Do you want to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to solve real-world safety challenges and contribute to the green transition in shipping?
At the Department of Technology, Management and Economics (DTU Management), we are looking for a talented and ambitious PhD student to join the HARMONY project (Hydrogen and Ammonia Risk Modelling with AI for Maritime Safety). You will work at the forefront of AI-driven risk modelling for alternative marine fuels, helping the maritime industry achieve its climate goals without compromising safety.
The HARMONY project aims at integrating AI-based methods with traditional risk analysis frameworks to reduce the risk of hazards during the complex interactions that arise under bunkering and other simultaneous operations in ports (SIMOPS). The project envisions the use of methods such as:
- Large Language Models (LLMs) to hold a knowledge base of regulatory documents
- Reinforcement Learning (RL) for adaptive decision-making under uncertainty
- Dynamic Bayesian Networks (DBNs) for probabilistic risk modelling
- Scenario-based simulation for rare-event analysis
You will be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary research setting at one of Europe’s leading technical universities with industrial ties. DTU is committed to innovation, societal impact, and diversity. Situated in Copenhagen, consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities, the university provides an outstanding quality of life in a safe, sustainable urban environment enriched by a lively cultural scene. The position is based in the Management Science Division. The project is scheduled to start in April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD student in the HARMONY project, you will:
- Develop and implement AI-based methods for maritime risk assessment.
- Design and train reinforcement learning agents to optimize operational safety.
- Build and validate dynamic Bayesian network models integrating empirical and synthetic data.
- Conduct scenario-based simulations for rare-event analysis and risk quantification.
- Contribute to the development of an interactive online risk analysis tool for stakeholders.
- Collaborate with industry partners and regulatory bodies to ensure practical relevance and compliance.
- Publish research in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
- Develop strong collaboration skills.
- Contribute to the academic environment at the department.
- Assist in teaching and co-supervise engineering students with their thesis work.
The PhD scholarship is a full-time position allowing you to become a research scientist and benefit from the academic activities at the department. The yearly salary is internationally highly competitive. Department duty work (teaching) is very limited, allowing you to focus on your PhD project.
The PhD project will be jointly supervised by Associate Professor Michael Bruhn Barfod and Associate Professor Dario Pacino. We are looking for candidates with a master’s degree in engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, or a related field. The candidates for the PhD position will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Strong skills in probabilistic modelling, machine learning, or simulation techniques.
- Programming experience (e.g., Python, Julia, etc.).
- Interest in the maritime research area in general, and more specifically, safety, risk assessment, and climate-smart technologies.
- Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication skills in English.
Other competences can be achieved under the educational PhD program.
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education
.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.
The period of employment is 3 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Michael Bruhn Barfod
and Associate Professor Dario Pacino
.
You can read more about DTU Management at www.man.dtu.dk.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark
. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar
” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 20 February 2026 (23:59 Danish time)
. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file
containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file
. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
- A research statement (1-2 pages) explaining your ideas and relevant literature see comment
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
DTU Management
conducts excellent research at the intersection of management, technology and economics. We develop solutions in close cooperation with companies and public authorities. Our research aims at strengthening welfare, productivity and sustainability. A key element is the role of technology and its interaction with industry and individuals. The department offers a wide range of courses and programs at bachelor, master, and PhD levels across DTU's study programs. The department has 250 employees with around half of staff coming from abroad.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Lyngby-Taarbæk Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Anker Engelunds Vej, 2800 Lyngby-Taarbæk
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 20-02-2026;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/find-job/2c0fb968-7ad2-4bc2-af7e-b17dabcdbd8b
