Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology
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PhD Position in Sociology: Security Culture, Trust, Digital Identity and Society Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Sociology
Funding
The position is a full-time, four-year fixed-term salaried PhD Research Fellow position, including one year of promotion work such as teaching. The gross salary is normally NOK 580,000 per year, depending on qualifications and seniority, with a 2% statutory deduction for the State Pension Fund. Benefits include working capital for project implementation, pension-fund membership, employee benefits, career guidance, a mentor programme, and free basic Norwegian-language training. Employment require
Deadline
Nov 20, 2026
Country
Norway
University
Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology
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About this position
NTNU invites applications for a four-year, full-time PhD Research Fellow position in Sociology at the Department of Sociology and Political Science in Trondheim, Norway. The project focuses on security culture, trust, power, democracy, and society in the age of digital identity.
The doctoral researcher will join the interdisciplinary project Cryptology and social life: Sovereignty, security and society meet digital wallets, investigating how technologies such as the EU Digital Identity Wallet shape cultural practices, risk perceptions, security practices, autonomy, identity, and social life. The work uses critical, interpretive, and ethnographic approaches, including qualitative interviews, observations, document analysis, and empirical case studies.
The successful candidate will develop an independent research project, complete doctoral coursework, publish and disseminate research, contribute to the Technology and Social Change and Ethnography research groups, participate in conferences and international activities, and teach in relevant programmes. The appointment includes one year of promotion work such as teaching.
Applicants need a relevant master's degree with 120 ECTS at master's level, including a research thesis of at least 30 ECTS, normally with a B average or better. Eligible backgrounds include sociology, political science, Science and Technology Studies, social anthropology, and human geography. Strong interest in qualitative and interpretive methods and good English skills are required. A project outline addressing societal relevance, theory, research design, and the relationship to digital identity infrastructures is central to the assessment.
The gross salary is normally NOK 580,000 per year, subject to qualifications and seniority, with a 2% pension contribution. The position offers access to research support, career guidance, mentoring, pension benefits, employee benefits, and basic Norwegian-language training. Applications must be submitted electronically through Jobbnorge by 20 November 2026.
Funding details
The position is a full-time, four-year fixed-term salaried PhD Research Fellow position, including one year of promotion work such as teaching. The gross salary is normally NOK 580,000 per year, depending on qualifications and seniority, with a 2% statutory deduction for the State Pension Fund. Benefits include working capital for project implementation, pension-fund membership, employee benefits, career guidance, a mentor programme, and free basic Norwegian-language training. Employment require
What's required
Applicants must hold a master's degree in sociology, political science, or an adjacent field such as Science and Technology Studies, social anthropology, or human geography. The education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree with 120 ECTS credits at master's level and include an independent research project equivalent to a master's thesis of at least 30 ECTS credits. Master's students may apply but must complete and document the degree before starting. Applicants normally need a master's average of B or better on the NTNU scale, must meet admission requirements for the Faculty's Doctoral Programme in Social Science, and must demonstrate strong interest in interpretive and qualitative methods. Good written and oral English is required. Preferred qualifications include relevant theoretical knowledge concerning security, digital infrastructures, power, trust, democracy, and technology; experience with ethnographic or qualitative research; knowledge of Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish; relevant research or teaching-assistant experience; and a high-quality, relevant project outline. Applicants should also demonstrate intellectual curiosity, independence, collaboration skills, analytical ability, motivation, and high work capacity.
How to apply
Submit the application electronically through Jobbnorge.no by 20 November 2026. Include a one-page motivation letter, CV, project outline of up to 1,500 words, degree transcripts and diplomas, master's thesis or draft, relevant publications, certificates if applicable, and contact details for three referees. Foreign-educated applicants must also provide documentation of the scope and quality of their education and any relevant HK-dir statement.
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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.