PhD in One Health and Social Health Science (Microbiology, Public Health, Zoonoses) University of Inland Norway in Norway

The University of Inland Norway, in collaboration with Innlandet Hospital Trust and several international partners, is offering a fully funded PhD position in One Health and Social Health Science. The position is embedded in the interdisciplinary RoBoZoo project, which investigates the interactions between food production systems, rodent ecology, and climate-related environmental change, focusing on human exposure to rodent-borne zoonotic microbes. The project aims to assess risks and develop mitigation strategies for zoonoses in food production, with a particular emphasis on farmers and the health impacts of cumulative zoonotic exposure, such as long-term fatigue.

The PhD candidate will be enrolled in the PhD programme in Applied Ecology and Biotechnology at the University of Inland Norway and will work closely with a team of supervisors from both the university and Innlandet Hospital Trust. The main workplace will be at Campus Blæstad, with periods at Innlandet Hospital Trust and project-related travel expected. The candidate will design, implement, and analyze a large-scale questionnaire study targeting farmers and the general public, integrating data from rodent sampling, epidemiological surveys, and environmental monitoring. The research will contribute to the development of a Risk Exposure Index specific to food production and support the translation of findings into practical guidance for stakeholders.

Applicants must have a completed Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., social sciences, public health, epidemiology, biology, ecology, medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, or environmental sciences) with a minimum grade of B or equivalent, and must be eligible for admission to the PhD programme. Excellent English skills are required, and non-native speakers must provide proof of proficiency. Experience with survey and questionnaire design, implementation, and analysis is essential. Desirable qualifications include experience with multivariate statistical methods, proficiency in R, interdisciplinary research experience, and Norwegian/Scandinavian language skills (advantageous but not required). Applicants who already hold a PhD are not eligible.

The position is fully funded for three years, with salary and benefits according to Norwegian public-sector agreements. The research environment is ambitious and internationally oriented, offering collaboration with a broad network of researchers and societal partners. Applications must be submitted electronically via the official portal, including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, list of publications (if applicable), and contact details for two referees. The application deadline is 16 March 2026.