PhD Candidate in Digital Sovereignty in NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology – Norway

Summary

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology is seeking a full-time PhD Candidate in Digital Sovereignty within the Department of Computer Science in Trondheim, Norway. The doctoral project will investigate how Norwegian public-sector agencies and private companies manage challenges related to digital sovereignty due to increasingly centralized and platformized digital infrastructures. The research will adopt a sociotechnical perspective, focusing on organizational dependencies on digital systems and services they do not control, and exploring strategies to reconfigure these dependencies. The position is for four years, with a gross annual salary of NOK 580,000. Applicants must have a relevant Master's degree with a strong academic background and demonstrate knowledge of sociotechnical traditions and qualitative research methods. The application deadline is October 4, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Computer Science
Position Type	PhD Position
Discipline	Information Systems
Research Area	Digital Sovereignty
Degree Required	Master's degree in Information Systems or an interdisciplinary background involving computing, social sciences, law, or an equivalent field, with a major independent project of at least 30 ECTS.
Experience	Demonstrated knowledge of sociotechnical traditions and expertise in qualitative research methods. Documented research experience in digital sovereignty or related areas and previous academic publications are advantageous.
Salary	NOK 580,000 per year
Contract Duration	Four years
Language	English (required), Norwegian or another Scandinavian language (advantageous)
Deadline	2026-10-04
Employer Contact	Associate Professor Thomas Østerlie (for position questions); HR department at the Department of Computer Science (for recruitment-process questions)

About the Project

The PhD project focuses on digital sovereignty challenges faced by Norwegian public-sector agencies and private companies due to centralized and platformized digital infrastructures. It will investigate how organizations become dependent on digital systems and services they do not control, and how these dependencies affect independent decision-making. The research will examine dependencies involving global platform companies, cloud providers, and proprietary software vendors, considering interactions between algorithms, data flows, platform architectures, organizational workflows, and contractual arrangements. The project aims to explore strategies for reconfiguring digital dependencies through governance, architectural alternatives, and collective action, contributing to practical approaches for achieving and maintaining digital sovereignty. The disciplinary home is Information Systems, addressing technical, organizational, legal, infrastructural, and ethical dimensions.

Key Responsibilities

• Completing the doctoral education and obtaining a PhD degree.
• Conducting high-quality research within the framework of the digital sovereignty project.
• Publishing research results in relevant academic contexts.
• Participating in the national research community focused on digital sovereignty.
• Taking part in international academic activities, including conferences and research stays at foreign educational institutions.
• Engaging with practitioners and stakeholders to collect relevant research data.
• Presenting and discussing research findings with researchers and other professionals.
• Working independently while also collaborating with colleagues and research teams.
• Adapting the research plan when necessary as the project develops.
• Possible changes to work duties after employment.
• 25% teaching duties for the right candidate.

Required Skills

• A relevant Master's degree in Information Systems or an interdisciplinary background involving computing, social sciences, law, or an equivalent field.
• A Master's degree that includes a major independent project of at least 30 ECTS, equivalent to a Master's thesis.
• A strong and relevant academic background from previous studies (Master's degree average equivalent to B or better according to NTNU's grading scale).
• Demonstrated knowledge of sociotechnical traditions.
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methods.
• Good written and oral English-language skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team.
• Ability to engage with practitioners and stakeholders.
• Ability to collect and analyze research data.
• Ability to communicate scientific findings clearly.
• Ability to present and discuss research with other professionals.
• Ability to remain flexible and adjust the research plan when required.

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for candidates with a Master's degree in Information Systems or an interdisciplinary background involving computing, social sciences, or law. Ideal applicants will have a strong academic record, demonstrated knowledge of sociotechnical traditions, and expertise in qualitative research methods. Candidates with prior research experience or publications in digital sovereignty are particularly encouraged to apply. The role requires individuals who can work independently and collaboratively, engage with stakeholders, and communicate scientific findings effectively.

Benefits

• An exciting research position connected to an important societal mission.
• Developing research tasks in a strong and international academic environment.
• Career guidance and follow-up throughout the PhD period.
• An open and inclusive working environment.
• Supportive and committed colleagues.
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Free basic Norwegian-language training at A2 level.
• Employee benefits available to NTNU staff.

About the Employer

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology is seeking a PhD Candidate in Digital Sovereignty within its Department of Computer Science. The department covers a broad range of theoretical and applied information technology fields, including information systems, artificial intelligence, databases, software engineering, human-computer interaction, computer-supported cooperative work, learning technology, IT operations, visual computing, algorithms, hardware, and applied data processing. The PhD project is specifically connected to Information Systems and the sociotechnical study of digital sovereignty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main focus of the PhD project?

The PhD project will investigate how Norwegian public-sector agencies and private companies navigate challenges related to digital sovereignty as digital infrastructures become increasingly centralized and platformized, focusing on organizational dependencies and strategies for reconfiguration.

What are the main responsibilities of the PhD Candidate?

The main responsibilities include completing the doctoral education, conducting high-quality research, publishing results, participating in national and international academic activities, engaging with practitioners, presenting findings, and working independently and collaboratively.

What are the minimum academic qualifications required?

Applicants must have a relevant Master's degree in Information Systems or an interdisciplinary background involving computing, social sciences, or law, including a major independent project of at least 30 ECTS, and a Master's degree average equivalent to B or better.

What is the duration of the employment and the salary?

The employment period is four years, and the normal gross salary is NOK 580,000 per year, with a 2% contribution to the State Pension Fund deducted.

What documents are required for the application?

Required documents include Bachelor's and Master's transcripts/diplomas, CV, Master's thesis copy, proof of completed Master's degree, a research plan, an AI usage declaration, a motivation letter, relevant publications, and contact information for three referees.

Is Norwegian language proficiency required?

Good written and oral English-language skills are required. Documented oral and written Norwegian-language skills or knowledge of another Scandinavian language are considered advantageous.