This is NTNU

NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

You can find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

     

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About the position

The Department of Design at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Gjøvik campus, seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) focusing on Generative AI in Education. This is a 3 year position designed to prepare the candidate for senior academic positions. 

The successful candidate will be part of the Human-Centered AI Lab and an NTNU-wide interdisciplinary research group focused on exploring the usage of AI for inclusive education. The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to NTNU’s strategic initiative on AI for Inclusive Education, collaborating across disciplines such as design, computer science, education, and economics.

We seek a technically skilled researcher with expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Generative AI, who is strongly interested in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)/Interaction Design (IxD), or Education. The candidate should be passionate about leveraging AI to create meaningful, inclusive, and impactful learning experiences.

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department. 

Duties of the position

• Exploring the application of generative AI in education
• Designing and evaluating AI-driven educational tools and strategies
• Collaborating across disciplines to contribute to NTNU’s strategic goals on AI for education
• Participate in further developing the Human-Centered AI Lab by helping expand technical infrastructure and identifying and shaping emerging research directions
• Contributing to teaching activities in relevant courses
• Initiating, developing, and disseminating research proposals to expand the HCAI Labs activities
• Contribute with expertise in other related research initiatives at the department

The position provides the candidate with a strong foundation for a future academic career, including opportunities to:

• Receive mentoring and professional development through the Human-Centered AI Lab
• Publish in top-tier journals and conferences in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Artificial Intelligence in education, and related fields
• Supervise graduate students and contribute to curriculum development in the areas of AI and design
• Develop an independent research profile aligned with the department's goals and the objectives of the Human-Centered AI Lab

Required selection criteria

• PhD in either Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Education, or a related field
• Background in AI, with expertise in relevant techniques and applications
• Proficient in both oral and written communication skills in English

If you are in the final phase of your doctorate and can document that the thesis has been submitted or that the defence date has been confirmed, your application can be considered even if you have not defended it. 

NOTE: Documentation of the obtained doctorate must be presented before you can take up the position.

If you do not already have educational competence that meets the requirements for a position as associate professor in Norway, NTNU will arrange for you to acquire such competence during the employment period. In such cases, you will also be assigned relevant teaching as part of the career-promoting work.

As a result of the new Act relating to universities and university colleges with associated regulations of 01/08/2024, NTNU has, during a transitional period (for decisions on employment in recruitment positions before 1 August 2025), chosen to use the terms of employment in the old regulations of 31 January 2006 no. 102 on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, research fellow, scientific assistant and specialist candidate

Preferred selection criteria

• Proficiency or familiarity with Human-Centred Design methods, user studies, or user evaluation techniques
• Practical experience, specifically with generative AI technologies
• Strong technical skills and enthusiasm for hands-on experimentation, prototyping, and practical technology development
• Experience in managing, utilising, or further developing AI infrastructure or technical resources within research environments
• Experience in securing research funding, including proposal development and grant writing
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly involving stakeholders from different academic backgrounds or sectors
• Good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language are a plus

Personal characteristics

Working as a Postdoctoral fellow requires that you

• exhibit strong teamwork skills, including effective communication, collaboration, 
  and the ability to support and motivate team members to achieve common goals
• demonstrate the ability to work independently and exhibit resilience in challenging situations
• exhibit commitment to contributing to an inclusive and diverse working environment
• demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• exhibit openness and interest in interdisciplinary research, comfortable collaborating and communicating across academic disciplines

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer 

• A challenging and rewarding 3-year Postdoctoral position in a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment
• Based on the candidate’s profile, NTNU will develop a tailored career plan that includes opportunities to acquire formal educational competencies necessary for pursuing a permanent academic position based on Norwegian regulations
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources within the Human-Centered AI Lab
• Interdisciplinary research structures that will allow you to collaborate on interesting projects
• Opportunities for professional development and networking within NTNU's research communities
• Salary and conditions in accordance with the Norwegian State salary scale
• Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU
• Favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Diversity

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values ​​are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education.

If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.

At NTNU we want to increase the proportion of women in scientific positions. We have a number of measures to promote equality.

Salary and conditions

As a Postdoctoral Fellow (code 1352) you are normally paid from gross NOK 594 500 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important to keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and to adapt to them. 

For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act, and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to be in conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed. 

About the application 

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in English.

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above.

The application must include:

• A detailed CV, including a list of publications
• Application Letter (max two pages)
• A copy of the doctoral thesis. If you are nearing completion, you can attach a draft of your thesis
• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's-, Master's- and PhD degrees. (If you have not yet completed your PhD, you must confirm your estimated date for submitting your doctoral dissertation or provide confirmation that your PhD thesis has been submitted. Documentation of a completed doctoral degree must be presented before taking up the position.)
• Up to 5 – Academic published works (choose which are more relevant to the position)
• Name and contact information of three referees

If all or parts of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education. Description of the documentation required can be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well.

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

If you have had leave or another break in your career, it is important that this is stated in your application so that the selection committee can take this into account and that the amount of your research may be reduced as a result.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal qualities. Motivation, ambitions and potential for research will also be emphasized in the assessment of the candidates.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and is committed to follow evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment DORA and the obligations in CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

If you have had leave or another break in your career, it is important that this is stated in your application so that the selection committee can take this into account and that the amount of your research may be reduced as a result.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal qualities. Motivation, ambitions and potential for research will also be emphasized in the assessment of the candidates.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and is committed to follow evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment DORA and the obligations in CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

General information 

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public list of applicants, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Eleftherios Papachristos at eleftherios.papachristos@ntnu.no. 

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Marion Sandnes Wohlen, email: marion.s.wohlen@ntnu.no.

If you find this position interesting, and in accordance with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.

Application deadline: 26.05.2025

For practical information about working at NTNU, please visit this webpage. 

Gjøvik, a charming town by the shores of Lake Mjøsa, is known for its beautiful nature and rich cultural offerings. The town boasts a vibrant community with excellent schools, modern healthcare services, and a variety of recreational activities. With its strategic location, just a short drive from Oslo, Gjøvik combines the best of urban life and natural experiences. Here, you'll find a dynamic business environment and exciting career opportunities in a setting that values work-life balance.