PhD position at the Faculty of Law (AI LEARN)

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About the Norwegian AI Centres

Six national research centres for Artificial Intelligence are set to launch in the fall of 2025. These centres will foster interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers to address societal challenges, understand the impact of AI, develop new technologies, and drive innovation across both the business and public sectors. 

This initiative is established and financed through the government's significant investment in artificial intelligence over the next five years (regjeringen.no) (in Norwegian).

About AI LEARN

AI LEARN is a new national centre dedicated to the empowerment of human learning through responsible, human-centred artificial intelligence. In a world where AI systems are reshaping how we learn, work, create, lead, and participate in democracy, our centre tackles the promise and peril of hybrid intelligence—humans and machines working and learning together. Our mission is to establish an internationally leading interdisciplinary hub that advances foundational research, responsible innovation, robust governance and broad capacity building. AI LEARN is a consortium comprising of 31 national and international partners from academia and the public and private sectors.

About the PhD-project

The PhD position is linked to Cluster 4 Governance, Ethics and Regulation, project “Regulatory Case Studies” led by professor Malgorzata Cyndecka.  The theme of the PhD project is challenges and opportunities raised by the nature, use and regulation of synthetic data in light of, in particular, the GDPR and AI Act while taking into account the purposes of AI LEARN. 

The PhD supervisor will be Professor Malgorzata Cyndecka. Please contact her for more information about the project. 

Work tasks and expectations  

• Conduct independent and collaborative research connected to AI LEARN leading to a PhD dissertation.  
• Engage in continuous dissemination and communication of the research project and project results in relevant arenas, including at international conferences. 
• Attend and organize research activities in the project, in close collaboration with the other members in AI LEARN  
• Be an active member of the Research Group for Information and Innovation Law, and contribute to the scientific community at the Faculty of Law and at the AI LEARN Centre.

 

Qualifications and personal qualities:

You must:

• hold a Norwegian master’s degree in law or an equivalent degree from abroad. Applicants must have submitted their master’s thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the degree has been awarded. 
• have relevant experience from conducting research within the field of law and AI. 
• demonstrate a high academic level through your master’s thesis and if relevant other scientific publications and written work.
• be proficient in both written and oral English. Proficiency in Scandinavian languages is an asset. 
• be able to work independently and in a structured manner and to collaborate with others. 

A grade of B or higher on the master’s thesis is normally required for admission to the PhD program at the faculty. Personal qualities, ambition and potential will also be taken into account in the assessment of candidates.

About the PhD position and the PhD programme

The duration of the PhD position is 3-4 years. At least three years of work should be dedicated to the doctoral research, the educational PhD programme included. The remaining time is allocated to other career-promoting work that will help the employee qualify for relevant careers that require research competence.

PhD programme
As a PhD Candidate, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. When your qualifications for the position are evaluated, you will also be evaluated for admission to a PhD programme at the Faculty of Law. 

You will find further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Law here: PhD programme in Law | Faculty of Law | UiB

We can offer

• Exciting development opportunities as part of your role in a strong professional environment
• An annual salary of NOK 568 700 before taxes (position code 1017) according to the state salary scale. Further promotions are made according to length of service. A higher salary may be considered if you have a specialist education.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Good welfare benefits.

Your application must include

• A brief account of your research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
• Project description (maximum 7 pages incl. references).
• Confirmation that you have been in touch with the PhD supervisor.
• The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must be your main supervisor for your master's thesis.
• CV (using the template in the application portal).  
• Transcripts and diplomas (higher education). 
• Important: Applicants with an education outside Scandinavia must include a certified translation into English or Scandinavian if the original diplomas, transcripts, and additional documentation are not in one of these languages. A Diploma Supplement with a standardized description of the structure, level, content, and status of the applicant's education must also be included. Applicants with education from outside Scandinavia will be evaluated by the faculty according to the regulations of the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education.    
• Relevant certificates.
• A list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list).
• Any publications in your name you want to be included in the evaluation of your application

 

The application can be written in English, Norwegian, or another Scandinavian language. The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be sent electronically via the link «Apply for position» on this page.   

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at JobbNorge. Applications that do not include all mandatory attachments will not be considered. 

General information

Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting: 

Professor Malgorzata Cyndecka, the Faculty of Law, Malgorzata.Cyndecka@uib.no, +47 91101024. 

Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. For further information about the recruitment process, click here.

Life as a PhD candidate at UiB

Marion Claireaux tells about life and work as a PhD candidate at UiB.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrtp6VxMeJ4&index=2&list=PLf8ZIYfAO0qjhROTj6SthDbSScg0lSO6G