PhD Fellow in Information Systems on AI, digital platforms and extremism

About the position

At the University of Agder, Faculty of Social Sciences, there is a 100% position available as a PhD fellow in information systems, affiliated with the Department of Information Systems, for a period of three years, possibly four years with 25% other career-promoting work. Commencement by agreement with the faculty, but preferably starting late 2026 or early 2027. The place of work is Campus Kristiansand.

The Department of Information Systems offers bachelor's, master's, and ph.d. degrees in information systems, a master's degree program in cybersecurity, and a continuing education master's in digitalization. With more than 50 research-active employees, the department is one of the largest research groups in information systems in Norway.

Tasks

The Department of Information Systems invites applicants to prepare a research outline for a doctoral project that investigates the role digital platforms and AI-based solutions play in radicalization and recruitment to extremism, with particular emphasis on young people. The project may well – but is not limited to – illuminate how digital platforms contribute to creating and spreading radical content, how algorithms amplify or dampen such content, as well as how these mechanisms can be regulated through policy and governance.

The PhD fellow is expected to collaborate with a new national response center against violent extremism (NIVE): https://arkivet.no/nasjonalt-innsatssenter-mot-voldelig-ekstremisme/, which is located in Kristiansand.

Necessary qualifications

• a master's degree of 120 ECTS in information systems or a closely related field, with an average of B or better
• meet the requirements for admission to the ph.d. program in social sciences
• a scientifically original and academically solid project proposal suitable to provide an independent contribution to research within information systems
• strong analytical skills
• good written and oral English skills

Master's students completing their degree this year must have submitted their master's thesis for evaluation by the application deadline, and the master's degree must be formally approved no later than four weeks after the application deadline.

Terms of employment for recruitment positions are set out in the Regulations to the University and College Act.

Read more about the ph.d. program at the Faculty of Social Sciences here.

Personal qualities

• good communication skills (written and oral)
• capacity for critical reflection
• proactive, adaptable, and open to new ideas
• ability to balance focus on results and social skills
• ability to work independently and in teams
• strong motivation to contribute to a good working environment

We offer

• professional development in a large, exciting, and socially important organization
• a good, inclusive, and diverse working environment
• modern facilities and a versatile welfare offering
• membership in Statens pensjonskasse

More about UiA as a workplace.

The position is paid according to the State salary regulations salary plan 17.515, code 1017 fellow, NOK 550,800 gross per year. For particularly qualified applicants, higher salary will be considered. Statutory contributions to Statens pensjonskasse are deducted from the salary.

General information

UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We therefore encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, age, cultural background, disability, or "gaps in the CV."

The person employed has rights and duties according to the guidelines that at any time apply to the position. Employment is carried out by the Recruitment Committee for teaching and research positions at the University of Agder.

Selected candidates will be called for an interview. References will also be obtained following further agreement with the applicant. A background check may be conducted to verify information provided in available documents. Background checks are always conducted with the applicant's consent, and employment in the position is subject to an approved background check. Selected applicants will receive further information about this. More about the recruitment process.

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25, 2nd paragraph, an applicant may request not to be listed in the public applicant list. The university may, however, decide that the name of the applicant shall be made public. The applicant will be notified in advance in the event of any publication.

In the event of a difference in meaning between the Norwegian and the English text, the English text shall prevail.

Application

The application and necessary information regarding education and experience (including transcripts and certificates) are sent electronically; use the link "Søk stillingen" (Apply for the position).

The following must be uploaded electronically:

• transcripts with grades
• copy of master's thesis
• for those nearing submission of the master's thesis, we request an extended summary and an expected completion date
• cover letter (max 1 page, approx. 500 words) with your motivation for applying for the position
• project description of maximum 5000 words.
• the project description must include preliminary research questions, suggestions for theoretical perspectives, potential methodological approaches, and a proposed progress plan
• scientific work and R&D activity, as well as a list of these
• name and contact information for two references

The quality of the project description is highly emphasized in the assessment process.

The applicant is responsible for delivering complete documentation digitally by the application deadline. All documentation must be provided in a Scandinavian language or English. The project description must be provided in English.

Application deadline: 01.10.26.

Contact information

For questions related to the position:

• Professor Øystein Sæbø, Department Head: oystein.sabo@uia.no

For questions about the application process:

• Senior Advisor HR Anna Færavaag anna.c.faravaag@uia.no

Together for knowledge

When engaged people come together for knowledge, anything is possible.

The University of Agder combines the unique warmth and proximity of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological, and artistic competence.

Do you want to work with us to create better solutions to our common challenges?

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXqsb57qurk

About the employer:

The University of Agder has over 1500 employees and almost 14,000 students. This makes us one of the largest workplaces in Southern Norway. Our employees research, teach, and disseminate knowledge from all their fields of expertise. The university is located on two modern campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad.