PhD Position in Political Science – PROTECT Project (Children’s Rights and Crime Prevention) University of Bergen in Norway

The University of Bergen invites applications for a three-year PhD position in Political Science, based at the Department of Government and the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism. This opportunity is part of the interdisciplinary PROTECT project, which investigates the integration of children’s rights and crime prevention within welfare states. The project is led by Professors Marit Skivenes (political science) and Linda Gröning (law), and is funded by the Research Council of Norway.

The PROTECT project focuses on how welfare states can address the challenge of children engaging in serious violent crimes, balancing the protection of children’s rights with public safety and crime prevention. The research will examine the roles of child protection and criminal justice systems, employing innovative methodologies and cross-country comparisons. The PhD candidate will contribute to work packages 3 and 4, which are central to the project’s comparative and socio-legal research agenda.

The Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism is an interdisciplinary group, including political science, sociology, law, and psychology, and collaborates with several research centers such as the Centre on Law and Social Transformation (UiB/CMI), FAIR at the Norwegian Business School, and the Centre on Criminal Justice and Agency. The Department of Government specializes in political science, public policy, welfare state studies, democracy, and political institutions.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (MA or equivalent) in political science or sociology, with a grade B or better for both the thesis and the degree overall. Extensive experience with quantitative methods is required. Candidates should demonstrate independence, collaboration skills, and a clear motivation for the PROTECT research area. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of a Scandinavian language is advantageous. Experience as a research assistant is considered positive.

The position offers a competitive salary (NOK 568,700 per year, with annual increases), enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and access to welfare benefits. The successful candidate will participate in the PhD programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences, UiB, and is expected to reside and work in Bergen. The employment period may be reduced if the candidate has previously held a PhD position.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, a project proposal (maximum three pages), CV, transcripts, diplomas, and contact details for two referees via the Jobbnorge portal. Applications without a project description or sent by email will not be considered. Only uploaded documents will be assessed. The application deadline is June 30, 2026, and the start date is January 1, 2027.

For further information, contact Principal Investigator Marit Skivenes ([email protected]). Practical questions about the application process can be directed to HR Adviser Gudrun Horvei ([email protected]). The University of Bergen is committed to diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Read more about the PROTECT project at uib.no/en/protect and apply via Jobbnorge.