PhD Fellowship in Applied Information Technology: AI-enabled Automated Software Testing

Kristiania University of Applied Sciences, Norway’s largest independent comprehensive university college, invites applications for a fully funded PhD fellowship in Applied Information Technology. The position is based at the School of Economics, Innovation, and Technology in Oslo, a vibrant academic environment with strong research groups and international collaborations. The university is committed to problem-driven, applied knowledge development and works closely with industry and society.

Project Focus: The PhD project will investigate the integration of AI-enabled automated software testing tools within industrial software development and maintenance processes. The research will address both technical and organizational aspects, including the development, deployment, and performance of AI-enabled testing tools, their impact on software quality, and their fit within existing software development workflows. Key challenges include ensuring the quality and accuracy of AI-generated results, adapting software processes to leverage these tools, and measuring their effectiveness in real-world settings.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will design and conduct empirical studies in both academic and industrial contexts, develop and implement tools for interpreting and measuring the quality of AI-enabled software testing, and disseminate findings at top-tier software engineering conferences and journals. Collaboration with industry and academic partners is expected.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a Master’s degree (120 ECTS or equivalent) in a relevant field with a grade B or better, and a relevant Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS). Required skills include a strong background in software development and programming, empirical research capabilities, analytical thinking, and proficiency in English. Preferred qualifications include experience with software testing, automation, technical debt evaluation, software maintenance, and AI applications in software engineering. Personal qualities such as curiosity, motivation for independent research, and strong communication skills are highly valued.

Funding and Benefits: The fellowship is fully funded, offering a competitive annual salary of NOK 550,800, NOK 50,000 per year for travel and running costs, free health and travel insurance, pension plan, and equipment (laptop, mobile). Employees benefit from strong labor protections, including paid parental and sick leave and 25 paid vacation days.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted via the Kristiania University of Applied Sciences portal. Required documents include a motivation letter, diplomas and transcripts, CV, at least two references, master thesis, and a project proposal (up to 4 pages, max 2,000 words). Admission to the PhD programme is required within three months of the start date. The application deadline is 2 March 2026, and the earliest start date is 1 September 2026.

Contact: For position-related questions, contact Professor Asle Fagerstrøm ([email protected]). For project-specific inquiries, contact Associate Professor Bogdan Marculescu ([email protected]).

Kristiania University of Applied Sciences encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, especially women and minorities. For more information, visit www.kristiania.no and PhD in Communication and Leadership.