PhD in Business - Economic Analysis and Accounting

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16th February 2026
Languages
English

• Norsk Bokmål
• English

English
Do you want to contribute to new knowledge relevant for businesses and society?
PhD in Business - Economic Analysis and Accounting
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Pursue a PhD at Nord University

Would you like to help create knowledge that makes a difference?
At Nord University, we develop future-oriented solutions through education, research, and collaboration with the communities around us.

Our PhD program in Business is a fully-funded three- or four-year research education, which includes an intensive course component, research leading to a doctoral dissertation and relevant work experience. A PhD in Business from Nord University Business School qualifies for varied assignments that require high competence and very good analytical skills. Many continue in scholarly positions with teaching and research, while others choose positions in public or private business. Nord University Business School is a member of the European Doctoral Programmes Association in Management & Business Administration (EDAMBA ).

Nord in the world – knowledge for the future.

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About the position

Nord University Business School is seeking a total of nine new PhD candidates, of which two will be part of the division Economic Analysis and Accounting . The planned start date for the positions is mid‑August 2026. Your office location will be in Bodø . We place great emphasis on creating an engaging and supportive working environment, and your daily presence in the office is an important part of this.

As a PhD research fellow with us, you will have a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in research and to contribute new insights that can make a difference—both in academia and in the business sector. You will become part of a strong academic environment, with access to an international network and regular research seminars featuring renowned scholars.

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• be admitted to the PhD programme in Business with the aim of obtaining the PhD degree
• have affiliation with one of the research groups at the Business School
• conduct high‑quality research within the chosen topic area
• publish scientific articles and contribute to disseminating research results to a wider audience
• participate in international conferences and have the opportunity for research stays at foreign universities

The employment period is either three years with full research training, or four years with research training combined with other career‑promoting duties such as teaching, supervision, or other tasks. This will be determined during the recruitment process.

We are looking for candidates who wish to conduct research on topics within one of the following areas:

• How AI is transforming small and medium-sized accounting and auditing practices. The PhD candidate will be affiliated with the research project TRANSACT AI. The PhD project may address consequences for the quality and scope of services, governance and organizational structures, as well as implications for market structure, growth, and consolidation at the industry level. A Scandinavian perspective is desired and therefore proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is required.
• Transport preparedness and resilience: Northern Norway has long distances, few alternative transport routes, and challenging weather conditions, in addition to increasing geopolitical pressures. This makes the region’s supply chains particularly vulnerable. More knowledge about transport preparedness and resilience can reduce this vulnerability and ensure necessary mobility during crises, extreme weather, and international tensions.
• The future transport and logistics system between Finland, Sweden, and Norway: how to achieve increased efficiency, green transition, and innovation. Sweden and Finland as NATO members increase the need for robust solutions that support both civilian and military purposes. The candidate will analyze policy for the Nordic northern-area and conduct research in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Solid knowledge of Nordic affairs and proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is required.
• Financial risk in an unsettled world; In a time marked by geopolitical uncertainty, cyber threats, and climate change, both firms and investors face risks that traditional models do not fully capture. In addition to the risk areas mentioned, topics related to supply chains, preparedness, sanctions, fragmentation, and capital flows may also be relevant. The project may examine how such risks are priced, managed, or influence capital allocation.
• Artificial intelligence, productivity, and financing; With increasing labor shortages and rapid AI development, the assumptions underlying firms’ investment and financing decisions are changing. Topics can include demographic changes, automation, productivity, and innovation. The project may investigate how firms finance transformation, how AI adoption affects valuation, or how investors assess technological change risk.

via Unsplash
Qualification requirements

• Completed a five-year university education (300 credits) including a two-year master’s degree in business or equivalent education with a master’s thesis as the final scientific work. At least 90 credits should be within a subject area that is relevant for the doctoral project. It is possible to apply while completing your master’s degree, but documentation of the completed degree must be provided before the start date.
• Good grades from the master’s degree (normally grade B or better both on average and on the master’s thesis)
• Fulfil the requirements for admission to the ph.d. program . 
• Good knowledge of English, both written and oral (the thesis is written in English).
• Good knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language will be an advantage. If Norwegian language is considered necessary to carry out the outlined project, good knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is a requirement.
• Strong analytical skills and relevant methodological knowledge.

For detailed information about what the application must include, see the section "Application’"

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

In addition to the documented qualification requirements, emphasis will be placed on the following criteria:

• The academic strength, originality, feasibility, and relevance of the project in relation to the Business School’s research areas.
• Documented results from the master’s programme, including the quality of the master’s thesis and the candidate’s academic specialization.
• A clear and well‑reflected motivation for the position, as well as a strong commitment to research and personal academic development.
• Experience with research work and methodological skills, including the ability to conduct critical analysis and draw well‑reasoned conclusions.
• Documented ability to work purposefully and independently, take responsibility, and drive processes forward.
• Ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary and diverse environments, and willingness to contribute actively to an inclusive and stimulating research community.
• Ability to plan and work systematically, while managing new ideas and changes in a constructive manner.
• Ability to communicate research clearly and engagingly—both in writing and orally—and to participate actively in academic discussions.

