PhD Researcher in Psychosocial Work Environment and Major Accident Risk
Join a multidisciplinary research project investigating psychosocial factors in petroleum industry safety risks.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a master’s in social sciences, organizational psychology, or human factors, seeking to specialize in workplace safety, risk analysis, and interdisciplinary research methods.
Overview
This PhD position at NTNU Social Research’s Studio Apertura focuses on the **Psychosocial Factors and Major Accident Risk in the Petroleum Industry (PSYCHMAJOR)** project. The successful candidate will contribute to understanding how psychosocial work environments influence major accident risks in complex organizations, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The role offers integration into a leading Norwegian research environment with strong ties to the petroleum industry, combining academic independence with collaborative teamwork. The three-year position is designed to foster research development, with the goal of advancing the candidate’s career in academia or industry. Applicants should demonstrate a strong background in social sciences, organizational psychology, or related fields, along with methodological expertise in data collection and analysis.
What you'll do
- Conduct original research on psychosocial factors contributing to major accident risks in the petroleum industry, aligned with the PSYCHMAJOR project’s objectives.
- Develop and implement research methodologies, including qualitative interviews, quantitative data analysis, and mixed-methods approaches, tailored to the project’s needs.
- Collaborate with industry partners (Equinor, Vår Energi) and academic collaborators to integrate empirical findings into broader safety frameworks.
- Present research findings at academic conferences, workshops, and internal seminars, contributing to the project’s scholarly outputs.
- Develop a PhD dissertation that advances knowledge in psychosocial safety and organizational risk management, with potential for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Engage in team-based research activities, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration within Studio Apertura’s research community.
Requirements
Degree required: A five-year master’s degree (equivalent to 3+2 years) in a relevant field such as psychology, organizational psychology, occupational safety, human factors, social sciences, or related disciplines. Applicants must have a minimum grade of B or equivalent in their master’s program and thesis.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Norwegian and English; proficiency in both languages is mandatory for effective communication and research execution.
Instruction: English (with Norwegian as a secondary language for local collaboration)
- Proven expertise in qualitative or quantitative research methods, or both, with a strong methodological foundation.
- Experience in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, particularly in organizational or safety-related contexts.
- Excellent written and spoken proficiency in both Norwegian and English.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Familiarity with safety research, risk analysis, or organizational behavior theories.
- Applicants must meet the admission criteria for a PhD program at NTNU.
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions, but adherence to Norwegian research institution policies applies.
- Applicants should demonstrate potential for independent research and academic development within the three-year stipend period.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-20
Applicants must submit a CV, including a list of publications and projects, along with relevant academic transcripts and certificates. Applications should be sent electronically through the NTNU Social Research portal or as instructed on the job posting page.
- CV with publication and project list
- Relevant academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of language proficiency (if not evident from prior education)
Contact
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