Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) in Bergen, Norway is recruiting two postdoctoral research fellows for the ERC-funded HydroConnect project, focusing on the study of fresh groundwater networks in island environments. The project, led by Research Professor Edyta Roszko, investigates global hydroconnectivities beyond oceans, seas, and rivers, with a particular emphasis on how hidden, underground water sources have shaped the livelihoods and histories of island communities lacking perennial fresh water.

The research explores the transformation of freshwater seeps into wells and other water capture methods by Austronesian-speaking seafarers across the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific, integrating historical ethnography, Indigenous knowledge, and comparative analysis. The two postdoctoral positions will each focus on a distinct region: one on Tonga or other Pacific Islands, and the other on the Comoros Islands. Both roles involve designing a sub-project aligned with the broader HydroConnect aims, conducting long-term ethnographic fieldwork, collaborating with archaeologists and geomorphologists, and contributing to archaeological survey, mapping, and cataloging of freshwater features. Candidates will reconstruct the history of hydrological knowledge, analyze community engagement with geological landscapes, and investigate strategies for navigating climate and human-induced changes.

The Comoros-focused position will also explore the role of underground freshwater seeps in connecting diverse ethnic communities and contextualize findings within the broader Swahili Corridor. Essential tasks include developing research proposals, data collection and analysis, literature reviews, network analysis, data management, administrative duties, and dissemination of findings through publications, seminars, and outreach activities. The positions are fully funded for three years, with a competitive salary, pension, relocation assistance, and additional staff benefits.

Applicants must have a PhD in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field, experience in ethnographic fieldwork, relevant language expertise, and willingness to reside in Bergen. Desirable skills include archaeological survey, GIS, and remote sensing. CMI offers a vibrant, multidisciplinary, and international research environment dedicated to addressing global development challenges.

Applications are accepted exclusively through the JobbNorge system, with a deadline of March 1, 2026.