PhD Research Fellow in Information Systems on AI in the public sector/healthcare

Health/Life sciences

PhD Research Fellow in Information Systems on AI in the public sector/healthcare

About the position

Two (2) positions as PhD Research Fellow in Information Systems are available at the Department of Informatics at the University of Oslo. 

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Starting date no later than October 1, 2024.

The fellowship period is three (3) years.

A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

Knowledge development in a changing world – Science and technology towards 2030.

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Job description

The two positions are devoted to carrying out research on how digital technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI) are organized, implemented, and used in the public sector and healthcare. This involves developing a sociotechnical perspective on AI and performing empirical studies of the processes and consequences of implementing AI in organizational contexts.

Candidates for the two positions are expected to focus their project on one of the two following themes:

1. Organization and implementation of AI in public governance and public sector organizations. Within this theme, there are several possible research topics related to AI and digitalization of the public sector. This includes governmental policies and strategies for AI, the development and implementation of AI solutions in organizations, how AI can be used to automate and augment decisionmaking within governance and public service provisioning, as well as the consequences and implications of such processes.

2. The impact of AI on data work and care practices in healthcare. Within this theme, the candidate can address a range of different topics related to practical use of AI in healthcare. This includes the potential of AI to automate or augment clinical work process and care, the changing conditions for data work and diagnostic procedures, and the potential role redistribution between health professionals and patients. It is also possible to address the theme from a critical angle, for instance by investigating algorithmic bias and (mis)representation of minorities, and how this can be accounted for in the development and use of AI systems. 

Within these broad scopes, the candidates will in cooperation with the supervisor define a focused research project. Empirically, the research project is primarily intended to take place within the context of Norway. 

It is expected that the candidates will:

  • Use ethnographic and/or other qualitative methods for data collection and analysis, including participant observations and interviews. The candidates can also apply mixed or digital methods if appropriate.
  • Take a sociotechnical perspective and engage with theories from social science and/or the humanities to develop new insight into AI and its impact on work, organizing, and governance.
  • Become involved in ongoing projects on sociotechnical approaches to AI and digitalization in Norwegian healthcare / public sector organizations.

Through the research project and attending courses at the department, the candidates will work towards qualifying for a PhD degree in Information Systems (IS). The field is based on a long tradition of studying digital technologies and digitaliza-tion from a sociotechnical perspective and includes a vibrant research community investigating AI and organizing. While a background in IS is not required, it is expected that the candidates are highly motivated to do research within the field. This involves building up knowledge on IS theory and practice, developing IS research papers, and engage actively in this research community. It is not a requirement to have a background in Informatics or AI, but it is expected that the candidate has a research interest in digital technology and will develop insight into the principles of AI.

The candidates’ workplace will be in the Information Systems Research Group at the Department of Informatics. The candidate is expected to be an active member of the group and participate in its core activities. This allows the candidate to build on the group’s close relationship to HISP, a global network supporting and researching digital health, education management, and climate health, where AI and data-driven decisionmaking are important areas of research. The Department of Informatics also has several strong research groups working on machine learning and AI, from both technical and sociotechnical perspectives. 

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

Required qualifications:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant discipline, for example within Information Systems, Informatics, Social Science, or the Humanities. Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system.
  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
  • Proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language
  • Documented background in qualitative methodologies including data collection methods, analytical approaches, and theory-informed interpretative research

Desired qualifications:

  • Knowledge of research related to Information Systems: e.g., digital innovation, information infrastructures, critical data studies, science and technology studies.
  • Strong interest in engaging with social or humanities-based theory to under-stand digital and AI-based technology and its implications.

Candidates without a master’s degree have until 30 June 2024 to complete the final exam.

Grade requirements:
The norm is as follows:

  • The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
  • The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
  • The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educa-tional system
  • English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:

https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8 

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. 

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position.

For more information see: 

http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/
 
http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

Personal skills

  • You are driven by curiosity of how AI will impact organizations and society and you want to explore and develop relevant ideas and concepts to understand it.
  • You have, or are open to, developing communication skills across various research disciplines.
  • You have the capacity to conduct empirical research and are resilient to cope with setbacks in the process.
  • You are a team player who is interested in co-developing research ideas and in playing an active role in the team – yet you also work independently.

We offer

  • Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 per year depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
  • Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement 
  • Vibrant international academic environment
  • Career development programmes
  • Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

  • Cover letter – statement of motivation and research interests
  • CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work – scientific publications)
  • Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records
  • Documentation of English proficiency if applicable
  • List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
  • Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
  • A research proposal that describes the aims of the PhD research (Maximum 3 pages)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system (please follow the link “Apply for this job”). Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

UiO has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

For further information please contact Associate Professor Alexander Kempton, alexansk@ifi.uio.no or Associate Professor Troels Mønsted, monsted@ifi.uio.no 

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Therese Ringvold,  e-mail: therese.ringvold@mn.uio.no

About the University of Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society. 

The Department of Informatics (IFI) is one of nine departments belonging to the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. IFI is Norway’s largest university department for general education and research in Computer Science and related topics. 

The Department has more than 1800 students on bachelor level, 600 master students, and over 240 PhDs and postdocs. The overall staff of the Department is close to 370 employees, about 280 of these in full time positions. The full time tenured academic staff is 75, mostly Full/Associate Professors.

 

Deadline: 2024-02-29 at 23:59
Unit: Health/Life sciences

Read the job description at the university homepage or apply.