The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is inviting applications for a fully funded four-year PhD position focused on Creating Inclusive Climate Risk Scenarios in Urban Planning using AI.
The interdisciplinary doctoral position will explore how emerging technologies such as machine learning, generative AI and extended reality (XR) can support societal preparedness and urban planning in response to climate-related risks.
The research brings together urban planning, architecture, artificial intelligence, spatial analysis and social justice.
The application deadline is 5 October 2026.
Opportunity Overview
Host institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Location: Trondheim, Norway
Department: Department of Architecture and Planning
Faculty: Faculty of Architecture and Design
Position: PhD Candidate – Creating Inclusive Climate Risk Scenarios in Urban Planning using AI
Duration: 4 years
Funding: Fully funded
Doctoral work: 3 years
Career-promoting/departmental duties: 1 year
Salary: Normally NOK 550,800 gross per year
Application deadline: 5 October 2026
Employment: Full-time
Place of service: Høgskoleringen 1, 7491 Trondheim
About the PhD Project
The PhD project examines how emerging technologies are reshaping urban planning while positioning people as critical decision-makers in AI-supported planning processes.
A central focus is the challenge of combining detailed information about intersectional vulnerability, including race, gender and class, with large datasets relating to climate risks. The project recognizes that conventional planning decisions can depend heavily on quantitative datasets that may not adequately capture the experiences and vulnerabilities of different communities.
The successful candidate will therefore investigate adaptive and flexible approaches capable of connecting “thick description” of societal vulnerability with “big data” on climate risks.
The research is anchored within the CREST-GLOBAL research team, which focuses on equitable urban transitions and decision-making under uncertainty. The candidate will also work closely with the Software Engineering group within NTNU’s Department of Computer Science and external partners in Norwegian municipalities.
Research Areas
The position offers an opportunity to work across several disciplines, including:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Generative AI
- Urban planning
- Architecture
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Spatial modelling
- Urban analytics and informatics
- Climate risk and vulnerability
- Social justice
- Intersectionality
- Participatory research
- Human-centered AI
- Technology governance
The research will have both technological and societal dimensions, making it particularly relevant to candidates interested in how AI can be applied responsibly to complex urban and climate challenges.
Responsibilities
The successful PhD candidate will be expected to complete doctoral education leading to a PhD degree while undertaking research within the project.
Key responsibilities include:
- Identifying case studies where climate risk, vulnerability and urban conditions intersect.
- Collecting relevant spatial and non-spatial datasets.
- Co-creating vulnerability narratives through participatory research and stakeholder engagement.
- Applying GIS and other spatial modelling tools alongside AI-based techniques to develop risk and vulnerability maps.
- Analysing and validating AI-generated scenarios against existing urban planning tools.
- Identifying and addressing potential biases in AI-generated scenarios.
- Developing methodological recommendations for societal readiness and the responsible use of technology in urban planning.
- Publishing academic research and contributing to popular science dissemination.
- Undertaking teaching or other academic duties as agreed with the department.
- Contributing to the development of the CREST-GLOBAL research group and future research proposals.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should have a relevant Master’s degree in urban planning or architecture. Applications from related disciplines may also be considered.
The qualification must correspond to a five-year Norwegian Master’s degree, including 120 credits at Master’s level.
Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record, normally equivalent to a B grade or better according to NTNU’s grading scale. Candidates who are still completing their Master’s degree may apply, but the degree must be completed and documented before the position begins.
Applicants must also meet the admission requirements for NTNU’s Doctoral Programme in Architecture and demonstrate excellent written and oral English communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in spatial data analysis and the integration of qualitative and quantitative datasets will be an advantage.
The university is particularly interested in candidates with experience or knowledge in:
- GIS and spatial analysis
- Urban analytics and informatics
- AI-based modelling
- AI engineering for urban applications
- Social justice theories
- Intersectionality in urban environments
- GDPR
- EU AI Act
- Related technological and regulatory frameworks
Norwegian-language skills are also listed as an advantage, although English is the required language for communication.
What NTNU Offers
The successful candidate will join an international research environment and receive funding for a four-year appointment.
The position includes:
- A fully funded four-year PhD position.
- Three years dedicated to doctoral work and one year of career-promoting work or departmental duties.
- Access to interdisciplinary research networks and initiatives.
- Career guidance and follow-up throughout the PhD.
- An inclusive working environment.
- Resources that can be used to implement the research project.
- A mentor programme for new employees.
- Membership benefits through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
- Free basic Norwegian language training at A2 level.
- Access to NTNU employee benefits.
The university also emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from candidates regardless of gender, functional ability or cultural background. NTNU is seeking to increase the representation of women in scientific positions.
Salary and Employment Conditions
The PhD Candidate position is classified under code 1017. The normal gross salary is NOK 550,800 per year, depending on qualifications and seniority, with a statutory 2% contribution deducted for the State Pension Fund.
The four-year appointment consists of three years of doctoral research and one year of career-promoting work or departmental duties.
Candidates must obtain admission to NTNU’s PhD programme in Architecture within three months of the start of their employment contract.
Application Documents
Applicants must submit their applications electronically through Jobbnorge.no.
The application must include:
- Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- A CV.
- A copy of the Master’s thesis.
- A research project outline of no more than 1,500 words or four pages.
- A motivation letter of no more than 400 words.
- Names and contact information for three relevant referees.
The project outline is particularly important because the selection criteria place emphasis on the research questions, theoretical perspectives, identified research gaps and methodological design of the proposed project.
Applicants whose education was completed outside Norway may also need to provide documentation concerning the scope and quality of their education, including relevant diploma supplements or documentation from the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills where available.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suitable for graduates who want to pursue doctoral research at the intersection of urban planning, climate risk, AI and social justice.
Candidates with strong methodological skills and an interest in interdisciplinary research may be especially well positioned. Experience with GIS, spatial datasets, AI modelling, participatory research or urban analytics would strengthen an application.
The university also emphasizes personal qualities such as independence, structured working habits, curiosity, the ability to analyse complex information and a constructive approach to interdisciplinary teamwork.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through Jobbnorge before the deadline.
Application deadline: 5 October 2026
Position: PhD Candidate in Creating Inclusive Climate Risk Scenarios in Urban Planning using AI
Employer: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Location: Trondheim, Norway
Reference contact: Professor Rolee Aranya — rolee.aranya@ntnu.no
The position offers an opportunity to pursue a funded doctorate while contributing to research on some of the major challenges facing cities: climate risk, inequality, vulnerability and the responsible application of artificial intelligence in planning.
