PhD Research Fellows in Anthropology of Health and Environment in Africa and Europe University of Oslo in Norway

[Salary in position as PhD Research Fellow, position code 1017, NOK 550,800 - 595,800 (approx. £41,907.07 to £45,330.85), depending on competence and experience. Funding for research, travel, conference participation, dissemination, books, and equipment. Membership in Statens Pensjonskasse pension scheme. Good welfare schemes.]

The University of Oslo is offering three fully-funded PhD fellowships in social anthropology, focusing on the anthropology of health and environment in Africa and Europe. These positions are part of the EU-funded HEALENAE doctoral training network, which brings together 15 PhD candidates to collaborate across projects and institutions. Two positions are dual degree fellowships with Makerere University (Uganda), and one may be a joint degree with the University of Cape Town (South Africa), or a single degree at Oslo with joint supervision and secondment at Cape Town. Candidates are required to relocate to Oslo and participate in fieldwork in Africa and/or Europe, annual training schools, writing retreats, and a six-month stay at the secondary university.

The research areas include: metabolic impact and agricultural intensification, infrastructures of toxic evidence and civic protection, and epidemics and natural disasters as ‘business’. Applicants must develop a project description that aligns with one of these areas and submit it as part of their application. The fellowship duration is three years, and candidates must be available to start by 1 September 2026.

Eligibility is open to all nationalities, but candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Norway for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment and must not hold a PhD. Requirements include a master’s degree in social anthropology or a closely related discipline, with an average grade of A or B (ECTS scale) or equivalent, and a master’s thesis awarded A or B. Applicants must have at least three months of ethnographic fieldwork experience, strong writing skills, willingness to conduct long-term fieldwork, interdisciplinary collaboration, and excellent English proficiency. Experience with public engagement and African language skills are advantageous.

The positions offer a competitive salary (NOK 550,800 - 595,800, approx. £41,907.07 to £45,330.85), funding for research, travel, conferences, books, and equipment, membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse pension scheme, and good welfare benefits. The University of Oslo is committed to diversity, inclusion, and providing workplace accommodations as needed.

Applications must be submitted in English via the Jobbnorge system, including a motivation letter, CV, project proposal, educational certificates, documentation of English skills, and translations if necessary. The deadline for applications is 16 March 2026. The most qualified candidates will be invited for interviews. For further details, visit the application link or contact Jobbnorge support.