PhD Research Fellow in Nordic Archaeology (Viking Age) University of Oslo in Norway

The University of Oslo, Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, is offering a PhD research fellowship in Nordic Archaeology with a focus on the Viking Age. The position is based at the Museum of Cultural History, which houses Norway’s largest archaeological, ethnographic, and numismatic collections, including the iconic Viking ships and medieval ecclesiastical art. The museum is a research-intensive department with a strong ethos of openness, exploration, and genuine engagement with cultural heritage.

The Department of Archaeology is responsible for the museum’s collections of Nordic antiquities, medieval art, and runic inscriptions, and boasts a vibrant academic environment with expertise spanning the Stone Age, Viking, and medieval periods. The Centre for Viking Age Research represents the museum’s academic environment in Viking Age studies, and the position is announced openly within this field. Candidates are encouraged to tailor their research proposals to fit the group’s strategy and to foster international collaboration.

The PhD fellowship is for a period of 3 years, with the possibility of a 12-month completion grant if the dissertation is submitted within 3 years. The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. The research fellow will be enrolled in the PhD program at the Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History at the University of Oslo and is expected to complete the project within the three-year period. The successful candidate will be supervised at the Department of Archaeology at the Museum of Cultural History.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Nordic Archaeology or other relevant fields, including a Master’s thesis of at least 30 ECTS. Fluent oral and written communication skills in Norwegian (or another Scandinavian language) and English are required, and applicants must be able to read and understand material written in a Scandinavian language. The quality of the project description and its relevance to the Museum of Cultural History’s research profile are important selection criteria. Applicants who have recently graduated with excellent results may be given preference. Motivation, collaboration skills, and the ability to contribute to the museum’s research portfolio and strategy are also considered.

The University of Oslo is committed to equality, inclusion, and diversity, and strives to be an inclusive and diverse workplace. Adjustments to working hours, tasks, and other practical measures can be made to accommodate individual needs. Applicants with immigrant backgrounds, disabilities, or CV gaps are encouraged to indicate this in the job application portal, and at least one qualified candidate from each group will be invited for an interview.

The position offers a competitive salary as Doctoral Research Fellow (position code 1017), ranging from NOK 550,800 to 595,800 per year depending on competence and experience. Membership in Statens Pensjonskasse provides pension, mortgage, and insurance benefits. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund. Additional benefits include good welfare schemes and the opportunity for up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours.

To apply, submit your application via the electronic recruiting system using the 'apply for this job' link. Required documents include an application letter, CV, list of publications, project description (approximately 14,000 characters/5 pages), transcripts of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, documentation of English language proficiency (if applicable), and contact information for 2-3 referees. Foreign applicants should attach an explanation of their university's grading system. All documents must be in Norwegian (or another Scandinavian language) or English. Educational certificates and master theses are not to be submitted with the application but may be requested later.

For questions about the position, contact Marianne Moen, Section Manager, at [email protected]. The deadline for applications is 16th August 2026. The place of service is St. Olavsgate 29, 0166 Oslo. The University of Oslo is an internationally oriented comprehensive university and an important contributor to society, offering excellent development and career opportunities for its employees.