PhD Research Fellow in Informatics - AI Safety University of Bergen in Norway

The University of Bergen invites applications for a PhD Research Fellow in Informatics, focusing on AI Safety. This position is based in the Department of Informatics and aims to advance scientific understanding of the internal mechanisms, failure modes, and alignment properties of modern AI tools, particularly large language models (LLMs). The successful candidate will contribute to research that combines conceptual rigor with empirical analysis, building an evidence-driven foundation for safer and more interpretable AI systems.

Research topics may include emergent behaviors and representation learning in LLMs, causal or mechanistic approaches to interpretability, and frameworks for steering model behavior in safety-critical contexts. The position is funded by the University of Bergen and offers a fixed-term contract of three years, with the possibility of a fourth year dedicated to career-promoting work such as teaching, dissemination, or research infrastructure services.

Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent in artificial intelligence, machine learning, algorithms, or a related area. Master students may apply if they complete their final master exam before 30 June 2026. Strong programming skills are required, and experience with state-of-the-art AI models is a strong advantage. Candidates must demonstrate good written and oral English skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and document proficiency in English if required. Personal and relational qualities, research experience, ambitions, and potential will be considered during evaluation. The University of Bergen applies export control regulations in the processing of applications.

The PhD fellowship includes participation in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within three years. The deadline for applying to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science and Technology is two months after starting the position. The position offers a gross annual salary of NOK 593,700, with increases according to length of service, enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and good welfare benefits.

Applicants should submit their application via Jobbnorge, including a brief account of research interests and motivation, a detailed justification of qualifications, names and contact information for two referees (one should be the main advisor for the master's thesis), CV, transcripts and diplomas, relevant certificates, documentation of English proficiency, and a publication list. Certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded.

The University of Bergen is committed to diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applicants regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or age. Applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV may receive favourable consideration. Information about applicants may be made public, and compliance with university guidelines is required.

For further details, contact Head of Department Inge Jonassen ([email protected]) or Professor Jan Arne Telle ([email protected]). For HR-related questions, contact HR advisor Maria Svåsand ([email protected]).