PhD Research Fellowship in Narrative Data Visualisation

Organisation/Company

University of Bergen

Department

Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies

Research Field

Computer science » Other
Cultural studies » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions

PhD Positions

Application Deadline

30 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Oslo)

Country

Norway

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

37,5

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

UiB - Knowledge that shapes society

UiB shall be among Europe's leading universities, internationally recognized for high quality in research and education. As a societal institution, we shall contribute to sustainable and democratic development and be an attractive and inclusive place to study and work.

PhD Research Fellowship in Narrative Data Visualisation connected to the Center for Digital Narrative at the Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies

Are you someone who’s really passionate about narratives and the way that stories shape the way we see and understand the data and information in our world? 

We are seeking a motivated and academically strong candidate for a PhD Research Fellowship in Narrative Data Visualisation at the Center for Digital Narrative, which is part of the Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies, commencing January 1st, 2027, or as agreed upon. The position is for a fixed-term period of three years. 

The position is hosted by the Center for Digital Narrative (CDN), a Norwegian Centre of Research Excellence, and is closely linked to the Visualization Group (VisGroup) at the Department of Informatics. The successful applicant will divide their time between the two research environments and will be encouraged to engage actively with both communities. Though the candidate will have some freedom to choose which data to work with in their PhD project, we expect the development of connections with ongoing projects at CDN, particularly the ERC Advanced Grant project AI STORIES, while also taking full advantage of the methodological and technical expertise available at the VisGroup.

About the Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies

The Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies has approximately 80 academic staff, 17 administrative staff, around 40 PhD candidates, and 13 postdoctoral researchers. The department includes the disciplines of comparative literature, digital culture, classical studies, art history, Nordic literature, language and subject didactics, Old Norse philology, Norwegian as a second language, linguistics, and theatre studies. The department is also a proud host of two centres—the Center for Digital Narrative and the Center for Norwegian Professional Language—as well as three of the most important dictionaries in Norway.

About the Center for Digital Narrative (CDN)

The Center for Digital Narrative is a Norwegian Centre of Research Excellence dedicated to humanities-driven research on digital narratives, including electronic literature, game studies, digital culture, and computational forms of storytelling. CDN focuses on algorithmic narrativity, new environments and materialities, and the shifting cultural contexts in which digital narratives are received and processed. We investigate the ways that the interactions of human authors and non-human agents result in new narrative forms, how the materialities of digital narratives have changed over time, and how cultural contexts are reshaping their materiality, use and function. CDN also offers a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment with extensive international collaborations, exhibitions, training opportunities, and cross-sectoral partnerships.

About the AI STORIES project

AI STORIES: Narrative Archetypes for Artificial Intelligence is a five‑year, ERC‑funded project (2024–2029) led by Professor Jill Walker Rettberg. The project explores and tests the hypothesis that deep narrative structures in the data and processes that are used to train generative AI models are replicated and perhaps exaggerated in the output of generative AI, and that this could lead to culturally specific narrative biases. This is humanities research using qualitative methods from literary studies and digital culture studies.

About the PhD Fellowship and Research Training:

The primary objective of the PhD position is to lead to the successful completion of a doctoral degree (PhD) that qualifies for independent research and other roles requiring specific competencies. 

The duration of the PhD position is three years, of which 2.5 years will be allocated to work on the doctoral research project. As a PhD fellow, you will be admitted to the Faculty of Humanities’ PhD programme . The programme includes a training component of 30 ECTS, corresponding to six months of the employment period.

Qualifications and Personal Qualities:

The applicant must have:

• A Norwegian master’s degree or an equivalent foreign degree in Digital Culture, Digital Humanities, Computer Science, or another subject that includes training in either digital design, critical theory, or narrative theory and analysis. The degree must have been awarded by the application deadline. Foreign degrees will be assessed in accordance with the standards set by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills.
• Experience designing and developing (i.e. programming) data visualizations, documented by coursework, portfolio or code repository.
• An ability to work independently and in a well-structured manner, combined with strong collaborative skills. 
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English. 

