Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology
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PhD Research Fellow in Science and Technology Studies: Transport Infrastructure Resilience, Security and Sociotechnical Vulnerabilities Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Anthropology
Funding
Paid four-year PhD Research Fellow position. The appointment comprises 2.5 years of independent doctoral research, 0.5 year of PhD-level courses, and 1 year of career-promoting work, which may include teaching. Gross salary is normally NOK 580,000 per year depending on qualifications and seniority, with a statutory 2% State Pension Fund contribution deducted. The position includes working capital for project implementation, career guidance, employee benefits, a mentor programme, pension benefits
Deadline
Nov 20, 2026
Country
Norway
University
Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology
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About this position
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is recruiting a paid PhD Research Fellow in Science and Technology Studies (STS) at the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture in Trondheim, Norway.
The PhD is part of STRIDE—Synergizing Transport Resilience, Infrastructure, and Defense in Extremes—within NTNU's strategic More Resilient Society initiative. The project examines how Norway's transport infrastructure can remain functional during converging climate-driven hazards, including severe floods and landslides, and geopolitical threats such as targeted sabotage. It develops a multidisciplinary perspective combining civil engineering, artificial intelligence, operations research and STS.
The successful candidate will focus on integrating knowledge across academic domains, operationalizing comprehensive resilience (totalberedskap), and analyzing infrastructures and their sociotechnical vulnerabilities. The researcher will participate in the Security Studies group, Security Narratives research group and the Center for Climate, Energy and the Environment (CLEEN), with opportunities for conferences, research stays, dissemination and possible teaching.
The four-year appointment includes 2.5 years of research, 0.5 year of PhD courses and 1 year of career-promoting work. The normal gross salary is NOK 580,000 per year, subject to qualifications and seniority, with additional pension, mentoring, career support and employee benefits.
Applicants need a relevant Master's degree, a major independent project of at least 30 ECTS, a normally B-level academic average, and excellent English. Relevant backgrounds include STS, technology-oriented philosophy, history, sociology, anthropology, innovation studies, HPS, and potentially natural or engineering sciences with demonstrated humanities and social-science aptitude. Interdisciplinary and collaborative experience is desirable; Norwegian or Scandinavian language skills are an advantage.
Apply online through Jobbnorge by 20 November 2026. Contact Research Professor Govert Valkenburg at [email protected] for project questions.
Funding details
Paid four-year PhD Research Fellow position. The appointment comprises 2.5 years of independent doctoral research, 0.5 year of PhD-level courses, and 1 year of career-promoting work, which may include teaching. Gross salary is normally NOK 580,000 per year depending on qualifications and seniority, with a statutory 2% State Pension Fund contribution deducted. The position includes working capital for project implementation, career guidance, employee benefits, a mentor programme, pension benefits
What's required
Applicants must meet the admission requirements for NTNU's PhD Programme in Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture. A relevant Master's degree is required, including Science and Technology Studies, technology-oriented philosophy, history, sociology or anthropology, innovation studies or management, history and philosophy of science, or potentially natural and engineering sciences with demonstrated aptitude for humanities and social sciences. The degree must include a major independent project of at least 30 ECTS equivalent to a Master's thesis. Master's students may apply if the degree will be obtained and documented before starting and no later than August 2027, with evidence that completion is realistic. Applicants normally need a strong academic record with an average Master's grade of B or better on the NTNU scale, or equivalent qualifications. Excellent written and spoken English is required. Interdisciplinary and collaborative research experience is preferred, as are presentation skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language or willingness to learn. Applications must include Bachelor's and Master's transcripts and diplomas, CV, Master's thesis or draft, a project outline of up to 1,500 words, a motivation letter of up to 400 words, publications or relevant research work, certificates, and contact details for three referees.
How to apply
Apply electronically through the Jobbnorge portal before 20 November 2026. Submit the required degrees and transcripts, CV, thesis, project outline, motivation letter, publications or relevant work, certificates, and three referees' contact details. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Govert Valkenburg for project information before applying.
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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.