Kristiania University of Applied Sciences invites applications for a fully funded PhD Fellowship in Communication and Leadership, focusing on lobbying and health policy in cancer and pharmaceuticals. The position is based at the School of Health Sciences in Oslo, Norway, and is part of a vibrant academic environment with a strong commitment to applied, problem-driven research and societal impact.

The successful candidate will join a team of researchers dedicated to advancing knowledge in communication, leadership, and health policy. The PhD project will investigate how advocacy organisations and pharmaceutical industry actors use communication and lobbying to influence cancer policymaking in Norway, the USA, and Japan. The research will explore leadership roles in agenda-setting, coalition-building, and strategic advocacy, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of how health policy decisions are shaped across different political systems.

The project employs a comparative, mixed-methods approach, including document analysis, stakeholder interviews, and surveys, to examine differences in political systems, regulatory processes, and communication practices. Key challenges include accessing lobbying documentation, navigating political sensitivities, and ensuring cross-country comparability. The candidate will map lobbying and communication strategies, analyse leadership roles and ethical practices, compare lobbying influences across health systems, and assess stakeholder perceptions of legitimacy, trust, and transparency. Dissemination of findings in high-impact journals and presentations at leading conferences is expected.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (120 ECTS or equivalent) in a relevant subject area with a grade B or better on both the thesis and overall degree, and the thesis must be at least 30 ECTS. A relevant 180 ECTS bachelor’s degree is also required. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong motivation for independent, interdisciplinary research, excellent communication and cooperation skills, and the ability to work systematically and independently. Admission to the PhD programme is required for appointment.

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 such as a high-end laptop and mobile phone. Employees benefit from strong Norwegian labour laws, including fully paid parental and sick leave and 25 paid vacation days.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted via the official application portal and include a motivation letter, diplomas and transcripts, CV, at least two references, master’s thesis, and a project proposal (up to 4 pages, in English). Admission to the PhD programme is required within three months of the start date. The application deadline is 2 March 2026. Only applications received through the portal will be considered.

For further information about the project, contact Professor Adnan Kisa ([email protected]). For questions about the PhD programme, contact Professor Nigel Halpern ([email protected]). For more details about Kristiania University of Applied Sciences and the PhD programme, visit www.kristiania.no and PhD in Communication and Leadership.

Kristiania University of Applied Sciences encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, especially women and persons with minority backgrounds. The working location is Oslo, offering access to urban amenities and recreational spaces.