PhD Candidate in Data and Decision Sciences BI Norwegian Business School in Norway

BI Norwegian Business School invites applications for a limited number of doctoral scholarships in Data and Decision Sciences, affiliated with the Department of Data Science and Analytics in Oslo, Norway. This is a full-time PhD position for four years, with an expected starting date in August 2027.

The position sits within a strong research environment at BI, one of Europe’s largest business schools, with active strengths in data science, operations research, economics, finance, strategy, marketing, and management. The Department of Data Science and Analytics emphasizes high-level research, quantitative methods, and close connections with industry and public-sector partners, including collaborations in retail, transportation, and energy. PhD candidates benefit from weekly international research seminars, workshops, conferences, and access to the AMOR center for applied mathematics and operations research, as well as SURE-AI, a Norwegian AI center focused on sustainable, risk-averse, and ethical AI.

The PhD specialization is designed for candidates interested in the intersection of modern data science, business analytics, and decision-making. The first year is devoted to coursework across data science, operations research, machine learning, and relevant computer science topics; the second year and beyond focus on dissertation research, typically organized as three research articles. Candidates work closely with a supervisor and faculty members, and may also collaborate with researchers from other institutions. The program is intended to prepare graduates for careers in leading academic institutions, research-oriented organizations, and industry.

Funding: the scholarship follows the Norwegian State Salary Scale and currently pays NOK 623,200 per year (to be adjusted in 2027). It is linked to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund and includes a 25% teaching obligation.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should have a relevant master’s degree (or equivalent) with thesis work and a GPA of B or higher. Strong quantitative training is preferred, particularly in statistics, operations research, machine learning, computer science, finance, economics, or mathematics. Applicants may need GMAT or GRE scores depending on where their master’s degree was obtained, and all applicants generally need TOEFL or IELTS unless exempt. English-language minimums are TOEFL 90 iBT / 575 paper-based / 233 computer-based or IELTS 6.5. A female applicant may be preferred if candidates are otherwise equally qualified.

How to apply: submit the application electronically through the portal and upload all requested documents, including CV, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, selected academic work, degree certificates, transcripts, and test results. Recommendation letters should be emailed by referees to [email protected] by the deadline. The announcement notes that the application must reach the Doctoral Administration deadline and cannot be revised after submission.