We offer

The positions are paid according to the State’s regulations, PhD candidate code 1017, normally annual salary of NOK 550 800,-  with a 3% increase per year. From the salary, a statutory deposit goes to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

• Strong academic support: Access to supervision, mentoring schemes, and professional development courses and seminars that enable you to grow in the role.
• An inspiring environment: A creative and collegial working atmosphere where ideas are shared and collaboration is central.
• Flexibility: A high degree of autonomy in planning and organizing your workday within agreed parameters.
• An active community: Sports clubs and social activities that promote well‑being and strengthen networks.
• Secure employment conditions,  including favorable loan, insurance, and pension schemes through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Opportunity to take basic Norwegian language courses.

Contact information

Further information about the position can be obtained by contacting :

• How AI is transforming small and medium-sized accounting and auditing practices: Professor Anatoli Bourmistrov
• Transport preparedness and resilience:  Professor Thor-Erik Sandberg Hanssen
• The future transp. & log. syst. between Finland, Sweden, and Norway: Professor Thor-Erik Sandberg Hanssen
• Financial risk in an unsettled world: Professor Thomas Leirvik
• Artificial intelligence, productivity and financing: Professor Thomas Leirvik
• Administrative issues: Senior advisor/Ph.D. coordinator Grete I. Knudsen

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically by February 16, 2026.

The application must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no by the application deadline. It must include all required attachments, including a description of scholarly work, as this forms the basis for the assessment.

Important to note: All documents must be in Norwegian, another Scandinavian language, or English. If the original documents are not in English or a Scandinavian language, a certified translation must be submitted together with a copy of the original document. The application will be assessed solely on the basis of the information available at the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience meet the criteria described in the announcement. All attachments are to be uploaded electronically together with the application. If you are invited for an interview, you must be able to present certified copies of diplomas and transcripts upon request.

Contents of the application:

• Cover letter (1–2 pages): Describe your motivation for the position and explain how your education, research interests, and experience are relevant to the chosen topic.
• Project proposal (maximum 5 pages): Linked to one of the topics in the announcement. The proposal should outline ideas for the research question, progress plan, relevance, as well as theoretical and methodological approach. The project proposal forms part of the competence assessment carried out by an academic committee after the application deadline. The final project description will be developed in collaboration with the supervisors within two months of employment and will form the basis for admission to the PhD programme.
• Complete CV: Including education, work and teaching experience, as well as a list of any academic publications.
• Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and relevant certificates. If all or part of your education was completed abroad, you must include documentation of the scope and quality of your entire educational trajectory, as well as any statement from the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir ).
• Documentation of English proficiency (same requirements as for admission to the master programmes).
• Copy of the master’s thesis (PDF): If the thesis has not yet been submitted, a draft may be included. Documentation of a completed master’s degree must be provided before commencement.
• Two to three references: Provide name, relationship to the applicant, email address, and telephone number.
• Applicants who already hold a PhD must document that the proposed project provides substantial new academic qualification beyond their existing doctoral competence.
• Any other relevant activities you wish to have considered.

Use of AI tools: Any use of AI tools in the preparation of the application text or project proposal must be declared, with a brief explanation of how the tool was used. This is to ensure transparency and accountability.

Refnr. 30247935

General information

We strive for a working environment that reflects the diversity of society. Diverse perspectives enable better solutions, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply—regardless of disability, life experience, gaps in employment history, or cultural background.

After the application deadline, a public list of applicants will be prepared. Please note that information about applicants may be made public even if a request for exemption from the public list has been submitted. Applicants who request confidentiality must provide a specific justification in the application. In such cases, applicants will be notified in advance if their information is to be disclosed.

We are committed to an open and fair process. All applications are first assessed administratively against the qualification requirements, followed by evaluation by an academic assessment committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. 

The appointment will be made in accordance with applicable laws, agreements, and guidelines. Organizational changes may result in adjustments to responsibilities and duties. 

It is not permitted to hold more than one fixed-term period in the same position category at the same institution.

Nord University is subject to the Norwegian Security Act, which imposes requirements for handling protectable and sensitive information. To enhance security in recruitment processes, Nord may conduct background checks on relevant candidates. For the topics Transport Security and The Future Transport and Logistics System, Nord University will apply particular caution when considering candidates with ties to high risk countries.

Nord University

Through research, education and social engagement, Nord University contributes to the creation of a sustainable future.
In cooperation with society, business and industry in Northern and Central Norway, our 11,500 students and 1,350 staff promote innovative solutions and knowledge-based practice, both locally and internationally.
Nord University has four strategic focus areas: blue and green growth, sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship, societal security, and health, welfare and education.

Nord University Business School (HHN) educates the economists, managers and innovators of tomorrow. The Business School provides relevant education and research holding international level through its close cooperation with business, public management and society. The Faculty offers a PhD in Business. Nord University Business School has 2,800 students and 230 employees. The professional community is organised into the following divisions: Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Market, Organisation and Management; Economic Analysis and Accounting, High North Knowledge and Traffic.

HHN is in the process of obtaining AACSB accrediation.

Read more: www.nord.no/hhn

 

Apply for this job
Deadline

16th February 2026

Employer

Nord University

Municipality

Bodø

Scope

Fulltime (1 positions) Fulltime (%)

Duration

Fixed Term

Place of service
Postboks 1490, 8049 Bodø

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