Research Manager for Digital Sovereignty

From 1 January 2026, IFE takes the lead in Norway by establishing the country’s first research group on Digital Sovereignty. As nations strive to protect digital infrastructure, critical assets, and economic resilience, the urgency for robust policies and frameworks has never been greater. We are now seeking a Research Manager to lead this newly established department, shaping its direction and driving research that strengthens national and European digital independence.

The department will be set up by a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers experienced with doing applied research. Our research/business areas are: Energy, Nuclear, Digital Sovereignty, Defence, Industry and Public services. Our current project portfolio includes projects funded by EU, The Norwegian Research Council, Industry-client and the joint funded Research Project: OECD NEA Halden Project. We have competence and skills from doing applied research and consultancy with large clients nationally and internationally. We work closely with other departments across IFE as well as within the Nuclear division to which we belong, participating in research, design, development, and evaluation of complex digital systems. The new department is responsible for international conference on Digital Sovereignty (ICDS): 2nd International Conference on Digital Sovereignty (ICDS) 2025 - IFE

The research manager’s role involves developing and managing the department and creating an inspiring environment where the best minds can thrive founded on our values; passion, integrity and creativity. The research manager reports to a research director and participates in the division management team. Candidates should be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to build strong relationships throughout the organization. In addition to leading the department, you are expected to participate in or lead projects and conduct your own research.

 

Duties and responsibilities

• Manage and deliver world class research projects as project owner
• Develop and execute strategic plans for the department
• Financial and personnel responsibility for the department
• Responsibility for professional development of the employees
• Responsible of the department research capabilities and in its recruitment
• Ensure and manage utilisation of resources
• Initiate, head up and contribute to research proposals and sales initiatives
• Ensure visibility and market the department capabilities internally and external
• Develop necessary capacity and competence to meet customer needs
• Conduct research (write papers and proposals, conduct research work)

Additional tasks  

• Contribute to a positive economy for IFE
• Strive for a unified division strategy
• Facilitate to projects across our organisation           

Qualifications

• Education level: PhD, or M.Sc.
• Research experience that aligns with the department’s research focus
• Experience from leadership roles in research-based organisations and coordination of research projects
• Experience from marketing and selling research projects

Personal qualities

• Team player that brings out the best in our people
• A leader that motivates and manages staff effectively, and builds a positive working environment
• Customer and sales oriented with an understanding for applied research and customer needs
• Results focused with an ability to deliver on expectations
• Ability to find innovative solutions
• Fluency in Norwegian and English, both oral and written

We can offer

• An exciting management position within applied research
• A stimulating work environment with skillful, experienced, and creative colleagues
• A job where applied research is put to practical use
• Challenging research projects based on industry applications
• Plentiful opportunities for collaboration with ongoing projects in other research groups
• Well-established national and international scientific and industrial networks
• Competitive salary (subject to qualifications)
• A large degree of autonomy and flexible working hours

 

IFE is subject to the Security Act, which includes requirements for the organisation’s management of critical national information, as well as other relevant legislation concerning the management of sensitive information. On this basis, it is a prerequisite for employment that the applicant is suitable from a security perspective. Note that relevant applicants will be asked questions that are necessary to ascertain this. This includes questions about any ties to countries that the PST has classified as a ‘high-risk country’ in its open threat assessment. Background checks are performed as part of our recruitment process.

We view diversity as a strength in our work. We therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and ethnic background. We place great emphasis on your personal suitability for the position.

Kontaktinformasjon

Bjørn Axel Gran, Divisjonsdirektør, +47 90955295

Arbeidssted

Os Allé 5
1777 Halden

Nøkkelinformasjon:

Arbeidsgiver: Institutt for energiteknikk (IFE)

Referansenr.: 5020778891
Stillingsprosent: 100%
Permanent position
Søknadsfrist: 12.10.2025