Özlem Özgöbek

The Department of Computer Science at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a PhD position focused on algorithmic fairness in recommender systems, with a particular emphasis on job recommendation platforms. NTNU is Norway’s leading technical-scientific university, headquartered in Trondheim, and offers a vibrant academic environment with over 9,000 employees and 43,000 students. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research group within the Data and Artificial Intelligence unit, collaborating closely with industry partner Vend AS (operator of FINN.no) and the Norwegian Research Center for AI Innovation (NorwAI). Recommender systems are integral to modern digital services, helping users navigate vast amounts of content. However, concerns about fairness, bias, diversity, and transparency in these systems are increasingly important, especially in domains like job recommendations that directly impact individuals’ lives. This PhD project aims to advance the understanding and development of fair algorithms for job recommender systems, addressing both general and domain-specific challenges. The candidate will design, implement, and evaluate new techniques for fairness, working alongside NorwAI’s consortium of 17 partners from academia and industry. The position offers a competitive salary (NOK 550,800 per annum), favorable pension terms, and a 3-year employment period, with a possible 10-week extension for completing Norwegian language training (A2 level). Additional benefits include working capital for project implementation, career guidance, mentoring, and access to NTNU’s employee benefits. The research environment is international, inclusive, and committed to diversity and equality. Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent, with a strong academic record (average grade B or better on the NTNU scale). Required skills include a solid understanding of artificial intelligence concepts, strong programming abilities, and excellent English language proficiency. Experience in software development, recommender systems, and academic publishing is advantageous. Personal qualities such as independence, teamwork, motivation, and communication skills are highly valued. To apply, candidates should submit their application via Jobbnorge.no, including all required documents: CV, transcripts, diplomas, master’s thesis, project outline, motivation letter, publications, certificates, and referee contact information. All documents must be in English. The application deadline is 12 December 2025. For questions about the position, contact Associate Professor Özlem Özgöbek at [email protected]. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in AI and recommender systems, gain valuable experience in both academic and industrial settings, and be part of a mission-driven university dedicated to knowledge for a better world.

This PhD position at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) focuses on algorithmic fairness in recommender systems, with a particular emphasis on job recommendation platforms. The successful candidate will join the Department of Computer Science in Trondheim and work within the Norwegian Research Center for AI Innovation (NorwAI), a major research consortium involving industry and academic partners. The project addresses the growing societal and ethical concerns around fairness, bias, diversity, and transparency in recommender systems, especially in domains like job recommendations that can significantly impact individuals' lives. The candidate will collaborate with industry partner Vend AS (operator of FINN.no) and other NorwAI partners, developing a deep understanding of fairness in recommender systems and extending research to domain-specific challenges in job recommendations. The role involves designing, developing, and testing recommender systems, requiring strong programming and AI skills. The position offers a competitive salary (NOK 550,800 per annum), full employee benefits, and the opportunity to work in a leading academic environment with access to career guidance, mentoring, and international collaboration. Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree in Computer Science or equivalent, demonstrate strong academic performance, and possess excellent English language skills. Preferred qualifications include experience in software development and research publication. The position is for three years, with a possible extension for Norwegian language training. NTNU values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. The application process requires submission of academic transcripts, CV, thesis, project outline, motivation letter, and references via Jobbnorge.no by December 12, 2025.

The Department of Computer Science at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on algorithmic fairness in recommender systems, with a particular emphasis on job recommendation platforms. In today’s digital landscape, recommender systems play a crucial role in helping users navigate vast amounts of content, but concerns about fairness, bias, and transparency are increasingly important, especially in domains like job recommendations that can directly impact individuals’ lives. This PhD project will investigate fairness as a multifaceted and context-dependent concept, exploring its relationship with diversity, transparency, and bias in recommender systems. The successful candidate will collaborate with Vend AS, the operator of FINN.no, and work closely with the Norwegian Research Center for AI Innovation (NorwAI), a major research consortium involving 17 partners from industry, universities, and research institutes. The research will involve developing and testing new techniques for fairness in job recommender systems, requiring strong programming skills and a solid understanding of artificial intelligence. The candidate will be part of the Data and Artificial Intelligence unit at NTNU’s Department of Computer Science, working in a vibrant, international research environment with opportunities for collaboration, publication, and research stays abroad. The position is funded for three years, with a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800 and additional benefits such as free basic Norwegian language training and membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent, with a strong academic record (B or better), and demonstrate proficiency in English, AI concepts, and programming. Experience with recommender systems and research publication is advantageous. The application process requires submission of academic transcripts, a CV, a project outline, a motivation letter, and references, all in English, via Jobbnorge.no by the deadline. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to responsible and innovative AI research in a supportive and diverse academic community in Trondheim, Norway.