Doctoral Research Fellowship in Archaeology

Job description

A Doctoral Research Fellowship position (SKO 1017) in Archaeology is available at the Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History (IAKH), University of Oslo. 

The position is open in terms of thematic and chronological scope, but must be aligned with the archaeological research profile of the department. This encompasses a time span from the Early Stone Age (Lower Palaeolithic) to Historical and Contemporary Archaeology. A central concern is the exploration of the materiality of pasts and presents, based on both empirical and theoretical attention to material culture. Central research topics include social organization and change, migration, human eco-dynamics in the past and present, technology and systems of knowledge, religion and ritual practices, social identity, cultural and natural heritage, and the uses and politics of the past. 

Applicants are asked to propose a research project within the scopes of Nordic Prehistory, Mediterranean Archaeology (Iron Age to Roman Republic), Africanist archaeology, or Contemporary Archaeology and Heritage Studies. The project description must be theoretically and methodologically sophisticated and should clarify the conceptual frameworks, methods to be employed and a plan for completion within three years. It is an advantage (though not a requirement) that the proposed project is interdisciplinary in scope and approach (e.g., tuned towards the natural sciences, environmental humanities, geography, history, museology or anthropology). 

The application must include a detailed project description written in either English or one of the Scandinavian languages, and the proposed research project must align with the call and the department’s research profile. For more information see template for project description.

The planned start date for this position 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 Archaeology or a closely relevant field of study. 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 (hf.uio.no) (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 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 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.