Fully-Funded Dual PhD Fellowships in Social Anthropology: Health and Environment in Africa and Europe University of Oslo in Norway

Join an inclusive and internationally oriented team at the University of Oslo (UiO) for a fully-funded dual PhD fellowship in Social Anthropology, focusing on health and environment in Africa and Europe. Three positions are available through a collaborative doctoral training network, HEALENAE, funded by the EU. The network brings together 15 PhD fellows from diverse backgrounds to work and learn as an international cohort, collaborating across projects and countries.

The fellowships are offered in partnership with Makerere University (Uganda) and the University of Cape Town (South Africa). Two positions involve collaboration with Makerere University, and one with the University of Cape Town. Successful candidates will be based at UiO, with a required 6-month research stay at the secondary university. Fieldwork will be conducted in Africa and/or Europe, and fellows will participate in annual training schools and writing retreats.

Research areas include: (1) Metabolic impact: agricultural intensification and health transformations (UiO and UCT); (2) Infrastructures of toxic evidence and civic protection (UiO and MU); (3) Epidemics and natural disasters as ‘business’ (UiO and MU). Applicants must submit a project description showing how their research will contribute to one of these areas. For more details, see HEALENAE PhD Calls.

All fellows will be admitted to the Faculty of Social Sciences' PhD programme at UiO and to the doctoral programme at either Makerere University or the University of Cape Town, depending on the position. The appointment is for three years, and candidates are expected to complete the dual degree within this period. The start date is 1 September 2026.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a master’s degree in social anthropology or a closely related discipline, with an average grade of A or B (ECTS scale) or 70% and above. The master’s thesis must have been awarded an A or B. A minimum of 3 months ethnographic fieldwork experience is required. Candidates must demonstrate strong writing skills, willingness to conduct long-term fieldwork, and ability to work interdisciplinarily and as part of a team. Excellent English proficiency is required, and candidates must meet language requirements for both institutions. Experience with public engagement and African language skills are advantageous. Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Norway for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment and must not hold a PhD.

Funding and Benefits: The fellowship is fully funded for three years, with a salary range of NOK 550,800–595,800 per year, plus funding for research, travel, conferences, books, and equipment. Fellows receive membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse pension scheme, welfare benefits, and up to 1.5 hours/week exercise during working hours.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted in English via the Jobbnorge recruitment system. Required documents include a motivation/cover letter, CV, project proposal, educational certificates, documentation of English skills, and other supporting materials. Specify which project(s) you wish to be considered for. All documents must be translated to English or Scandinavian if necessary. The application deadline is 1 March 2026.

Contact: For questions about the position, contact Professor Paul Wenzel Geissler at [email protected]. For technical support with the application system, contact Jobbnorge at [email protected].

UiO is committed to equality, inclusion, and diversity, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. The Department of Social Anthropology is a highly ranked research environment, offering stimulating academic and social opportunities. For more information and to apply, visit the application page.