The University of Agder (UiA) is offering two full-time PhD Research Fellowships in AI in the Creative and Cultural Industries at the Faculty of Fine Arts, located at Campus Kristiansand, Norway. These three-year positions are part of MishMash – Center for AI and Creativity, a major Norwegian AI center funded by the Research Council of Norway (2025–2030), involving over 200 professionals from higher education institutions and public/private sector partners. MishMash aims to create, explore, and reflect on artificial intelligence for and within creative practices, with a focus on the impact of AI on creative processes, co-creative AI systems, educational strategies, and the ethical, legal, cultural, and societal implications of AI in creative fields.

The PhD positions are linked to Work Package 5 in MishMash, focusing on AI in the Creative and Cultural Industries. Candidates will investigate how AI is reshaping these industries at a systemic level, with particular encouragement for projects exploring power structures, economic models, legal frameworks, ethics, and sustainability. Collaboration with MishMash network partners is encouraged to strengthen research projects. The successful candidate will participate in MishMash work packages, collaborate across the network, and engage in all relevant activities.

The Faculty of Fine Arts at UiA comprises the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, the Department of Classical Music and Music Education, and the Department of Popular Music, supporting research in popular music, classical music, visual arts, and performing arts. The PhD program in Fine Arts offers two dissertation formats: scientific and combined artistic-scientific. Applicants must specify their intended format in their application and ensure their proposed research aligns with MishMash’s goals.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, with high proficiency in spoken and written English. While Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is advantageous, it is not required. Applicants in the final phase of their master’s degree may apply, provided the degree is completed before employment. Candidates must meet the PhD program’s admission requirements and demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, and independent research skills. Personal suitability and motivation are key selection criteria.

The position offers academic development in a large, inclusive, and diverse organization, with modern facilities and welfare services. The annual gross salary is NOK 550,800, with statutory contributions to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. UiA encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the provided link, including diplomas, master’s thesis, certificates, scientific work, cover letter, and a detailed project description. All documentation must be in a Scandinavian language or English. The application deadline is 1 February 2026. For further information, contact Professor Daniel Nordgård (Vice Director in MishMash) or Professor Anne Haugland Balsnes (Chair of the Doctoral Program). For application process queries, contact Clare Hildebrandt, PhD Coordinator.

Join UiA and MishMash to explore the intersection of AI and the creative and cultural industries, contribute to innovative research, and be part of a vibrant academic community in Southern Norway.