PhD Research Fellow in Information Systems on AI, Digital Platforms, and Extremism

About the position

A 100 % position is available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Social Sciences, as a PhD Research Fellow in Information Systems affiliated to the Department of Information Systems, for a period of three years, or four years with 25 % other career-promoting work. The position is located at Campus Kristiansand, Norway.

The successful applicant should start late 2026 or early 2027; the starting date is negotiable with the faculty.

The Department of Information Systems offers bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees in Information Systems, a master’s degree in Cybersecurity and an executive master’s degree in Digitalisation. It also contributes to other University of Agder programmes and qualifications. With over fifty research-active staff, the Department is one of Norway’s largest Information Systems research groups.

Responsibilities

The Department of Information Systems invites applicants to outline a research proposal for a PhD project investigating the role of digital platforms and AI-based solutions for radicalization and recruitment to extremism, particularly affecting young people. The project may (but are not limited to) illuminate how digital platforms feature the construction and circulation of radical content, how algorithms amplify or suppress such content, and how these dynamics can be regulated through policy and governance.

The Research Fellow is expected to collaborate with the new national centre against violent extremism (Nasjonalt innsatssenter mot voldelig ekstremisme (NIVE): https://arkivet.no/nasjonalt-innsatssenter-mot-voldelig-ekstremisme/), located in Kristiansand. 

Required qualifications

• master’s degree of 120 ECTS credits in Information Systems or another closely related areas, with an average grade of B or higher
• qualify for admission to the PhD Program in Social Sciences
• scientifically original and academically strong project proposal that is suitable for making an independent contribution to research within Information Systems 
• strong analytical skills 
• fluency in written and oral English 

Master’s candidates graduating this year must have submitted their master’s thesis for assessment by the application deadline, and the master’s degree must be formally approved no later than four weeks after the application deadline. 

Criteria for positions as PhD Research Fellow (in Norwegian).

More information about the PhD program at the Faculty of Social Sciences is to be found here. 

Personal qualities

• strong communication skills (both written and oral)
• critical thinking skills
• proactive, adaptive and open-minded
• balance between focus on results and social skills 
• ability to work independently as well as in teams
• strong motivation to contribute to a good working environment

We offer

• professional development in a large, exciting, and socially influential organisation 
• an open, positive, inclusive, and diverse working environment
• modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers
• membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund 

More about working at UiA. 

The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, NOK 550 800 gross salary per year. Higher salary grades may be considered for particularly well-qualified applicants. A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions. 

General information

EDI - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. 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 for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, or disability. We are committed to diversity. We understand that some underrepresented groups may feel less confident applying if they are not certain they meet all the criteria. We encourage all candidates to think broadly about their strengths, including transferable skills. Ultimately, we will choose the best candidate for the position. 

The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. 

Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions. A background check may be conducted to verify information that appears in available documents. Background checks are always done with the applicant's consent, and employment in the position requires an approved background check. Relevant applicants will receive further information. 

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process. 

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.   

In case of discrepancies between the Norwegian and the English version of this description, the English version takes precedence.  

Application

The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) are to be sent electronically. Use the link "Apply for this job". 

The following documentation must be uploaded electronically: 

• Certificate with grades
• A copy of the master’s thesis. 
  • For candidates approaching the submission of their master’s thesis, an extended summary and an anticipated date of completion are required
• Cover letter (max. 1 page, 500 words approximately) with your motivation for this position
• Research proposal (5000 words maximum). The proposal must contain tentative research questions, possible theoretical perspective(s), potential methodological approach(es), and planned progression for the doctoral project. 
• Academic work and R&D projects, as well as a list of these
• Name and contact information of two references. 

The quality of the research proposal will receive a high level of consideration during the application assessment process.

The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English. The research proposal must be provided in English.

Application deadline: 1 October 2026.

Contact

For questions about the position:

• Professor Øystein Sæbø, Head of Department: [email protected] 

For questions about the application process:

• Senior Adviser, HR Anna Færavaag, e-mail: [email protected]

Creating knowledge together

When people who are committed come together to further knowledge, anything is possible.

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

Would you like to work with us to create better solutions to our shared challenges?

University of Agder

Universitetet i Agder har over 1500 ansatte og nesten 14 000 studenter. Det gjør oss til en av Sørlandets største arbeidsplasser. Våre ansatte forsker, underviser og formidler kunnskap fra alle sine fagområder.

Universitetet holder til på to moderne campuser i Kristiansand og Grimstad.