The Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen is offering two fully funded PhD positions as part of the ERC project "In/visible women of the sea (GENMAR)". This innovative research project aims to advance empirical and theoretical understanding of the persistent marginalization of women in the fisheries sector, focusing on gender inequality, advocacy, and policy in fisheries across multiple countries, including Brazil, Tanzania, and Thailand. The GENMAR project is a multi-sited, comparative ethnography that also includes case studies in Spain, the EU Commission, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Successful candidates will develop and pursue a PhD project that makes a substantial contribution to the GENMAR project’s objectives. Applicants must propose an ethnographically grounded research project situated in Brazil, Tanzania, or Thailand, and demonstrate relevant research experience and language skills for fieldwork in their chosen location. The project draws on interdisciplinary approaches, including gender studies, legal anthropology, social science concept analysis, and policy studies, and employs qualitative methods such as ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, focus groups, and document analysis.

The positions are fully funded for three years, with a competitive annual salary (NOK 568,700), automatic salary increases, and additional personal funds for fieldwork, books, and conference attendance. Candidates will also have the opportunity for a three-month researcher contract to complete a book chapter for the project’s final publication. The positions include enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund and access to excellent welfare benefits. The workplace is the Department of Social Anthropology in Bergen, Norway, and daily presence is required except during fieldwork.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in social or cultural anthropology (with thesis approved by the deadline), typically with a grade B or better. They should have a research background relevant to GENMAR’s themes, experience with long-term ethnographic fieldwork, and strong analytical and communication skills. Excellent English proficiency is required. Additional assets include a publication record beyond the MA thesis, experience in large research projects or academia, and research communication skills. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

To apply, candidates must submit a cover letter, a detailed project proposal (5–8 pages), CV, transcripts, certificates, list of publications, and contact information for two referees via the Jobbnorge portal. Applications sent by email or without a project proposal will not be considered. The application deadline is May 26, 2026, and the latest possible start date is January 1, 2027. For further information about the project, see the GENMAR project page or contact Associate Professor Iselin Åsedotter Strønen.

The University of Bergen is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The selection process adheres to the principles of public access to information and equal opportunity.