PhD Position in Landscape Architecture – Large-scale Landscape Changes Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Norway

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is offering a 3-year PhD position within the School of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Landscape and Society. The research focus is on large-scale landscape changes, particularly in the Norwegian context, addressing challenges such as energy production, infrastructure development, technological advances, and climate change adaptation. The position aims to generate knowledge about landscape change processes, their driving forces, and consequences, as well as to explore the role of landscape architecture in managing conflicting interests and shaping new landscapes.

The PhD project should address one or more perspectives: landscape ecological approaches (including ecological design, nature restoration, and conservation), ethical and aesthetical considerations of landscape restoration and creation, representation and visualisation of landscape change, scenario modelling, and sustainable land-use transitions through interdisciplinary integration. The candidate will be affiliated with a research group at the Department of Landscape Architecture and will work closely with a team of supervisors.

Main tasks include preparing a project plan, conducting literature searches, collecting and analysing data, and writing scientific articles and a PhD thesis. The candidate must complete compulsory and elective courses (30 ECTS) with oral and written exams. The position does not include teaching duties, and the candidate is expected to be regularly present on campus in Ås.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in landscape architecture or a related field, with a strong academic record (minimum GPA of B and master’s thesis grade of B). Proficiency in written and oral English is required, and experience with Norwegian society and landscape-related challenges is valued. Additional skills such as research communication, proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language, and personal motivation for research are emphasized.

The position is classified as PhD Fellow (position code 1017) with an annual salary of NOK 550800. For particularly well-qualified applicants, a higher salary may be considered. Employment follows national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars. The position is fixed-term and starts on 1 September 2026.

To apply, candidates must submit an online application via JobbNorge, including a motivation letter, project proposal, CV, academic diplomas and certificates, documentation of English proficiency, and names/contact details for two references. Applicants from outside Norway should provide a diploma supplement or similar document describing their study program and grading system. The application deadline is 7 April 2026.

For further information, contact Head of Department Nina Berre ([email protected]) or Program Coordinator Josie Teurlings ([email protected]). More details about NMBU and the Faculty of Landscape and Society can be found at www.nmbu.no/en.