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 inviting applications for a three-year PhD fellowship. CET is an interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to producing actionable knowledge for deep, rapid, and sustainable societal transformation in response to the climate challenge. The centre is based at the Faculty of Social Sciences and collaborates with researchers from a variety of disciplines, focusing on how climate change and transformation processes are experienced, communicated, and acted upon by individuals, communities, policymakers, and organisations.

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

Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in social science or an interdisciplinary field relevant to CET’s research, completed by the application deadline. A grade B or better is required on the master’s thesis and overall degree. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in written and oral English, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and strong personal and relational qualities. Ambition and potential are also important selection criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview at the centre.

The PhD position is full-time for three years and consists entirely of research, with possible opportunities for teaching or other academic duties to be agreed upon later. As a PhD research fellow, you will participate in the PhD programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences, which leads to the PhD degree after three years. 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.

The position offers a competitive salary (NOK 568,700 per year), 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, a research proposal (5-8 pages), CV, transcripts and diplomas, references, and a list of academic publications. If the master’s degree is from outside the Nordic countries or in a different subject area, an overview of the syllabus may be requested. All documents must be uploaded in English or a Scandinavian language via Jobbnorge; applications sent by email or without a project description will not be considered.

The University of Bergen is committed to diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds. For further information about the position, contact CET Director Professor Håvard Haarstad at [email protected]. Practical questions regarding the application process can be directed to Adviser Christine Bresil at [email protected]. The application deadline is February 4, 2026.

For more details and to apply, visit the official job posting: Jobbnorge Application Link.