Research Trainee

Are you ready to launch your career in strategic research and development? We are looking for trainees to join our R&D team in 2027!

DNV’s strategic research unit, Group Research and Development (GRD), currently employs close to 150 talented researchers covering a wide range of topics of strategic importance to DNV. Our research focuses on areas where DNV has a strong presence - including Maritime and Energy, as well as emerging fields like AI & Digital Assurance, Cybersecurity, Nuclear and Food & Ocean Systems.  https://www.dnv.com/research/index.html. 

We conduct strategic and applied research for DNV to advance knowledge and demonstrate new technologies, working closely with academic and industry partners. We are a diverse group of researchers of different educational backgrounds, ages and nationalities. Our largest locations are in Norway (Oslo and Trondheim), further we also have research units in the UK, continental Europe, US and Asia.

DNV launched its Research Trainee Programme in 2023, and we are now looking for candidates for our 2027 programme, which will have the following key focus areas: 

• Assurance of Industrial AI: Developing scientific foundations, methods and technologies for assurance of AI-enabled industrial systems, helping ensure they remain safe, secure, reliable and trustworthy throughout their lifecycle. Our application areas cover maritime, energy, aquaculture and biodiversity.
• Cybersecurity: Cyber-physical systems security, combining best practices from security and safety; continuous compliance, risk management and certification; cyber risk quantification; how to continuously ensure trust in cyber-physical systems in critical infrastructure, especially in energy and maritime industries.
• Safety of nuclear propulsion (Maritime): Advancing model-based safety assessments for nuclear-powered merchant ships, also using machine learning and AI. Our focus is on strengthening risk understanding and developing robust models of the nuclear reactor, its integration with the ship, and its operation in the marine environment.
   

What to expect as a research trainee in Group Research and Development:

• A 2-year trainee programme with 3 rotations (work periods) of 8 months each
• The rotations will be both within GRD and DNV’s business areas 
• Base in Head office at Høvik outside Oslo, for Cybersecurity also Trondheim is an alternative. Minimum one rotation at a different location (abroad or in another office in Norway)
• A great opportunity to explore applied research in your topics of expertise while gaining experience in related areas and services
• You will work with and learn from highly skilled scientists and engineers in different settings
• After completing the trainee programme, you will get a relevant position within DNV – either in GRD or in a business area, depending on business needs and your own preference
   

#trainee

Responsibilities

Reasons to work with us:

• Attractive rewards. We offer a competitive salary and benefits, including 6 weeks annual vacation, a good pension and insurance package and parental leave agreement, in addition to a global profit share scheme. 
• Work/life balance. We offer flexible working hours and workplace, with a focus on work/life balance for our employees.
• Supportive and caring culture. Our international culture brings together diverse colleagues who value teamwork and inclusion across business areas and borders. We offer opportunities for our employees to connect through social and professional networks. At Høvik we have CONNECT and in Trondheim VERIVEL who organize after-work gatherings and informal meetings throughout the year. 
• Career and development. DNV offers extensive possibilities to grow and develop your competencies and pursue your career ambitions. We have a strong company culture with an emphasis on growth mindset, knowledge sharing, and professional and personal development.
• By joining DNV, you become part of a world-leading company whose purpose is to safeguard life, property, and the environment. Our values – “we care, we share, we dare” – characterize how we work and behave towards each other and our customers. 
   

DNV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age or political opinion. Diversity is fundamental to our culture and we invite you to be part of this diversity.

Qualifications

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates with a master’s or PhD degree within the disciplines mentioned above_._ In addition to a relevant technical background, we are looking for candidates with the following qualifications and characteristics:

• Open and analytical mindset with a strong drive to learn and take on new challenges
• Ability to combine their interest in applied research with curiosity about DNV’s broader services, including advisory and consultancy services
• Interest in topics such as computer science, statistics, simulations, programming, and machine learning is an advantage
• Thriving in a collaborative, diverse, and international environment
• Strong academic results combined with good communication skills and fluency in English, both verbal and written
• Master’s or PhD degree completed between 2025 and 2027 (maximum two years of work experience), and ready to start no later than mid-August 2027 
   

Interested? Here’s how to apply:

To be considered for this role, please ensure that you upload your CV, application letter, and grade transcripts in our application system. All documents should be in English, if possible. If you choose to apply for more than one role in DNV, please state your preference in your application letter. 

We expect candidates to be transparent and share relevant information throughout the recruitment process. DNV AS is bound to comply with Norwegian laws and regulations regarding Export Control. As part of our security assessment, candidates will be asked about any ties to high-risk countries. Furthermore, background checks will be performed on all selected candidates, and any offer will be contingent upon background check verification.

Application deadline: October 16th 2026 at 23.59 CET. We will evaluate your application after the deadline and thank you for your patience. 

Any questions? Please contact Trude Helgesen, HR Director Group Centre (trude.helgesen@dnv.com).

IMPORTANT: When you apply through our application system you will be asked several screening questions. In the question where we ask: "When will you finish your Master's degree (or equivalent)?", do not select "not applicable" if you have a PhD. If you have a Phd, please select the year you finish your PhD.

Please note: if you either decide to withdraw or want to make changes in your application, you will need to submit a whole new application with a new email address. Please have all documents ready before submitting your final application. 

Security and compliance with statutory requirements in the countries in which we operate is essential for DNV. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates as part of the offer process, in accordance with applicable country-specific laws and practices.