The University of Agder (UiA) is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. Research Fellow to join the Faculty of Engineering and Science in Grimstad, Norway, for a full-time, fixed-term position in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about advancing trustworthy language models and artificial intelligence in sensitive domains such as public healthcare and public sector case handling.

The successful candidate will be part of the Department of Information and Communication Technology, which hosts three active research groups and collaborates with leading organizations including the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI), Norkart, Kristiansand Municipality, and the Norwegian Mapping Authority. The research will focus on developing state-of-the-art methods for benchmarking, evaluating, and improving large language models (LLMs) in high-stakes environments where precision, accountability, and trust are paramount.

Key research areas include:

• Adapting and developing LLM-based solutions for public healthcare and case handling, ensuring compliance with domain-specific needs and regulatory requirements.
• Designing benchmarking pipelines and evaluation metrics for language models, emphasizing performance, reliability, precision, factual consistency, and faithfulness in complex scientific and public sector contexts.
• Deploying and testing LLM systems in real-world settings, collaborating with domain experts to refine tools and frameworks for trustworthy AI applications.
• Aligning language models with institutional policies and legal requirements to ensure responsible and compliant deployments.

The position is associated with the Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research at UiA, offering access to a vibrant research community, modern facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The candidate will benefit from intensive PhD supervision and collaboration with top scientists in the field.

Eligibility highlights: Applicants must hold a master’s degree in ICT, Computer Science, or a related field, with strong academic credentials. Proficiency in Norwegian and English is required, and international candidates must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores if not exempt. Admission to the PhD Programme in Technology (ICT specialization) within three months of appointment is mandatory. Grade requirements include a minimum of C for bachelor’s courses, B for master’s courses, and B for the master’s thesis. Personal suitability, teamwork, inventiveness, and relevant practical experience are valued.

Funding: The position offers a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800, with a compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. The appointment is for three years, with a possible extension to four years.

Application window: Applications must be submitted online by January 30, 2026. Required documentation includes educational certificates, grade transcripts, thesis summary, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), and a description of research interests. Original documents must be presented for verification upon arrival at UiA.

For further information, contact Professor Morten Goodwin ([email protected]) or Head of Department Folke Haugland ([email protected]). For application process queries, contact HR-Advisor Linda Heskestad Kristiansen ([email protected]).

Join UiA to contribute to cutting-edge research in trustworthy AI and language technologies, and help shape the future of public sector applications in Norway and beyond.