About the Center for Modeling Social Systems

The Center for Modeling Social Systems (CMSS) is a passionate, interdisciplinary research group at the intersection of cognitive, social, and computational sciences that works with subject matter experts and policy professionals to co-create conceptual and computational models for analyzing and predicting societal change. We use a variety of computational methods, but our favorite approach is agent-based modelling (ABM). As part of several multinational consortia, CMSS has been developing computational models on topics related to sustainable development and peaceful societal transitions. Our aim is to provide meaningful scientific contributions to solving present-day societal challenges, often by working together with stakeholders. In the foreseeable future, we will focus on consolidating our pioneering position in the Norwegian research landscape and strengthen our presence on international arenas. Our aim is that one day MIT is going to want to be us.

About the position

The selected candidate will be appointed a full-time position as a Researcher (Forsker III) or a Senior researcher (Forsker II) in the NORCE Kristiansand office. The working language is English, although knowledge of or willingness to learn Norwegian will be an additional advantage.

We are looking for a researcher(s) who can enhance the CMSS team, especially in upcoming projects where software development, GUI development, and data visualization play a central role. The successful candidate(s) will initially focus on developing crucial components (incl. computational models, LLM-enhanced user interfaces and advanced data visualization) for internal strategic infrastructures (e.g. the Social Digital Twin of Norway) and externally-funded projects (NFR, HEU).

There are no teaching obligations. Members of the CMSS team are expected to pursue grant applications and represent NORCE at dissemination events.

Who are we looking for?

We invite candidates eager to build their career in a leading computational research team, contributing significantly to both methodological innovation and real-world applications. You should be able to work independently and collaborate effectively with local and international teams. In particular, you will develop simulation models and user-friendly interfaces, ensuring stakeholder engagement.

The responsibilities for a Senior Researcher position include leading tasks and work packages, publishing high-impact research and overseeing project deliverables. All team members are also expected to produce high-quality work, write scientific articles, and present results in international contexts.

The successful candidate is ideally expected to start between June and September 2026 and eventually move to Norway.

Required qualifications & competences

We currently deem the following aspects as a priority:

• An academic degree (MA for Researcher; PhD for Senior Researcher) in a relevant discipline (we take a broad approach to relevance, the disciplines can include but are not limited to Software Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematical Modeling, Computational Social Science)

• Excellent programming skills

• Experience in proposal writing and leading collaborative tasks (for Senior Researcher)

• Proven ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and to operate independently (for Senior Researcher)

• Excellent written and spoken English

Desired qualifications & competences

You may also shine in other important and related fields, including but not limited to:

• Developing interactive applications and user interfaces (e.g., relevant frameworks, libraries and platforms such as Unity, Django, Flask, matplotlib, Plotly, d3.js, or relevant GIS platforms)

• Creating dashboards, visual analytics, or interactive web front-ends for data, esp. research results

• Data stewardship and using data to inform and validate simulation models

• Experience in modeling and simulation of human behavior (e.g., agent-based modeling, microsimulation, system dynamics)

• Familiarity with widely used ABM simulation platforms (NetLogo, AnyLogic, GAMA, Repast) and frameworks for handling large datasets

• Working in transdisciplinary teams and/or in engagement of stakeholders (e.g., public administration, industry, NGOs, or communities) in participatory settings (methods used in co-design, co-creation, co-assessment)

• Synthesizing and conceptualizing information, transforming qualitative/quantitative input into structured outputs such as flow diagrams, causal loop diagrams, etc. relevant for model specifications

• Interest in socially relevant modeling, with a sensitivity to ethical, political, or cultural dimensions of stakeholder interaction

• Writing or contributing to successful grant applications

• Scientific project management

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to translate between technical and non-technical audiences

• Very good academic writing skills reflected in publications in quality peer-reviewed journals

What we offer

• Joining a highly motivated team of people who like one another, love what they do and take great joy in it

• A creative, interdisciplinary, multicultural NORCE environment with excellent development and networking possibilities

• An opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the pioneering methodological work of a fast-growing research institution

• Working on stimulating projects that aim to bring about positive changes in complex social systems

• Support in advancing social simulation related skills

• Links with other national and international (research) centers

• Access to innovative infrastructure and resources

• The chance of developing a solid and stable research career

• Work in Norway that offers a predictive and stable environment with high-quality social services and benefits

• Support in learning Norwegian

• Competitive salary

• Good pension and insurance schemes

How to apply

Apply electronically by clicking on the “Apply for the position” button.

The application must include:

• Motivation letter

• CV

• Copies of relevant diplomas and certificates

• 1-2 research outputs (e.g., journal articles, book chapters, scientific reports)

• 2 references (incl. names and contact information (email, phone number) of the referees); reference letters can be included if already available.

• Motivation letter and CV together should clearly refer to required and desired qualifications and competences.

Application deadline: 30 April 2026

Contact person: Questions can be directed to Head of CMSS, Patrycja Antosz: paan@norceresearch.no

At NORCE, we are committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for available positions regardless of gender, age, disability, or ethnic background.

Candidates are expected to openly offer relevant information about themselves during the recruitment process. Furthermore, one can expect background checks to be conducted on candidates in the final phase of the recruitment process. NORCE uses external actors to carry out such background checks or security interviews.