Thee Doctoral Research Fellowships in History

Job description

Three Doctoral Research Fellowship positions (SKO 1017) in History are available at the Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History (IAKH), University of Oslo.

IAKH has the largest academic environment for history in Norway, organized in research groups. The successful candidates will join one or more of these groups according to the relevance of their PhD-projects. 

The application must include a detailed project description written in either English or one of the Scandinavian languages. While the positions are open regarding chronological scope and time period, the project description must relate to at least one of the following historical themes: 

• Democracy 

• Knowledge 

• Migration 

• Rights 

The proposed research project must align with at least one of these four themes and the department’s research profile. Applicants  may contact relevant research group leaders for guidance.

The project description must be theoretically and methodologically sophisticated, clearly detailing the conceptual frameworks and methods to be employed, as well as providing a realistic progress plan for completing the dissertation within the designated three-year period. For more information see template for project description.

The planned start date for these positions is August 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 (uio.no). 

The appointment is for a duration of 3 years, starting as soon as possible. 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 (uio.no).

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in History. The Master’s degree must be obtained, and the final evaluation must be available by the application deadline. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, see Language requirements (hf.uio.no)
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position.
• A project description that aligns with the call and the research profile of the department.
• The application must be complete (see "How to Apply” below)

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.

Applicants who have recently graduated with excellent results may be given preference.

In assessing the project description, special emphasis will be placed on

• The project's scientific merit and feasibility
• Relevance to the broader thematic research area
• General research-related relevance and innovation

Personal skills

• Motivation for the position
• Time management and ability to complete the project within the time frame
• Ability to complete research training
• Good collaboration skills and ability to join the interdisciplinary academic community

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 in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Application letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position
• 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  (if applicable)
• Project description, including relevant research questions and theoretical and methodological approaches (approximately 2-3 pages, see the template for project description 

Please note that all documents must be in English or one of the Scandinavian languages.

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 regulations (uio.no) as well as guidelines for the application assessment process (uio.no) and appointments (uio.no) to research fellowships.

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 University of Oslo has an Acquisition of Rights Agreement (uio.no) 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.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.