PhD Research Fellowship in Social Anthropology

• Applicants are free to propose a  particular issue, environmental-epidemiological and political-economic situation, as well as the proposed study site in Sub-saharan Africa, bearing in mind feasibility, and the applicant’s prior experience. 
• Project proposals will be evaluated regarding their innovative potential, real-world relevance and, not least, potential to contribute substantially to on-going debates and theoretical developments in the discipline of anthropology.
• Applicants are encouraged to reflect on forms of academic communication beyond academic articles and books, as well as public engagement, policy input and activist collaboration in the societies where the research is conducted.
• Write a maximum of 5 A4 pages of 2400 characters per page (total 12.000 characters) and use the following structure in your proposal:
  • Introduction/background
  • Research questions and study objectives
  • Theory
  • Methodology (incl. ethics)
  • Work schedule
• Please include a separate reference list with up-to-date literature on the chosen topic (max 2 A4 pages, which do not count towards the proposal page number).

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent (120 ECTS) in social anthropology; degrees in related disciplines (e.g. geography, history, STS, archaeology or environmental humanities) can be considered.
• The minimum grade on the thesis should be B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent. The Master’s degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS or equivalent.  
• Candidates who are waiting to be examined on their final Master’s degree, must have submitted their thesis at the time of the application deadline and can be offered the position conditional upon successful examination at B grade or above.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English; relevant African languages are an advantage.

The PhD candidates are required to spend time at each university, have a supervisor at each institution and will receive a single joint degree/ double degree signed by both universities. Their research project will be subject to an evaluation meeting according to the standards of both the University of Oslo and Aarhus University, and format of the evaluation will be a public defence.

The details regarding time spent at each university, supervision, evaluation as well as other legal matters will be specified in a contract prior to the start of the PhD project.

We encourage applicants who have African language skills and relevant experience outside the academy.

• Salary according to “SKO 1017 PhD Fellow “, payrate NOK 532 200 – 575 400 per annum depending on qualifications
• Funds for research, travel, conference participation and dissemination, books and equipment
• A stimulating and international research environment
• A friendly and inclusive workplace allowing for a good work-life balance
• Access to Norway’s excellent public services and welfare schemes, including generous parental leave provisions and affordable and accessible childcare (including the university`s kindergartens)
• Norway’s capital with its rich cultural life and easy access to beautiful nature
• Practical support for international staff moving to Norway (international staff may also benefit from tax cuts in their first years)

The application must include:

• A cover letter (statement of motivation and research interests, 1-2 pages)
• CV (including a complete list of education with grades, positions, pedagogical and administrative experience, publications and other qualifying activities)
• Research plan (maximum 5 pages or 12000 characters) outlining how the candidate envisages completing the proposed work during the course of the term of appointment.
• A reference list on the chosen topic (maximum 2 pages).
• A list of publications and academic work (if applicable)
• A list of reference persons: 3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only).

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system Jobbnorge with in October 1st 2023, please follow the link “send application”. International applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).  The successfull applicants will be called in for an interview.

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

Paul Wenzel Geissler, project leader UiO, p.w.geissler@sai.uio.no

Lotte Meinert, project leader AU, lotte.meinert@cas.au.dk

Rune Flikke, Head of department, rune.flikke@sai.uio.no

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.

The Department of Social Anthropology The Department of Social Anthropology was founded in 1964 and is today a highly ranked anthropology department. Our researchers study society and culture through extensive, ethnographic fieldwork. The Department of Social Anthropology educates students at bachelor's-, master's and ph. d.-level.