PhD Position on Health among African Sexual and Gender Minority Migrants University of Oslo in Norway

The University of Oslo invites applications for a PhD position at the Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, focusing on health among African sexual and gender minority migrants. This position is part of the 'Health and Migration (HEMI): A Multi-country Study of African Male Migrants' project, funded by the Research Council of Norway and implemented in collaboration with partner universities in South Africa, Tanzania, and civil society organisations in Africa and Norway. The project is affiliated with the Africa-Europe Cluster of Research Excellence in Health, Gender and Sexualities (CoRE HGS), connecting scholars from eight universities across Europe and Africa.

The HEMI project investigates health, vulnerability, and resilience in the context of migration, specifically among African sexual and gender minority men. It follows migration journeys from origin through transit to destination, examining motivations, challenges, opportunities, health maintenance strategies, and support systems encountered by migrants. Four PhD candidates will work collaboratively on the project, with the University of Oslo candidate focusing on migrants living in Norway.

The doctoral research will employ qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation, with a period of intensive fieldwork in Norway. The candidate will collaborate with community actors and engage in co-research with members of the studied communities. The project also includes mapping and analysis of relevant national policies affecting this population. Regular cross-national supervision meetings and project workshops will facilitate collaboration with PhD candidates in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

The position is a three-year fixed-term appointment, based at the Section for Transdisciplinary Research for Sustainable Health (TRUST), Department of Community Medicine and Global Health. The department offers a globally oriented research environment, integrating medicine, health sciences, and social sciences. The successful candidate will contribute to the final design of the Norwegian sub-study, conduct qualitative fieldwork, analyse data, prepare academic articles, and participate in joint publications and project activities. Presenting research findings at conferences and stakeholder meetings is expected.

Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian master’s in public health, sociology, social anthropology, gender studies, or a related discipline, or have a background in medicine or another health science with relevant social science experience. Master-level courses should have an average grade of B or better; C grades may be considered individually. Excellent English proficiency, strong academic writing, organisational skills, and the ability to manage research independently are required. Desired qualifications include migration-related research experience, work with sexual and gender minority populations, proficiency in Norwegian, qualitative research familiarity, collaborative research interest, knowledge of the Norwegian health system, and international research experience.

The University of Oslo offers a salary as Doctoral Research Fellow (NOK 550,800–610,000 per year), membership in Statens Pensjonskasse with mortgage and insurance benefits, and good welfare schemes. The PhD programme is multidisciplinary and the largest in Norway, with over 1,400 candidates. The doctoral training includes an independent research project and an educational component of 30 ECTS.

To apply, submit your application via Jobbnorge, including a CV, transcripts, three academic references, a writing sample, and a personal statement. Documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language. The deadline is 6th May 2026. For questions, contact Associate Professor Kåre Moen or HR-Adviser Nisma Mælum.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates committed to impactful research, motivated to develop academic skills, and eager to contribute to a positive and diverse research environment. The University of Oslo values inclusivity and diversity, offering relevant workplace adjustments as needed.