Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Action-Oriented Modeling for Trustworthy AI, University of Oslo, Norway

The University of Oslo (UiO) invites applications for a 3-year, full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow position at the Department of Informatics. The project, funded by the TRUST – Norwegian Centre for Trustworthy AI, focuses on developing Action-Oriented Modeling, a methodological framework for making AI systems more adaptable, transparent, governable, and useful in real-world organizational settings.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Action-Oriented Modeling for Trustworthy AI

The successful candidate will combine information systems, machine learning, qualitative research, action research, and participatory design to develop and empirically validate the framework. Applications are particularly encouraged from researchers interested in sociotechnical AI and trustworthy AI in healthcare, public health, governance, and other operational contexts.

Summary Table

Designation

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Research Area

• Trustworthy and responsible AI
• Information systems and machine learning
• Action-oriented modeling
• Sociotechnical systems
• Action research
• Participatory design
• Design science research
• Predictive modeling
• AI governance and model ownership
• AI applications in public health and municipal surveillance

Location

Department of Informatics, University of Oslo
Gaustadalléen 23 B, 0373 Oslo, Norway

The researcher will participate in the research and social activities of TRUST – the Norwegian Centre for Trustworthy AI and the Information Systems research group.

Eligibility / Qualification

Required qualifications:

• A doctoral degree equivalent to a Norwegian PhD in:
  • Information Systems
  • Informatics
  • Computer Science
  • Science and Technology Studies
  • or another relevant field.
• The doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation by the application deadline. Appointment requires an approved doctoral thesis and public defense.
• Demonstrated experience with engaged qualitative research methods in organizational settings, such as:
  • Action research
  • Design science research
  • Participatory design
• Demonstrated ability to publish conceptual, theoretical, or methodological research in high-ranking peer-reviewed journals or conferences.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Candidates must meet applicable security-eligibility requirements.

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience in sociotechnical research involving interactions between technology, people, and organizations.
• Understanding of machine learning and predictive modeling sufficient to engage critically with data scientists regarding data quality, assumptions, and model development.
• Technical skills sufficient to deploy and test machine-learning models.

Job Description

The postdoctoral researcher will lead the development of the Action-Oriented Modeling framework, which aims to address the gap between technically accurate AI models and their successful implementation in real-world organizational environments.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Develop and formalize the Action-Oriented Modeling template as the central theoretical and methodological contribution.
2. Publish research findings in high-quality academic journals and conferences.
3. Empirically validate the framework using action research and participatory design approaches.
4. Develop governance principles that enable local stakeholders to maintain and revise AI models as operational contexts change.
5. Coordinate collaboration between the core research team, implementation partners, and local stakeholders.
6. Act as a competence hub for action-oriented AI research within TRUST.
7. Work across technical and institutional boundaries with researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers.

The research will be informed by two empirical cases:

• Climate-sensitive disease prediction supporting public-health decisions in low- and middle-income countries, using DHIS2 and the HISP action research network involving national health teams in ten countries.
• KoSy, a DHIS2-based municipal surveillance platform operated by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

The position does not require teaching, supervision, or research-assistance duties.

What the University Offers

• A position within a major national research initiative on trustworthy AI.
• Access to the TRUST research network and operational partners in ten countries.
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities involving AI, information systems, social sciences, law, and philosophy.
• A strong academic and collaborative working environment.
• Career and professional development opportunities.
• Postdoctoral development programmes.
• Good welfare and pension benefits through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Opportunity for up to 1.5 hours of exercise per week during working hours.
• Salary of NOK 595,000–690,000 annually, depending on competence and experience.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Jobbnorge recruitment system by selecting “Apply for this job.”

The application should include:

1. Cover letter explaining motivation, scientific work, and research interests. The advertisement specifically states that the cover letter should not be written with the help of AI.
2. Research statement of maximum three pages, explaining how you would develop and validate the Action-Oriented Modeling template. This is the main basis for evaluating research fit.
3. CV covering education, positions, pedagogical and administrative experience, and other relevant qualifications.
4. Copies of educational certificates and academic transcripts.
5. Complete publication list.
6. Up to five selected academic works, preferably provided through publication links.
7. Names and contact details of 2–3 referees, including their relationship to the applicant, email address, and telephone number.
8. Education results should preferably be retrieved through Vitnemålsportalen. If unavailable, upload copies of transcripts/grades.

All documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Last Date to Apply

1 November 2026

Employer: University of Oslo
Department: Department of Informatics
Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Deadline: 1 November 2026
Starting Date: No later than 1 March 2027

Apply Link

Apply Here