The University of Agder (UiA) invites applications for two full-time PhD Research Fellowships in the creative use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, based at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Campus Kristiansand, Norway. These three-year positions are part of the 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, public actors, and industry partners. MishMash aims to create, explore, and reflect on AI for, through, and in creative practices, with a strong interdisciplinary and collaborative ethos.

The successful candidates will join Work Package 4 (WP4) of MishMash, focusing on the integration of AI into creative and artistic subjects to enhance human creativity, learning, and formation. Research topics may include the ethical considerations of AI in the arts, the creative use of AI in formal, non-formal, and informal learning contexts, and interdisciplinary projects spanning multiple creative disciplines. Collaboration with MishMash network partners from public and private sectors is encouraged to strengthen research impact.

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 vibrant research environments in music, visual arts, and performing arts. The PhD program in Fine Arts offers both scientific and combined artistic-scientific dissertation formats, and applicants must specify their intended format in their application. The position is closely tied to the academic fields of art and artificial intelligence, and applications will be assessed for relevance to MishMash’s goals and objectives.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, with documentation that the degree aligns with the position’s profile. Good English skills, both written and spoken, are required, and proficiency may be assessed during the interview. Applicants in the final phase of their master’s degree may also apply, provided the degree is completed before employment. Admission to the PhD program in Fine Arts at UiA is a prerequisite, and knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is an advantage but not required. Preferred qualifications include a relevant master’s thesis topic, experience or practice in related fields, and strong communication and collaboration skills. Personal suitability and motivation for the position will be emphasized.

The position offers academic development in a large, inclusive, and diverse organization, with modern facilities and a wide range of welfare services. The annual gross salary is NOK 550,800, with statutory contributions to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund deducted. UiA is committed to diversity and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, age, cultural background, disability, or gaps in their CV.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the provided application link, including diplomas with grades, master’s thesis, certificates, scientific work and R&D activities, cover letter, and a project description (max. 12,000 characters plus reference list). 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, [email protected]), Professor Anne Haugland Balsnes (Chair of the Doctoral Program, [email protected]), or Clare Hildebrandt (PhD Coordinator, [email protected]).

Join UiA’s dynamic research community and contribute to innovative research at the intersection of AI, creativity, and education. For more details about MishMash, visit mishmash.no.