Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology
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PhD Candidate in Organizing and Decision-Making in Drone Operations Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Industrial Engineering
Funding
Full-time, four-year temporary employment as a PhD candidate, with three years devoted to doctoral work and one year for career-enhancing activities such as teaching and supervision. Salary is NOK 580,000 per year before tax, with a 2% deduction for the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. The position includes working capital for the project, opportunities for international research stays, and public-sector pension, loan, insurance, and employee benefits.
Deadline
Nov 20, 2026
Country
Norway
University
Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology
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About this position
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a four-year PhD Candidate position in Organizing and Decision-Making in Drone Operations. The position is based in Trondheim, Norway, at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management and the Health, Environment and Safety research group.
The project examines how sociotechnical actors shape organizing and decision-making in civilian and military drone operations. Research topics include automation and professional roles, situational awareness, coordination, self-organization, safety practices, organizational design, risk understanding, and the allocation of tasks and authority under uncertainty. The work combines organizational theory, sociotechnical perspectives, human factors, and multi-method comparative case studies.
The PhD forms part of the multidisciplinary project “Managing drone threats to critical infrastructure,” which addresses detection and interception, consequences of drone attacks, supply-chain risks, and organizational responses. The candidate will conduct original research, publish internationally, collaborate with academic, industry, and public-sector partners, complete doctoral coursework, and contribute to project communication. Opportunities include international research stays, participation in AI and decision-making research environments, and collaboration with leading researchers.
Applicants need a relevant master's degree with strong results, normally B or better, and documented competence in social research methods and organizational studies. Relevant backgrounds include humanities, social sciences, and engineering. Good Scandinavian oral and written skills are required for teaching. Applicants nearing completion of their master's degree are encouraged to apply. Interest in emerging technologies, eligibility for security clearance, and NATO nationality are advantageous.
The position is full time for four years: three years of doctoral research and one year of career-enhancing work. The salary is NOK 580,000 annually before tax, with a 2% pension contribution. Admission to NTNU’s PhD programme in Industrial Economics and Technology Management is required within three months of employment. Applications must include a motivation letter, one-page research plan, CV, diplomas and certificates, scientific works including the master's thesis, and three references. The deadline is 20 November 2026.
Funding details
Full-time, four-year temporary employment as a PhD candidate, with three years devoted to doctoral work and one year for career-enhancing activities such as teaching and supervision. Salary is NOK 580,000 per year before tax, with a 2% deduction for the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. The position includes working capital for the project, opportunities for international research stays, and public-sector pension, loan, insurance, and employee benefits.
What's required
Applicants must hold a master's degree in a relevant field with strong academic results, normally B or better on the NTNU grading scale. Relevant backgrounds include humanities and social sciences or engineering disciplines. Applicants must document competence in social research methods and organizational studies, and have good oral and written Scandinavian language skills for teaching purposes. Applicants in the final phase of their master's studies may apply. An interest in emerging technologies and their effects on work practices and organizations is advantageous, as is eligibility for security clearance and NATO nationality. Admission to NTNU's PhD programme in Industrial Economics and Technology Management within three months of employment is required. Applicants should provide a motivation letter, one-page research plan, CV, diplomas and certificates, scientific works including the master's thesis, and contact details for three references.
How to apply
Apply electronically through Jobbnorge by 20 November 2026. Submit a motivation letter, maximum one-page research plan, CV, diplomas and certificates, scientific works including the master's thesis, and contact information for three references.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.