PhD Fellowship in Artistic Research in Opera Oslo National Academy of the Arts in Norway

The Oslo National Academy of the Arts (Kunsthøgskolen i Oslo, KHiO) is offering a PhD fellowship in artistic research within the field of Opera, starting October 1, 2026. KHiO is a leading institution in Norway for performing and creative arts, comprising six departments that foster a rich multidisciplinary environment. The Academy’s doctoral program in artistic research is internationally oriented and aims to generate new art, stage productions, design, knowledge, and perspectives on art, culture, and society through investigative practice. Artistic research is central to the Academy’s mission, and the program is designed to be groundbreaking, advancing both the field and the candidate’s own practice. The Opera department at KHiO holds national responsibility for opera education in Norway, offering world-class teaching and facilities. The curriculum combines individual, group, and project-based instruction, with core components including singing, musical interpretation, acting technique, language, stage productions, and concerts. Students work closely with professional directors, conductors, orchestras, and technical teams, ensuring a versatile, practice-oriented education. The department maintains strong ties with the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet and other music institutions, and is part of several international opera networks. The position is open to candidates who wish to explore and develop opera as a meaningful contemporary art form. Applicants from diverse backgrounds—singers, pianists, conductors, composers, librettists, directors, choreographers, scenographers, dramaturgs, and more—are encouraged to apply. The daily workplace is at KHiO in Oslo, and the administrative language is Norwegian. Candidates must document proficiency in Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish at A2 level; language training will be provided if necessary. Applicants must demonstrate recognized artistic activity or development work of significant scope and level, and normally hold a performing and/or creative master’s degree in a relevant field. Equivalent education or artistic competence may be accepted upon special assessment. The position is a 3-year full-time appointment with standard employment rights and obligations for state university staff. The minimum annual salary is NOK 550,800, with automatic annual increases for up to four years, and a 2% mandatory pension contribution. Applications must be submitted via the KHiO portal at jobbnorge.no, including a completed project description, documentation of education and qualifications, a detailed CV covering artistic practice and development work, and documentation of artistic activity (up to 10 works). All attachments must be electronic and clearly marked. Only complete applications submitted through the portal by the deadline will be considered. For further information about the field and department, contact Dean Anna Einarsson ([email protected]). General information about the doctoral program is available on the KHiO website. An information webinar for applicants will be held on November 5, 2025.