Postdoctoral Research Fellowship on Popular Religion and Environmental Change in the Mekong Delta

The University of Oslo invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellowship focused on popular religion and environmental change in the Mekong Delta, as part of the ERC Consolidator Grant project “Maritime Goddesses: Transnational Connections, Blue Environments, and Ritual Care in East- and Southeast Asia” (MARGO). This project investigates the role of prominent deities such as Guanyin, Mazu, Benzaiten, and other goddesses, examining how they are venerated and how their associated rituals adapt to changing social, political, and environmental contexts. The successful candidate will conduct in-depth ethnographic research in the Mekong Delta, a region known for its rich ethnic, religious, and ecological diversity. The research will explore how ritual traditions and deities are incorporated and adapted in response to dramatic transformations, including anthropogenic environmental change, economic development, and infrastructural shifts. The project aims to understand ritual responses to uncertainty and environmental challenges, focusing on the visibility and significance of these practices in contemporary society. The position is based at the Department of Culture, Religion, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oslo. The postdoctoral fellow will join a vibrant research environment and collaborate with scholars specializing in religious studies, anthropology, and environmental science. The project offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on transnational religious connections and blue environments in Asia. Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in religious sciences or a related discipline. Experience with ethnographic methods, ritual studies, and environmental change in Southeast Asia is highly desirable. The position is full-time and temporary, with a contract of 37.5 hours per week. Funding is provided through the ERC grant, but no specific details about salary or stipend are mentioned in the announcement. The application deadline is March 16, 2026. Interested candidates should submit their applications via the Jobbnorge portal, ensuring all required documents are included. For further information, applicants may contact Professor Rune Svarverud at [email protected] or visit the department's website. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to advance research at the intersection of religion, culture, and environmental change in one of Asia’s most dynamic regions.