Kristiania University of Applied Sciences, Norway’s largest independent comprehensive university college, invites applications for a fully funded PhD fellowship in Communication and Leadership, focusing on Visual Communication in Times of Crisis. The position is based at the School of Arts, Design and Media in Oslo, a vibrant academic environment with over 1,700 students and 130 full-time academic staff, offering a unique blend of creative, artistic, and technological disciplines. The university is committed to applied, problem-driven research that contributes to social and economic development in close cooperation with society and industry. The PhD project should explore the role of visual communication during crises—how emergencies and dramatic events are experienced and communicated visually across diverse media. In today’s fragmented and rapidly evolving media landscape, visual information and misinformation play a critical role in shaping public perception and managing crises. Governments, organizations, and businesses use visual communication to manage reputations, contain or prevent crises, while protest leaders leverage visuals to influence public opinion. The project aims to bridge gaps between crisis communication, design studies, and visual culture studies, and welcomes proposals that address any aspect of visual communication in crisis contexts, including the leadership of design processes or the use of visual communication in leadership roles. Candidates may draw on theories from crisis communication, leadership, visual culture, design studies, and related fields, and are free to choose their own angle, crisis type, and context. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (120 ECTS or equivalent) in a relevant subject area with a grade B or better on both the thesis and overall degree, and the thesis must be at least 30 ECTS. A relevant 180 ECTS bachelor’s degree is also required. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. The university seeks candidates with curiosity, motivation for independent interdisciplinary research, strong communication and cooperation skills, and a goal-oriented mindset. Admission to the PhD programme is required within three months of the start date. The fellowship offers a highly competitive salary (NOK 550,800 per year), NOK 50,000 per year for travel and running costs, free health and travel insurance, pension plan, and equipment such as a high-end laptop and mobile phone. Employees benefit from strong labor protections, including fully paid parental and sick leave, and 25 paid vacation days. The PhD period is three years, with the earliest start date on 1 September 2026. The university encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, especially women and persons with minority backgrounds. To apply, submit your application via the Kristiania University of Applied Sciences portal, including a motivation letter, diplomas and transcripts (in Scandinavian or English), CV, at least two references, your master’s thesis, and a project proposal (up to 4 pages, max. 2,000 words, in English). Only applications received through the portal will be considered. For further information, contact Professor Nigel Halpern (nigel.halpern@kristiania.no) or Associate Professor Trond Klevgaard (trond.klevgaard@kristiania.no). Application deadline: 2 February 2026.