Øystein Sæbø

The University of Agder (UiA) invites applications for a PhD Research Fellow in Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D), based at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Information Systems, Campus Kristiansand, Norway. This full-time position is offered for three years, or four years with 25% career-promoting work, and is scheduled to start in mid-2026 (negotiable). The Department of Information Systems is one of Norway’s largest research groups in the field, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees, as well as specialized programmes in Cybersecurity and Digitalisation. The department is highly research-active, with over fifty staff members contributing to a diverse and inclusive academic environment. The PhD project will focus on ICT4D, which explores the transformative role of digital technologies (such as social media, smartphones, and artificial intelligence) in human development. Candidates are encouraged to propose research that investigates how digital technologies enable or constrain development opportunities for individuals, groups, or societies. Potential domains include socio-economic inclusion, public health, education, environmental sustainability, and civic participation. Research may be empirical and can address contexts in the Global North, Global South, or both, using appropriate theoretical and methodological approaches. Applicants must hold a master’s degree (120 ECTS credits) in Information Systems or a closely related area, with an average grade of B or higher. A scientifically original and academically strong project proposal is required, demonstrating strong analytical skills and fluency in English. Candidates graduating this year must have submitted their master’s thesis by the application deadline and have their degree formally approved within four weeks after the deadline. Desired qualifications include experience in academic research, project management, academic writing, teaching in higher education, and good pedagogical skills. Personal qualities such as strong communication, critical thinking, adaptability, independence, teamwork, and motivation are valued. The position offers professional development in a large, socially influential organization, a positive and diverse working environment, modern facilities, and membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. The annual gross salary is NOK 550,800, with a compulsory pension contribution deducted according to statutory provisions. UiA is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, cultural background, disability, or incomplete CV. The appointment is subject to regulations concerning the control of export of strategic goods, services, and technology. Background checks and reference checks may be conducted with the applicant’s consent. To apply, submit your application electronically via the provided link. Required documents include an academic CV, cover letter, transcripts and diplomas, master’s thesis or extended abstract, academic works (up to 5), research proposal (max 5000 words), and names/contact information of two references. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English. The application deadline is 15 June 2026. For questions about the position, contact Professor Øystein Sæbø ([email protected]). For application process inquiries, contact Adviser Hege Fatland ([email protected]).

The University of Agder (UiA) invites applications for a full-time PhD Research Fellow in Cybersecurity Management, based at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Information Systems. The position is located at Campus Kristiansand, Norway, and is offered for three years, or four years with 25% career-promoting work. The successful candidate will join one of Norway’s largest information systems research groups, with over fifty research-active staff and a vibrant academic environment offering bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in Information Systems, as well as specialized programs in Cybersecurity and Digitalisation. This PhD opportunity focuses on bridging the gap between technical infrastructure and human behavior in cybersecurity management. Candidates are expected to investigate the interplay between information security and cyberspace security through a sociotechnical lens, addressing both social dynamics and technical frameworks. Research themes may include human cybersecurity behavior, development and erosion of cybersecurity skills, cyber resilience, cyber deception, and the evolving nature of cybercrime. The role encourages exploration of how rapid developments in digital technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, impact cybersecurity practices, covering both offensive tactics and defensive measures. The University of Agder offers an extensive network of partners, including potential collaboration with Kartverket (the Norwegian Mapping Authority), providing opportunities for empirical research in real-world organizational contexts. Applicants are encouraged to adopt theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches best suited to their research interests, whether at the individual, organizational, or societal level. Applicants must hold a master’s degree of 120 ECTS credits in Information Systems or a closely related area, with an average grade of B or higher. A scientifically original and academically strong project proposal is required, demonstrating strong analytical skills and fluency in written and oral English. Candidates graduating this year must have submitted their master’s thesis by the application deadline and have their degree formally approved within four weeks after the deadline. Desired qualifications include experience in academic research, project management, academic writing and publishing, teaching experience in higher education, and good pedagogical skills. Personal qualities sought are strong communication and critical thinking skills, proactivity, adaptability, open-mindedness, balance between results and social skills, ability to work independently and in teams, and motivation to contribute to a positive working environment. The position offers professional development in a large, socially influential organization, a positive and inclusive working environment, modern facilities, and comprehensive welfare benefits. The role is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, with a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800 and compulsory pension contributions to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Applications must be submitted electronically via the provided link, including all required documentation: academic CV, cover letter, transcripts, diplomas, master’s thesis or abstract, academic works, research proposal, and contact information for two references. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English. The application deadline is 15 June 2026. For questions about the position, contact Professor Øystein Sæbø ([email protected]). For questions about the application process, contact Adviser Hege Fatland ([email protected]). Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview, and reference checks will be conducted with the applicant’s permission. The University of Agder is committed to diversity and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

PhD Research Fellow in Information Systems on AI, Digital Platforms, and Extremism at the University of Agder (UiA), Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Information Systems, in Kristiansand, Norway. This three-year PhD project (or four years with 25% career-promoting work) invites the successful candidate to develop a research proposal on how digital platforms and AI-based solutions relate to radicalization and recruitment to extremism, especially among young people. The topic can address how radical content is produced and circulated on platforms, how algorithms amplify or suppress harmful content, and how such processes can be regulated through policy and governance. The fellow is expected to collaborate with the new national centre against violent extremism (Nasjonalt innsatssenter mot voldelig ekstremisme, NIVE) in Kristiansand. The position is part of one of Norway’s largest Information Systems research groups, and the department offers bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programmes in Information Systems, plus a master’s in Cybersecurity and an executive master’s in Digitalisation. The role is located at Campus Kristiansand, and the intended start date is late 2026 or early 2027, with some flexibility. Eligibility highlights include a master’s degree of 120 ECTS credits in Information Systems or a closely related field, an average grade of B or better, admission eligibility for the PhD Program in Social Sciences, a strong and original project proposal, strong analytical ability, and fluency in English. The application must include a research proposal in English (max. 5000 words), a cover letter, academic transcripts, a master’s thesis or an extended summary if it is still being completed, a list of academic/R&D work, and two references. The position is salaried, with remuneration according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, at NOK 550,800 gross per year; higher salary may be considered for especially qualified candidates. UiA also offers a supportive and inclusive working environment, modern facilities, welfare benefits, and membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Application deadline: 1 October 2026. Apply electronically via Jobbnorge and ensure all required documentation is submitted before the closing date.