PhD Fellowship in Communication and Leadership: Communicating Environmental Futures in the Age of AI

Kristiania University of Applied Sciences, Norway’s largest independent comprehensive university college, invites applications for a fully funded PhD fellowship in Communication and Leadership. The position is based at the School of Arts, Design and Media in Oslo, a vibrant hub for creative and art-related disciplines, and is part of the MishMash Centre for AI and Creativity, a national research centre funded by the Research Council of Norway (2025–2030).

The successful candidate will join a cross-disciplinary team exploring how artificial intelligence and artistic communication can inform and transform the ways environmental futures are imagined, mediated, and acted upon. The project will investigate the role of creative and technological systems—such as generative media, algorithmic storytelling, and data-driven visualisation—in shaping collective understanding, institutional responsibility, and leadership in the context of ecological change. Key research questions include how AI-based systems can foster transparent, participatory, and emotionally resonant forms of environmental communication, while addressing ethical and epistemic concerns such as trust, inclusion, and respect for human and non-human agency.

The PhD candidate will have opportunities to:

• Analyse the influence of AI-based systems on environmental communication, perception, and public trust
• Design or assess creative and organisational approaches to AI-supported environmental storytelling
• Develop frameworks for responsible, inclusive, and transparent communication in AI-mediated contexts
• Reflect on the ethical and societal implications of automated media in shaping collective ecological imagination
• Disseminate findings through interdisciplinary conferences and journals, collaborating with research and communication partners

The MishMash Centre for AI and Creativity brings together over 200 faculty members from higher education institutions across Norway, collaborating with public and private partners to explore AI’s impact on creative processes and its ethical, cultural, legal, and societal implications. The appointed candidate is expected to participate in MishMash’s work packages and activities, and to collaborate across the network.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (120 ECTS or equivalent) in a relevant subject area with a grade B or better, and a relevant 180 ECTS bachelor’s degree. Required skills include strong analytical and conceptual abilities related to communication, leadership, and AI in cultural or societal contexts; familiarity with digital or AI-based tools in communication, design, or media production; and demonstrated competence in creative, artistic, or communicative practice. Proficiency in English and motivation for interdisciplinary collaboration are essential. Admission to the PhD programme is required for appointment.

Funding and Benefits: The fellowship is fully funded, offering a competitive salary (NOK 550,800 per year), NOK 50,000 per year for travel and running costs, free health and travel insurance, pension plan, equipment, and strong labour 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 application portal. Required documents include a motivation letter, diplomas and transcripts, CV, at least two references, master’s thesis, and a project proposal (up to 4 pages, max. 2,000 words). The application deadline is 2 February 2026. For further information, contact Professor Synne Tollerud Bull ([email protected]) or Professor Nigel Halpern ([email protected]).

Kristiania University of Applied Sciences encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, with a special welcome to women and persons with minority backgrounds. The working location is Oslo, offering access to numerous amenities and a dynamic urban environment.