Predoctoral Fellow in Political Science

The Department of Government at the University of Bergen, Norway, invites applications for a Predoctoral Fellow. This full-time, fixed-term position is available for 12 months and is classified within the university system as "research assistant." The role is capped at a maximum of two years.

Role Overview

This position is ideal for candidates planning to pursue an academic career, particularly those aiming for a PhD. The Predoctoral Fellow will support academic staff in research activities. Working under the leadership of Prof. Carlo Koos, the fellow will be part of the ERC-funded project WarEffects (https://www.wareffects.eu), gaining practical experience in scientific methodologies and academic research. Responsibilities include research assistance, teaching support, and administrative duties. Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with the project portfolio and publications of Prof. Carlo Koos.

Key Responsibilities

The candidate will assist and support among others in the following types of tasks:

• Identifying quantitative subnational data sources such as surveys, administrative data, and geolocated data, focusing on peace, conflict, and development
• Coding qualitative data using both manual and machine learning techniques
• Generating new data through GIS, web scraping, and text analysis
• Performing data analyses and literature reviews
• Project management, including collaborating with local partners in Colombia and Sri Lanka
• Undertaking various administrative tasks, including workshop coordination and managing social media content

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in political science or a related social science field, completed by the application deadline.
• Solid understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics
• Experience with statistical software such as Stata, R (markdown, quarto), or Python
• Proficiency in English
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Good collaboration and communication skills
• Capacity to manage a high workload
• Interest in topics related to women, peace and security, development, or historical political economy
• The place of Work for this position is Bergen, and the work requires that you are physically present at the Department of Government on a daily basis

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with qualitative methods and content analysis
• Experience in research projects, particularly ERC grants
• Intent to pursue doctoral studies 

We Offer

• A professional and supportive work environment in Bergen
• Opportunities for preparing for a PhD (this position is not a PhD position)
• Gross annual salary as research assistant (code 1020) NOK 519400, -.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Training and good welfare benefits 

Application Process: 

Interested candidates must apply through Jobbnorge by clicking “Apply for this job”. Applications must include a motivation letter, CV, copies of diplomas, certificates of education, your MA thesis and grade, potentially other publications, and relevant documents, all translated into English or a Scandinavian language. 

Closing date: 30 July 2026.  

Potential candidates will be invited for a small data analysis task and for an interview. 

General information:             

Additional information about the position is obtainable by contacting Prof. Carlo Koos, e-mail carlo.koos@uib.no 

Information about the application procedure can be directed to HR Advisor Gudrun Horvei, email gudrun.horvei@uib.no

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