PhD Candidate at the Centre for Climate and Energy Transformation (CET), University of Bergen University of Bergen in Norway

The Centre for Climate and Energy Transformation (CET) at the University of Bergen is offering a three-year PhD fellowship focused on interdisciplinary research addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and energy transformation. CET is renowned for producing actionable knowledge to support deep, rapid, and sustainable societal transformation, and is based within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The centre’s research spans how climate change and related transformations are experienced, communicated, and acted upon by individuals, communities, policymakers, and organizations.

This PhD position is thematically open within CET’s research areas, allowing candidates to propose projects that align with the centre’s mission. The successful applicant will develop their research project in collaboration with supervisors during the early phase of the fellowship. The workplace will be at CET, where the fellow is expected to contribute to a dynamic and productive academic environment. More information about CET’s research focus and strategy is available on their website.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in social science or an interdisciplinary field relevant to CET’s research, with a grade B or better on both the thesis and overall degree. Proficiency in written and oral English, independent and structured work habits, and strong collaborative skills are required. Personal qualities, ambition, and potential will be considered in the selection process. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview at CET.

The PhD position is full-time for three years, primarily research-focused, with possible opportunities for teaching or other academic duties. As a PhD research fellow, you will participate in the PhD programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences, which leads to the PhD degree. Eligibility for admission requires a master’s degree (120 ECTS credits) building on a bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS credits), or an integrated master’s degree (300 ECTS credits). The master’s degree must include an independent work of at least 30 ECTS credits and be connected to the academic field of the application.

Funding includes a salary of NOK 568,700 per year, with automatic annual increases for up to four years, enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and good welfare benefits. The application must include a cover letter, project proposal (5-8 pages), CV, transcripts, diplomas, references, and a list of academic publications. If the master’s degree is from outside the Nordic countries or in a different discipline, a syllabus overview may be requested later. All documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language and uploaded via Jobbnorge. Applications sent by email or without a project proposal will not be considered.

The application deadline is February 4, 2026. For further information, contact CET Director Professor Håvard Haarstad at [email protected] or Adviser Christine Bresil at [email protected]. The University of Bergen is committed to diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The institution applies the principle of public access to information in recruitment and ensures equal opportunity for all qualified candidates.

For more details and to apply, visit the official application link. Join CET and contribute to transformative research that shapes society’s response to climate and energy challenges.