Doctoral Research Fellowship in area studies

Job description

Two Doctoral Research Fellowships (SKO 1017) in area studies are available at the Department of Literature, European Languages and Area Studies, University of Oslo.

We seek innovative, curiosity-driven and scientifically strong candidates who want to pursue a doctoral degree in one of our areas of research. Projects that use digital methods are highly welcomed. The successful candidate should join one of our existing research groups.

The following research groups are relevant for this call: 

• Area Studies
• Center for Slavic and Eastern European Studies
• Multilingualism and Multiculturalism in Central Europe and the Balkans

The doctoral project designed by the applicant is expected to explore ideas or topics related to at least one of the groups. In addition to the project description, the applicant should include an abstract in a separate document. This document should also indicate the relevant research group(s) for the project and how the project fits into the research group(s) profile. Finally, the document should make explicit how the applicant’s educational background and language qualifications are relevant for the application.

Applicants must upload a research proposal (hf.uio.no) with research questions and theoretical and methodological approaches. 

Expected start date: 1 September 2025.

More about the position

The person appointed will be affiliated with the Faculty's organized research training. The academic work is to result in a doctoral thesis that will be defended at the Faculty with a view to obtaining the degree of PhD. The successful candidate is expected to join the existing research milieu or network and contribute to its development. Read more about the doctoral degree (hf.uio.no).

The appointment is for a duration of 3 years. All PhD Candidates who submit their doctoral dissertation for assessment with a written recommendation from their supervisor within 3 years or 3 ½ years after the start of their PhD position, will be offered, respectively, a 12 or 6 month Completion Grant (hf.uio.no).

Qualification requirements

• A Master's degree or equivalent in area studies in a language area taught at the department. The Master's degree must have been obtained and the final evaluation must be available by the application deadline. 
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English. (see Language requirements (hf.uio.no) Applicants will be asked to document these skills prior to admission to the PhD programme. 
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position.

To be eligible for admission to the doctoral programmes at the University of Oslo, applicants must, as a minimum, have completed a five-year graduation course (Master’s degree or equivalent), including a Master’s thesis of at least 30 ECTS. In special cases, the Faculty may grant admission on the basis of a one-year Master course following an assessment of the study programme’s scope and quality.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on:

• The project's scientific merit, research-related relevance and innovation
• The applicant's estimated academic and personal ability to complete the project within the time frame
• The applicant's ability to complete research training
• Good collaboration skills and an ability to join academic communities

Applicants who have recently graduated with excellent results may be given preference. Supervision capacity at the Department will also count in evaluating the applications.

We offer

• Salary NOK 532 200 - 575 400  per annum depending on qualifications.
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Attractive welfare benefits

How to apply

The application must include

• Application letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position as well as what research group the applicant wishes to be part of.
• Curriculum Vitae (with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities, including a complete list of publications)
• Transcript of records of your Bachelor’s and Master's degrees. Applicants with education from a foreign university must attach an explanation of their university's grading system
• Documentation of Language requirements (hf.uio.no) (if applicable)
• Project proposal, including a detailed progress plan for the project (3 - 5 pages, maximum 14,000 characters. See Template for project proposal (hf.uio.no)) 
• An attachment (of maximum one page) including:
  • An abstract of the project
  • An explanation of the choice of research group(s) 
  • An explanation of how the applicant’s educational background and language qualifications are relevant for the application

Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Educational certificates, master theses and the like are not to be submitted with the application, but applicants may be asked to submit such information or works later.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, jobbnorge.no.

Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

Formal regulations

See also regulations as well as guidelines for the application assessment process and appointments to research fellowships.

Following the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) § 25, Chapter 2, demographic information about the applicant may be used in the public list of applicants even if the applicant opts out from the entry in the public application list.

The University of Oslo has an Acquisition of Rights Agreement for the purpose of securing rights to intellectual property created by its employees, including research results.

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.

Contact information

Head of Department, Christine Meklenborg Nilsen, c.m.nilsen@ilos.uio.no

Head of Administration, Karina Kleiva: karina.kleiva@ilos.uio.no

For questions about the process: HR adviser Tonje Olsen, e-mail t.n.olsen@hf.uio.no