It is an advantage to have: 

• Knowledge of critical theory and familiarity with qualitative analysis practices.
• Knowledge of narrative theory or narrative analysis.
• Excellent programming skills, particularly in developing visual interfaces and/or applications.
• Knowledge of UI/UX and graphic design principles.

Applicants will be assessed according to the admission requirements outlined in section 2.1 of The Faculty of Humanities' PhD Programme.

Applicants must submit a project proposal for a research project intended to result in a doctoral dissertation, along with a progress plan for the project.

In assessing the applications, emphasis will be placed on the academic quality and feasibility of the proposed project and the applicant’s academic qualifications. Further emphasis will be placed on strategic considerations, motivation, and personal suitability.

We Can Offer:

• A good and professionally stimulating work environment.
• Opportunities to build strong professional networks.
• A secure and flexible working environment with good welfare benefits.
• A workplace in the heart of Bergen – close to both urban life and nature.
• Salary as a PhD fellow (position code 1017), currently corresponding to a gross annual salary of NOK 593,700 for a full-time position. Salary increases will be based on seniority in the position.
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund , which provides a secure occupational pension scheme, disability and survivor benefits, as well as access to favourable housing loans. 

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted electronically through the link “APPLY FOR THIS JOB”. Please follow the steps in the application process and include the following: 

• Under “Application text”: Write a brief description of your research interests and motivation for applying for the position. This should explain your interest in the position and why your background and research interests make you a strong fit.
• Under “CV”, include: 
  • Personal details. 
  • Relevant experience and qualifications (fill in the sections applicable to you). A list of publications/scientific works may be uploaded as a separate document if preferred (publication list).
  • Language proficiency.
  • At least two referees, one of whom must be the main supervisor for the master’s thesis or equivalent thesis, or most recent supervisor if the applicant is applying from the private sector. 
• Under “Attachments”, upload the following as separate documents: 
  • A project proposal of up to 2 pages. The project proposal should clearly describe the core research idea(s) you wish to explore, explaining their relevance to both your research interest and the AI Stories project.
  • A progress plan for the above project proposal that takes the training component of the Ph.D.-program into account. 
  • Transcripts and diplomas for your bachelor's and master's degrees must be uploaded from the Diploma Registry (Vitnemålsportalen). If not available via the registry, please upload as regular files. If the scope of your master’s degree and thesis is not evident from the transcript or diploma, a confirmation from the awarding institution specifying the ECTS must be included. 
  • A brief summary of the master’s thesis or equivalent thesis (up to three pages). 
  • A list of any academic publications (publication list). 
  • Up to three complete academic publications may be included, if relevant. 
  • Relevant certificates documenting your qualifications, skills, experiences or qualities. 

The application text, CV and attachments must be in Norwegian, another Scandinavian language or English. Documents in other languages must be accompanied by a certified translation. Attachments must be in Word or PDF format and uploaded to Jobbnorge within the application deadline. Please name all attachments clearly. 

The Evaluation Committee may, in special cases, request additional documentation.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.

Further information about the appointment process is available here.

Formal regulations:

• Applicants who have previously held a PhD fellowship at the University of Bergen are not eligible to apply for this position.
• The employment period may be reduced for candidates who have previously held a recruitment position at another institution.
• The appointed candidate is required to have their daily workplace at the University of Bergen and must comply with applicable guidelines. 

General information:

Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting the Head of the Center for Digital Narrative, Professor Jill Walker Rettberg at [email protected]  phone +47 55588431 : or the Head of Department, Professor Anders Fagerjord at [email protected] , phone: +47 55583653 .

Questions regarding the electronic application process can be directed to the Faculty of Humanities at [email protected] . 

The International Center at UiB has information about relocating to Norway for international applicants.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions. Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of applicants. The applicant will be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

We encourage men to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply. 

Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Life as a PhD candidate at UiB

Marion Claireaux tells about life and work as a PhD candidate at UiB.

Website

https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/303954/phd-research-fellowship-i…

Research Field

Computer science » Other

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Cultural studies » Other

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies

Country

Norway

Geofield

City

Bergen

Website

https://www.uib.no/en/charterandcode

Street

Muséplassen 2

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