Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cargo Crime

The University of Oslo invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cargo Crime, focusing on the convergence environment 'Cargo Crime: (Il)Licit Seaborne Transport and the Energy Transition.' This interdisciplinary project is led by Associate Professor Hege Høyer Leivestad and funded by UiO: Energy and Environment (2025-2030). The research environment brings together expertise from the Department of Social Anthropology, Department of Mathematics, Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law, and the Scandinavian Institute of Maritime Law. The project addresses the emerging issue of green maritime crime, with a particular emphasis on the environmental repercussions of cross-border cargo crime. Maritime shipping is vital to the global economy, yet illicit activities in shipping—such as transnational waste trafficking involving electronic waste, scrap cars, paper and plastic waste, and hazardous materials—remain significantly understudied. These activities are often intertwined with legal trade, and law enforcement at sea faces complex jurisdictional challenges. While penalties for such crimes are low, their environmental impacts can be massive. The postdoctoral fellow will independently design and pursue their own research project, as described in a research plan to be submitted with the application. The role also includes organizing workshops, team-based fieldwork trips, an online speaker series, and other collaborative activities within the convergence environment. The fellow will work closely with other researchers, contributing to joint publications and creative forms of public dissemination. Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in social anthropology or a closely related field. Experience with research on transnational crime, environmental issues, or maritime transport is advantageous. Strong organizational skills are preferred, as the fellow will coordinate various academic activities. The position is fully funded by UiO: Energy and Environment, with a temporary, full-time contract. No EU funding is involved. The application deadline is March 20, 2026. For further information and to apply, visit the JobbNorge portal or the University of Oslo's Department of Social Anthropology website. Contact Associate Professor Hege Høyer Leivestad for academic inquiries.