoctoral Fellow in AI-Integrated Hydrodynamic Water Quality Modelling of Fjord Systems

This is NTNU

NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

You can find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

     

Video: https://youtu.be/Xt-yHCN5QS0

About the project

Norwegian fjords are among the most productive marine environments in Europe and underpin important societal functions, including fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, and coastal communities. At the same time, many fjord systems are affected by historical industrial contamination and ongoing pollution from urban runoff, wastewater systems, shipping activities, and contaminated sediments.

This position will contribute to the development of next-generation modelling frameworks that combine physics-based hydrodynamic modelling with artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven methods to better predict contaminant transport, environmental exposure, and ecological risks in coastal and fjord systems.

The research will focus on Borgundfjorden in Ålesund, one of Norway’s nationally prioritized fjords for sediment remediation and environmental restoration. The position is connected to the Ocean Intelligence under the Fjordlab initiative, an interdisciplinary research program integrating environmental monitoring, hydrodynamic modelling, artificial intelligence, and engineering solutions for pollution mitigation in coastal systems.

Borgundfjorden and the inner harbor basin Aspevågen will serve as a living laboratory for developing predictive models and decision-support tools for sustainable fjord management.

The successful candidate will develop hybrid modelling frameworks combining physics-based hydrodynamic models with machine learning and AI techniques to improve prediction of contaminant transport, sediment dynamics, and ecosystem exposure in complex fjord environments.

The research will benefit from extensive environmental monitoring data and access to Fjordlab marine research infrastructure at NTNU Ålesund, enabling validation of models using real-world observations and sensor networks.

The postdoctoral fellowship position is a temporary position with the goal of qualifying the candidate for further academic positions.

Are you ready to take your research career to the next level? We offer an exciting 3-year postdoctoral position that gives you the opportunity to develop a strong profile as researcher. You will also gain valuable experience that might be relevant for your further career.

The purpose of a postdoctoral position is to build up a researcher profile that qualifies for a position as associate professor. The position may also offer additional skills that are relevant to the postdoctoral fellow's future career.

Apply for this position to become part of our research environment and take the next step in your career with us.

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department. 

Duties of the position

The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct research that combines physics-based modelling and data-driven approaches to improve prediction of contaminant transport and ecosystem impacts in coastal waters.

Main responsibilities include:

• Develop hybrid modelling frameworks integrating physics-based hydrodynamic models and AI-based predictive models
• Apply hydrodynamic and water quality models to simulate circulation, mixing, and contaminant transport in Borgundfjorden
• Use machine learning and data-driven methods to improve prediction of pollutant transport, sediment dynamics, and environmental exposure
• Simulate contaminant transport and fate from land-based sources such as stormwater runoff, wastewater systems, and urban catchments
• Simulate pollution originating from maritime activities, including ship traffic, port operations, and shipyards
• Model sediment transport, resuspension processes, and contaminant redistribution
• Integrate environmental monitoring data, sensor networks, and field observations into modelling frameworks
• Assess ecological exposure risks for marine ecosystems, fisheries, and aquaculture systems
• Develop scenario analyses and decision-support tools for pollution mitigation and fjord management
• Publish research results in high-impact scientific journals and present findings at international conferences

Required selection criteria

• You must have completed a doctoral degree in water and environmental engineering, ocean engineering or a closely related field
• If you are in the final phase of your doctorate and can document that the thesis has been submitted or that the defense date has been confirmed, your application can be considered even if you have not defended. 
• Strong background in hydrodynamic modelling and water quality modelling
• Experience with numerical modelling tools for coastal or ocean systems
• Documented experience in scientific programming (e.g., Python, or similar)
• Excellent written and oral English skills

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions and Regulations concerning the degrees of philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) in artistic development work at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)for general criteria for the position.

As a result of the new Act relating to universities and university colleges with associated regulations of 01/08/2024, NTNU has, during a transitional period (for decisions on employment in recruitment positions before 1 August 2025), chosen to use the terms of employment in the old regulations of 31 January 2006 no. 102 on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, research fellow, scientific assistant and specialist candidate

Preferred selection criteria

The following qualifications will strengthen the application:

• Experience with AI or machine learning applied to environmental systems
• Experience with coastal circulation modelling tools (e.g., Delft3D, MIKE, ROMS, FVCOM, TELEMAC or similar)
• Experience with environmental monitoring data and model calibration
• Research experience related to marine pollution, contaminant transport, or aquaculture impacts.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary research teams

Personal characteristics

Working as a Postdoctoral fellow requires that you

• Work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary field 
• Work structured, set goals and make plans to achieve them 
• Present and discuss your research with other professionals 
• Demonstrate scientific curiosity and analytical thinking
• Are motivated to contribute to environmental research with societal impact

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer 

• An exciting job with an important social mission
• Opportunities to work at the interface of ocean modelling, artificial intelligence, and environmental engineering
• Access to unique fjord monitoring datasets and Fjordlab marine research infrastructure
• Collaboration with research institutes, public authorities, and industry partners
• Opportunities to contribute to sustainable management of coastal and marine environments
• Favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

As a Postdoctoral Fellow at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

Diversity

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.

Salary and conditions

As a Postdoctoral Fellow (code 1352) you are normally paid from gross NOK 604 900,- 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.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important to keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and to 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

About the application 

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in English.

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above.

The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request. 

The application must include:

• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's-,Master's- and PhD degrees. If you have not yet completed your PhD, you must provide confirmation on your estimated date for the doctoral dissertation, or confirmation that your PhD thesis has been submitted. Documentation of a completed doctoral degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• CV
• A copy of the doctoral thesis. If you are close to submitting, you can attach a draft of the thesis. 
• Research plan
• Academic works - published or unpublished(up to 5 items)
• Possible recommendation letters
• Name and contact information of three referees

 

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. Description of the documentation required can be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), 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.

If you have had leave or another break in your career, it is important that this is stated in your application so that the selection committee can take this into account and that the amount of your research may be reduced as a result.

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

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and is committed to follow evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment DORA and the obligations in CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

General information 

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 list of applicants, 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 have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Razak Seidu, email: rase@ntnu.no

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Lara Bromann, email: lara.bromann@ntnu.no

If you find this position interesting, and in accordance with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.

 

Application deadline: 30.04.2026

 

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

Ålesund, known for its unique Art Nouveau architecture and spectacular nature, is a gem on Norway's west coast. The city offers a vibrant cultural life, modern facilities, and a dynamic business environment. With its strategic location by the sea, Ålesund provides a perfect balance between urban living and natural experiences. Here, you will find excellent schools, top-notch healthcare services, and a wide range of recreational activities. Ålesund is an ideal place for both career and family life, with a safe and inclusive community.