Researcher in Wargaming

Do you want to help shape 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 an experienced researcher to strengthen its activities in wargaming. The position is funded through the Technology in Multi-Domain Operations (TEK-MDO) project and is offered as a three-year fixed-term appointment. 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. Stabsskolen 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 play a key role in 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.

This role offers a unique opportunity to establish and shape 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 and contribute to research on wargaming, including publications, external collaboration, and supervision of doctoral research
• Contribute to the establishment and development of a long-term wargaming capability at Stabsskolen and across the NDUC in close collaboration with the Wargaming Coordinator
• Develop and integrate wargaming as a pedagogical method at Stabsskolen and across the NDUC
• Design, facilitate, evaluate, and further develop wargames in collaboration with academic staff, military professionals, and other subject-matter experts
• Support staff development through training, workshops, and methodological guidance in wargaming
• Build and maintain collaboration with national and international partners to strengthen wargaming within the defence sector

Required Qualifications

• A master’s degree in a relevant discipline
• Demonstrated expertise or substantial experience in wargaming, simulation, game-based learning, military analysis, or related fields
• Strong academic record and demonstrated research capability
• 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 www.nsm.no

Preferred qualifications:

• A PhD with a focus on gaming in education and/or analysis is strongly preferred. Candidates without a PhD may be considered if they can demonstrate extensive and well-documented experience in wargaming
• Experience in designing, facilitating, and evaluating wargames
• A publication record and demonstrated research experience related to wargaming, simulation, military studies, education, or related disciplines
• Experience from military service, especially at the operational level
• Understanding of military operations in the context of security and defence policy
• Teaching and curriculum-development experience in higher education or professional military education. Candidates without prior teaching experience should demonstrate a strong interest in the pedagogical application of wargaming
• Communication skills in Norwegian

Personal Qualities:

• Initiative and the ability to independently drive research and development activities
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills
• Ability to balance attention to detail with a strategic perspective
• Strong communication and facilitation skills
• Ability to adapt wargaming activities to maximise student learning outcomes
• Creative, innovative, and solution-oriented

We Offer:

• A rare opportunity to help build and shape a long-term academic capability in wargaming at NDUC
• A key role in the development of wargaming across military education, research, and defence-related activities, in close collaboration with Stabsskolen’s wargaming coordinator
• Access to national and international networks of wargaming researchers, practitioners, and defence organisations
• An engaging academic environment with motivated students and colleagues
• Good welfare schemes, including up to two hours of physical training during working hours per week, when duties permit
• The position is offered as a Researcher, with compensation ranging from NOK 622,442 to NOK 712,480 gross per year for code 1108, or NOK 676,362 to NOK 781,114 gross per year for code 1009, depending on qualifications. A statutory contribution of 2% to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens pensjonskasse) is deducted from the salary

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
• Contact details for referees, and/or letters of recommendation

Kontaktinformasjon

Amund Nørstrud Lundesgaard, Associate Professor, +47 99227792, amlundesgaard@mil.no

Arbeidssted

0015 Oslo

Nøkkelinformasjon:

Arbeidsgiver: Forsvaret Referansenr.: 5146611827 Stillingsprosent: 100% Midlertidig Søknadsfrist: 10.12.2026