University of Oslo PhD Research Fellows in Human Geography 2026

There are 1-2 vacant positions at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography for research fellows (SKO 1017) in human geography. The positions are for a period of three years without compulsory work or four years with 25% compulsory work (primarily teaching). The department is ranked as the premier academic research institute in human geography in Norway, conducting top international research while offering high quality education for students. The department is renowned both for the breadth of topics and methodologies employed and for its highly qualified researchers.

The University of Oslo seek candidates with the potential to contribute to the development of human geography as a discipline at the department. The fellows are expected to pursue independent research under supervision, as outlined in their submitted project proposals. We value the contribution of young scholars to the academic environment and study programmes at the department and encourage candidates with a desire to participate actively in departmental life to apply. 

Applicants should have research interests that resonate with ongoing research at the department. We currently have strong research communities in the fields of urban studies, sustainable transformations, work, organisations and politics, social inequality, migration, integration and diversity, cultural and political participation, population dynamics. Human geographers are also engaged in economic and political geography. The call is not thematically limited to these topics, but preference can be given to candidates with projects that align with the department’s supervisory capacity. Applicants are expected to demonstrate through their application letter and project proposal how they will contribute to the development of human geography at the department. 

The position requires participation in the Faculty of Social Sciences' organised research education programme (PhD programme) and the completion of a doctorate in human geography. The candidates who are hired will automatically be admitted to the PhD programme. 

Residence in Norway is expected, but PhD fellows are also encouraged to spend time abroad during the fellowship period. The starting date will be negotiated with the successful candidates.

• Table of Content
• About University of Oslo (UiO)
• PhD Research Fellows in Human Geography PhD Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of PhD Research Fellows in Human Geography PhD Scholarship
• PhD Research Fellows in Human Geography PhD Scholarship Courses
• Requirements for PhD Research Fellows in Human Geography PhD Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

PhD Research Fellows in Human Geography PhD Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of PhD Research Fellows in Human Geography PhD Scholarship

• A pleasant and academically stimulating work environment 
• Good welfare schemes.
• Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours.. 
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.
• Salary in position as Doctoral Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK from 551000 - 594000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.

PhD Research Fellows in Human Geography PhD Scholarship Courses

• Human Geography

Requirements for PhD Research Fellows in Human Geography PhD Scholarship Qualification

• Applicants will be assessed on the quality and relevance of the project proposal, the quality of the master’s thesis, their academic grades and their academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. The hiring process will include an interview. 
• Applicants must have a master’s degree in human geography or equivalent.
• Applicants must have prior education that corresponds to 5 years at the university level in Norway, with two years (120 ECTS) at the master’s level. 
• Applicants must have average grades of A or B in their master’s degree. 
• Applicants who have completed their education outside of the EU/EEA-area and who do not have English as a native language or who have not completed an English-language MA program must document English language skills:
  • TOEFL – with a minimum result of 550 on the Paper-based Test (PBT), or 80 on the Internet-Based Test (iBT) OR
  • IELTS – International English Language Testing Service, with the result 6.0 OR

Application Deadline

How to Apply

The application with attachments must be submitted in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”. Please note that all documents must be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

• Application letter. Please state your motivation and research interests. Candidates from other disciplinary backgrounds than human geography must demonstrate that their educational background has prepared them for PhD level studies and that their project falls within the scope of the relevant discipline.
• A tentative project proposal (5-10 pages). The proposal must include the topic, relevant theory and methods and timeline. The proposal should include an explicit account of how the project contributes to the development of human geography at the department. Applicants are expected to be able to complete the project during the appointment period. The proposal must include a paragraph declaring if and how AI was used in the development of the proposal.
• CV with full summary of education, practice, academic work and any publications. The period of enrolment (admission-completion) in the master's study programme must be specified.
• Applicants with a one-year master’s degree must submit an appeal for an individual assessment (max 1 page) in which they demonstrate that they have completed research work equivalent to at least half a year’s relevant scientific workload.
• Academic transcripts (university degrees only).
• Copy of master's degree diploma.
• Applicants submitting transcripts from non-Norwegian/non-ECTS institutions are advised to include an explanation of their university's grading system. This may be uploaded as an “Attachment.”
• TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable. These may be uploaded as an “Attachment.”

Documents should be uploaded in the order presented above. Please submit documents individually and name them accordingly, e.g. Application letter, Project proposal, CV, etc. Do NOT submit supporting documents as a single, combined file.

The final hiring decision is the responsibility of the department’s board and will be based on an evaluation of the overall qualifications of the shortlisted candidates and the department’s needs.

Contact:

1. Michael Gentile

Professor

• +46 70 358 02 36
• [email protected]

2. Inger-Lise Schwab

Administrative Head of Department

• +4741234571
• [email protected]

For more information, kindly visit University of Oslo scholarship webpage.