St. nr. 11/2026 - PhD Position in Mathematics Education, Artificial Intelligence and Competence Dev

The position

Faculty of Humanities and education, The Department of Science and Mathematics at Volda University College invites applications for a three-year PhD Position in mathematics education, artificial intelligence (AI) and competence development.

The position is linked to research activities within TRUST (The Norwegian Centre for Trustworthy AI), one of Norway’s national research centres for artificial intelligence. 

The successful candidate will apply for admission to the PhD programme in Education, Language and Culture at Volda University College. The programme takes an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating perspectives on teaching and learning across different subject areas.

The PhD project will be developed in close collaboration with the supervisors within the research framework outlined in this announcement. The candidate is expected to start as soon as possible after appointment.

The research project

Artificial intelligence is transforming education, working life and society, creating a need for new knowledge about the competencies people require in an AI-rich society. The project focuses particularly on mathematical competencies relevant to the development, use and understanding of AI, including modelling, abstraction, statistical reasoning and algorithmic thinking.

The candidate will develop an independent doctoral research project within this broad framework. Possible areas of investigation may include:

• which mathematical and AI-related competencies will become important in a society shaped by AI
• how such competencies are integrated into education and can be developed through educational practice
• how teaching approaches, learning resources and initiatives for competence development can be designed
• how such initiatives can be investigated and evaluated in authentic educational settings
• how AI may shape students’ opportunities for mathematics learning, academic support and developing life skills across home, school and everyday settings
• how these changes may help reduce social and educational inequalities and support participation and democratic development

The project will be rooted in mathematics education research. The final research questions, theoretical framework and research design will be developed in collaboration with the supervisors.

Through TRUST – The Norwegian Centre for Trustworthy AI, and its more than 70 national and international partners from academia, industry, government, and civil society, the candidate will have access to an extensive national and international research network.

TRUST is advancing trustworthy AI that is accurate, interpretable, inclusive, fair, safe, sustainable and well governed. Combining expertise in (i) machine learning, statistics, mathematics, and data science, (ii) law, and social sciences, and (iii) philosophy, the centre develops AI technologies and interdisciplinary frameworks, supports innovation and examines AI’s impact on democracy, the rule of law, and the environment. Research spans theoretical, methodological, legal and empirical perspectives, tested in real-world contexts, including healthcare, mobility, governance, security, and climate resilience. Users, citizens and civil society organisations contribute to assessing the trustworthiness of research and innovation. 

TRUST is funded by the Research Council of Norway and public and private partners, and is led by the University of Oslo, SINTEF and the Norwegian Computing Center (NR). 

Responsibilities

The candidate will:

• carry out an independent doctoral research project
• plan and conduct research activities and data collection
• analyse research data and publish findings
• disseminate research through academic publications, conferences and other relevant forums
• participate actively in the research community at Volda University College and in TRUST-related activities
• collaborate with national and international research partners and practitioners

Required qualifications

Applicants must have:

• a master’s degree or equivalent qualification in mathematics education, mathematics, computing education, educational sciences or a closely related field
• an academic background qualifying for admission to the PhD programme in Education, Language and Culture at Volda University College, normally with grades equivalent to B or higher
• good spoken and written English skills

Desirable qualifications

We particularly welcome applicants who can demonstrate one or more of the following:

• documented competence in mathematics teaching or mathematics education, for example through teaching, research, development work or teacher education
• documented knowledge of or experience with AI, digital technology, programming, data analysis or related areas
• competence in mathematical modelling, statistics or statistical analysis
• experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
• research experience in mathematics education, educational sciences or a related field
• familiarity with the Norwegian or another Scandinavian education system, curriculum development or competence development

Proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is an advantage, particularly for collaboration with schools, data collection and research dissemination, but is not a requirement.

Personal qualities

We are seeking a candidate who:

• is intellectually curious and motivated to undertake doctoral research
• works independently and systematically
• has strong collaboration and communication skills
• is motivated and committed to contribute actively to an interdisciplinary research environment

Personal suitability will be taken into account.

We offer

• a fully funded three-year PhD position
• an active community of doctoral candidates affiliated with the PhD programme in Education, Language and Culture
• a strong research environment in science, mathematics, and mathematics education at Volda University College
• participation in research activities and networks associated with TRUST
• excellent opportunities for national and international research collaboration
• salary in accordance with the Norwegian state salary scale and membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK). The starting salary is set at NOK 580,000, with an automatic annual progression of 3% for a maximum of 4 years.

General information

Volda University College is committed to diversity and encourages qualified applicants to apply regardless of age, gender, disability, or ethnic background.

The appointment will be made in accordance with the terms and conditions applicable to the position. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge. A public list of applicants will be drawn up after the application deadline. Applicants who wish to request exemption from the public list must provide reasons for this in their application.

Application requirements

Applications must include:

• a cover letter and a statement of motivation (1–2 pages) explaining the applicant’s motivation and how their academic background and expertise are relevant to the position
• a curriculum vitae (CV)
• degree certificates and academic transcripts
• a writing sample, such as a master’s thesis, manuscript or published article
• the names and contact details of 2–3 referees

The PhD project will be developed in collaboration with the supervisors after appointment.

Applications may be written in English, Norwegian, or another Scandinavian language.

Contact

For further information about the position, please contact:

• Arve Fiskerstrand, Associate Professor, Department of Science and Mathematics, arve.fiskerstrand@hivolda.no
• Andreas Brandsæter, Professor, Department of Science and Mathematics, andreas.brandsaeter@hivolda.no

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