PhD Research Fellow in Management: AI Industrial Solutions for Sustainable Maritime University of South-Eastern Norway in Norway

Call for applications for a PhD Research Fellow in Management at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), School of Business, located in Horten, Norway. This fully funded doctoral position is part of the AIMAR project, focused on AI industrial solutions for sustainable maritime industries.

The project invites applicants interested in artificial intelligence, sustainability, innovation, management, commercialization, and industrial transformation. Possible research themes include AI solutions in maritime industries, commercialization and scaling of AI technologies, sustainable industrial transformation, ecosystem and stakeholder collaboration, innovation management, business model development, fuel efficiency and emissions reduction, predictive maintenance, safety enhancement, resource optimization, and industrial ecosystem governance.

Applicants should normally hold a master’s degree (120 ECTS preferred) in Business Administration, Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Industrial Engineering & Management, Information Systems, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related field. The post also asks for strong competence in both qualitative and quantitative methods, an average grade of B or higher, and strong written and spoken English. Candidates must meet the admission requirements for the PhD programme and be eligible for security authorization (RESTRICTED).

The position starts on 1 January 2027 and lasts 3 years. Funding is stated as fully funded, with a salary of NOK 550,800 per year, plus doctoral training, career support, pension and employment benefits, and access to Norwegian language courses.

Application deadline: 31 August 2026.

To apply, use the USN PhD application portal and submit the required documents: motivation/application letter, CV, 4–5 page research proposal, master’s thesis, diplomas and transcripts, methodology documentation, English language certificate if required, publications if available, and up to two references.