PhD Positions in Studies of Bildung and Pedagogical Practices Western Norway University of Applied Sciences in Norway

The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) is offering three PhD positions in Studies of Bildung and Pedagogical Practices within the Faculty of Teacher Education, Arts and Sports. HVL is one of Norway’s largest higher education institutions, with over 16,500 students and a strong commitment to building robust academic and research environments that interact nationally and internationally. The faculty is a leading teacher training institution, offering a wide range of programmes at Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels, and is organized into four departments across Bergen, Sogndal, and Stord.

The PhD programme focuses on Bildung and pedagogical practices, broadly understood to encompass education systems, cultural and sports sectors, and other areas requiring insight into the inter-relations between Bildung and pedagogical practices. The research is organized in strategic programmes, a research center, and 49 research groups. Candidates are expected to develop projects that are thematically relevant to the faculty’s research activities and closely linked to ongoing research groups. Applicants must contact relevant research group leaders to discuss their project idea and obtain a statement confirming mutual interest and relevance, which must be attached to the application.

The PhD period is typically three years, with the possibility of a four-year appointment if departmental needs require career-promoting work (such as teaching or administration), constituting 25% of the period. Candidates must be based at one of the campuses (Bergen, Stord, or Sogndal) during their appointment. The desired start date is August 1, 2026.

Responsibilities include active participation in the research group, presenting research in various forums, and contributing to the doctoral forum. Candidates must submit a five-page project outline grounded in relevant research and methodological literature, justifying the topic, theory, and methodological approach. High scientific quality in research areas relevant to the faculty will be prioritized.

Applicants must have a completed master’s degree (Norwegian 120 ECTS or equivalent), including a master’s thesis of at least 30 ECTS, with good academic results (normally grade B or better). Those without a pedagogical or didactic component in their master’s must document at least 5 credits in pedagogical education or one year of full-time practice in pedagogical/didactic work. Good knowledge of empirical methods (quantitative and/or qualitative) and English skills are expected. Personal qualities sought include cooperation, communication, independence, initiative, flexibility, and high ethical awareness, especially when research involves participants from one’s own field.

Foreign education must be documented as equivalent to Norwegian degrees, with certified translations required for documents not in English or a Scandinavian language. Applications are assessed by an expert committee based on documented competence and scientific works. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview and trial lecture. The hiring authority is the Appointment Committee at HVL.

Successful candidates will benefit from attractive pension, insurance, and loan schemes through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. The PhD stipend position is paid according to position code 1017, with salary progression by seniority and a 2% contribution to the pension fund deducted from salary. HVL offers an exciting academic environment with opportunities for professional development and exercise during work hours.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the jobbnorge.no portal by the deadline of April 12, 2026. Attachments should include the master’s thesis, up to five scientific works, full publication list, project description, certificates, transcripts, and the statement from the research group leader. Certified translations are required for documents not in English or Scandinavian language. For more information about degree equivalence, visit www.hkdir.no.

Contact persons for the position are Vice-Dean for Research, Oded Ben-Horin ([email protected]), and Leader of the PhD programme, Solvejg Jobst ([email protected]).

HVL is committed to diversity and balanced composition in its workforce and is subject to export control regulations. The public workforce should reflect the diversity of the population, and HVL aims to recruit individuals with minority backgrounds, persons with disabilities, and candidates with career gaps.

For further details and to apply, visit the application link provided.