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.

The Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen, in collaboration with the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI), announces two postdoctoral research fellow positions in social anthropology. These positions are part of the ERC-funded HydroConnect project, led by Professor Edyta Roszko. The project offers an exciting opportunity for early-career researchers to engage in cutting-edge anthropological research within a dynamic and international academic environment. The successful candidates will join a vibrant research team at CMI, working on topics related to the HydroConnect project, which is funded by the European Research Council. The positions are ideal for scholars with a strong background in social anthropology and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research. The project may involve fieldwork, data analysis, and collaboration with other researchers in the field of anthropology and related disciplines. Applicants must hold a PhD in social anthropology or a closely related field. The positions are fully funded, with salary and benefits provided according to institutional and ERC guidelines. For more information about the project, application requirements, and funding details, please refer to the official job posting linked below. The application deadline is 1 March 2026. Interested candidates should review the full job description and submit their applications online through the provided link. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your research career in anthropology at a leading Norwegian research institute.