Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Just Landed
Posted Yesterday
PhD Candidate in Psychology of Artificial Intelligence: Trust in Large Language Model Communication Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Psychology
Funding
The position is a full-time, three-year temporary PhD Candidate appointment. The gross salary is normally NOK 580,000 per year, depending on qualifications and seniority, with a statutory 2% contribution deducted for the State Pension Fund. The position includes working capital for implementing the project and employee benefits at NTNU. Admission to the PhD programme in Social Sciences is required within three months of the employment contract start date.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
Norway
University
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
PhD Candidate in Psychology of Artificial Intelligence at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway. The project is part of the Norwegian Centre on AI for Decisions (aiD), an interdisciplinary collaboration focused on making AI-supported and autonomous decision-making effective, safe, and trustworthy.
Based in the Department of Psychology's Citizens, Environment and Safety research group, the PhD project will investigate the mechanisms that drive trust or distrust in communication generated by large language models (LLMs). It will examine whether trust in conversations with LLMs develops according to principles similar to human-to-human communication, how LLM communication differs from communication with other forms of AI, and whether knowing that one is interacting with an AI affects trust and decision-making.
The research will use a primarily quantitative and experimental approach, potentially involving professional partners from the aiD centre as case contexts. The successful candidate will conduct high-quality research, complete doctoral education, publish academic work, contribute to popular-science dissemination, and participate in the research group and the wider aiD research centre. The role also includes engagement with international conferences or research stays and networking with the centre's research and professional partners.
NTNU's Department of Psychology brings together biological, cognitive, social, personality, and developmental perspectives, with research and teaching spanning psychology, learning, work, and organizational psychology. The candidate will work in an international, interdisciplinary environment focused on AI, human behaviour, communication, trust, and societal decision-making.
Funding details
The position is a full-time, three-year temporary PhD Candidate appointment. The gross salary is normally NOK 580,000 per year, depending on qualifications and seniority, with a statutory 2% contribution deducted for the State Pension Fund. The position includes working capital for implementing the project and employee benefits at NTNU. Admission to the PhD programme in Social Sciences is required within three months of the employment contract start date.
What's required
A relevant Master's degree in psychology or equivalent is required, corresponding to a five-year Norwegian course with normally 120 ECTS at master's level and a major independent project of at least 30 ECTS equivalent to a master's thesis. Applicants should have a strong academic background with a Master's average of B or better on the NTNU grading scale, or an equivalently strong foundation; candidates with weaker grades may be considered if they demonstrate particular suitability for doctoral education. Applicants must meet admission requirements for the faculty's doctoral programme, have good oral and written English skills, and demonstrate documented skills in experimental design and quantitative analyses. Preferred qualifications include experience researching psychological drivers of interpersonal trust or trust in human-machine interaction, empirical fieldwork, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is advantageous. Applicants should also demonstrate independence, organization, research communication, collaboration, curiosity, analytical ability, flexibility, and resilience.
How to apply
Submit the application electronically through Jobbnorge.no by 30 November 2026. Include Bachelor's and Master's transcripts and diplomas, CV, Master's thesis or draft, relevant publications or research work, certificates where applicable, and contact details for three referees. Applicants with education from abroad should also provide documentation of the scope and quality of their education, including a diploma supplement where applicable.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.