PhD Position in AI Integration, Change Management, and Transdisciplinary Collaboration in Complex Innovation Systems (SFI-CELECT) Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is offering a fully funded PhD position within the SFI-CELECT Centre for Research-based Innovation, focusing on AI integration, change management, and transdisciplinary collaboration in complex innovation systems. The position is based at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management in Gjøvik, Norway, and is part of a collaborative research environment involving NTNU, University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), University of Agder (UiA), Technical University of Denmark (DTU), and leading industrial partners in manufacturing, defence, aerospace, and maritime sectors.

SFI-CELECT is Norway’s most ambitious long-term research initiative in innovation for complex systems, running from 2026 to 2033. The centre aims to accelerate industrial innovation and value creation by developing advanced methodologies for effective engineering and learning in complex systems. Education and competence building are central pillars, with over 30 PhD and postdoctoral researchers and more than 120 MSc students expected to participate.

The PhD project will investigate how AI-based digital systems are integrated into new product development (NPD) processes, influencing organizational dialogue, participation, and authority structures. The research will focus on how digital tools and AI-supported knowledge processes reshape leadership practices, responsibility structures, and collaboration in innovation systems. Using an industry-as-a-laboratory approach, the candidate will study AI-mediated interaction in practice, aiming to support transdisciplinary leadership, adaptive change management, and participatory collaboration in complex product development contexts.

As a PhD candidate, you will tackle challenging research problems related to change management and transdisciplinary collaboration, participate in additional research projects, and contribute to writing applications for new projects. Opportunities for research stays at collaborating universities outside Norway are encouraged. The position offers access to CELECT facilities, a strong industrial network, a joint PhD environment, excellent research infrastructure, and a mentor programme. Additional benefits include favorable terms with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, working capital for project implementation, and free Norwegian language training at a basic level.

Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree in Management and Economics, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, equivalent to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at the master's level. A strong academic background is required, with an average grade of B or better according to NTNU's grading scale. Good written and oral English skills are essential, and candidates must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's Doctoral Programme and obtain NATO security clearance for access to partner company facilities. Preferred qualifications include experience with digital tools, the Nordic collaborative model, workplace innovation, qualitative research, industrial work, new product development, international experience, Scandinavian language skills, and Industry 4.0 technology.

The position is a 3-year doctoral research fellowship with a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per year, subject to a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund. The appointment is conditional on external funding and requires admission to the PhD programme in Industrial Economics and Technology Management within three months of employment. The application process is electronic via Jobbnorge.no, and applicants must submit a cover letter, transcripts, diplomas, CV, master's thesis, documentation of completed master's degree, publications, certificates, and contact information for two referees. Certified copies of certificates and diplomas must be brought to interviews if invited.

NTNU values diversity and aims to reflect the diversity of society in its workforce. The university encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those who have been out of work for a period of time. Gjøvik offers a vibrant community, excellent schools, modern healthcare, and a variety of recreational activities, combining urban life with natural experiences.

For further information, contact Professor Halvor Holtskog ([email protected]) or Head of Department Anne-Grethe Syversen ([email protected]). The application deadline is 26th April 2026.