PhD Scholarship in Wargaming
Description
Do you want to contribute to the future of wargaming research in the Norwegian Armed Forces?
The Norwegian Defence Command and Staff College (Stabsskolen), part of the Norwegian Defence University College (NDUC/FHS), is seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in wargaming and a desire to pursue a PhD in which wargaming plays a central role. The position is funded through the Technology in Multi-Domain Operations (TEK-MDO) project and is offered for a fixed term of four years, with 25% of the position allocated to teaching and other duties. NDUC’s long-term ambition is to establish a permanent academic capability in wargaming.
The NDUC is Norway’s leading academic institution in military power, security, and defence policy. The College delivers accredited education and advanced professional military education, conducts research related to military power and operations, and supports the Norwegian Armed Forces, NATO, and the United Nations. The successful candidate will contribute to the planning, development, and conduct of wargaming activities at Stabsskolen, within the TEK-MDO project, and across NDUC, working closely with academic staff, military practitioners, and national and international partners. The position places particular emphasis on the use of new technologies, innovative methods, and pedagogical development in wargaming activities.
The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to establishing a long-term academic environment for wargaming at NDUC, while working closely with researchers, military practitioners, NATO partners, and other stakeholders and partners.
NDUC has campuses in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Lillehammer.
NDUC aims to be an attractive and inclusive workplace that attracts the best candidates, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or ethnicity.
Work Tasks- Conduct doctoral research and complete a PhD thesis focused on wargaming
- Contribute to wargaming research and practice at NDUC through publications, academic networks, and practitioner engagement
- Contribute to teaching, supervision, and other academic activities
- Support wargaming activities and related projects, including Technology in Multi-Domain Operations (TEK-MDO) and Applied Technology in Military Operations (ATMO)
- Engage with national and international academic and professional networks
- A master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
- Demonstrated interest in wargaming, game-based learning, simulation, professional military education, defence analysis, or related fields
- Strong academic record and demonstrated research potential
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- The position requires a security clearance at the level of HEMMELIG (Secret) in accordance with the Norwegian Security Act. For more information, see
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with wargaming, simulation, tabletop exercises, or game-based learning
- Teaching experience or an interest in the educational applications of wargaming
- Experience from military service, particularly at the operational level
- Understanding of military operations, as well as security- and defence policy
- Experience with qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research
- Communication skills in Norwegian
Personal Qualities:
- Self-motivated and able to work independently
- Flexible and adaptable
- Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills
- Curious, creative, and willing to explore and innovate
- Able to manage long-term research projects and meet deadlines
- A unique opportunity to help shape the development of wargaming research and education within the Norwegian defence sector
- The opportunity to pursue a PhD while contributing directly to the development of wargaming in military education and analysis
- Collaboration with academic and military professionals in Norway and abroad
- A key role in strengthening and expanding NDUC’s growing wargaming community
- While the position is offered as a four-year fixed-term appointment, NDUC has a long-term ambition to establish a permanent academic capability in wargaming. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to laying the foundation for this development
- Good welfare schemes, including up to two hours of physical training during working hours per week, when duties permit
- The position is remunerated in accordance with the Norwegian State Salary Scale as Doctoral Research Fellow (code 1017), with a salary range of NOK 633,555–712,480 gross per year, depending on qualifications. A statutory deduction of 2% to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens pensjonskasse) applies
Applicants are requested to submit the following:
- Cover letter describing motivation and research interests
- Curriculum Vitae, including education, work experience, and other relevant qualifications
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Complete list of publications, including published and accepted works
- Master’s thesis or another substantial academic work
- Contact details for referees, and/or letters of recommendation
Om arbeidsgiveren:
The Norwegian Defence University College consists of seven educational departments and one research institute. Its primary mission is to educate all non-commissioned officers and commissioned officers in the Norwegian Armed Forces. As an employee of the Norwegian Defence University College, you will become part of Norway’s premier academic and professional environment in security and defence policy and military affairs.
In the Armed Forces, we aim for the workforce to reflect the diversity of the population to the greatest extent possible. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of gender, cultural background, or gaps in their CV. Some positions within the Armed Forces may have specific health requirements and physical fitness standards.
Pursuant to Section 25, second paragraph of the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act, information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to be included on the list of applicants. Separate regulations apply to military positions.
The Norwegian Armed Forces uses an electronic recruitment process. Certificates, references, and academic transcripts/diplomas must be attached to the application.
A background check will be conducted as part of the security clearance process.
Read more about careers in the Norwegian Armed Forces.