The University of Oslo is recruiting PhD Research Fellows in Human Geography at its Department of Sociology and Human Geography, Norway’s premier academic department in the field. The position places successful candidates inside a vibrant international research environment with access to world-class supervisors, interdisciplinary networks, and collaborative exchange opportunities at partner institutions.
About the UiO PhD Research Fellowship Program
Based at the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Department of Sociology and Human Geography holds 35 permanent academic staff and nearly 40 doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. The current vacancy is linked to the UNRULY research project and situated within the Sustainable Transformations research group, which focuses on environment-society dynamics and sustainability challenges. Fellows will have opportunities to engage with the Oslo School of Environmental Humanities and conduct research exchanges at Chalmers Institute of Technology in Sweden and Cornell University in the United States. The position is offered for either three years without compulsory work or four years with 25% compulsory duties, primarily teaching.
Funding Size
- Full employment contract with Norwegian state salary and benefits
- Generous pension agreement included
- Three-year or four-year appointment depending on compulsory work arrangement
Who Can Apply
- Holders of a master’s degree or equivalent second-level degree in human geography or a closely related field
- Applicants must demonstrate through their application letter and project proposal how their work contributes to the development of human geography at the department
- Native or near-native competence in English or a Scandinavian language is required
- Candidates with an interest in interdisciplinarity and sociomaterial change are strongly encouraged to apply
- Open to applicants of all nationalities
Geographic Eligibility
- Open globally
- Position is based in Oslo, Norway
Sector or Thematic Focus
- Human geography with a focus on environment-society relations and sustainability
- Sociomaterial change and sustainable transformations
- Interdisciplinary approaches spanning environmental humanities and social science
Application Process
Applications are submitted electronically through the UiO Jobbnorge portal. Candidates must include all required materials in a single submission. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The final hiring decision rests with the Department Board.
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Required Materials
- Application letter demonstrating fit with the department’s research direction
- Project proposal of 5 to 10 pages, including a clear account of how the project contributes to human geography at UiO
- Academic CV
- Copies of academic transcripts and degrees
- Any relevant publications or writing samples
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 15 August 2026
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Selection Notes
- Candidates are assessed on academic merit, research relevance, and capacity to complete the PhD within the appointment period
- UiO actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups in academic research