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 active