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 Viking Age studies. The position is based at the Museum of Cultural History, which houses Norway’s largest archaeological, ethnographic, and numismatic collections, including the renowned Viking ships and medieval ecclesiastical art. The museum is a research-intensive environment and a university department of equal status to a UiO Faculty.

The Department of Archaeology is responsible for collections of Nordic antiquities, medieval art, and runic inscriptions, and has expertise spanning all periods covered by the museum’s collections. 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. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research environment, with opportunities to tailor their research proposal to fit the group’s strategy and to engage in international collaboration.

The PhD research fellow appointment is for three years, with the possibility of a 12-month completion grant for candidates who submit their dissertation within three 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. Applicants must fulfill the requirements for admission to the PhD program at the Faculty of Humanities and are responsible for applying for admission within the given deadlines.

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, scientific innovativeness, and relevance to the museum’s research profile are important selection criteria. Preference may be given to recent graduates with excellent results.

The University of Oslo is committed to equality, inclusion, and diversity, and encourages applicants from a variety of backgrounds. Adjustments to working hours, tasks, and other practical measures can be accommodated as needed. The position offers good development and career opportunities, welfare schemes, and membership in Statens Pensjonskasse, one of Norway’s best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and insurance. The salary for the Doctoral Research Fellow position ranges from NOK 550,800 to 595,800 per year, depending on competence and experience, with a 2% statutory deduction for the State Pension Fund.

To apply, candidates must submit an application letter, CV, list of publications, project description (including theoretical framework, methods, research ethics, and progress plan), transcripts, explanation of grading system (if applicable), documentation of English proficiency, and contact information for 2-3 referees. All documents must be in Norwegian (or another Scandinavian language) or English. Applications must be submitted via the electronic recruiting system using the provided link. The best qualified candidates will be invited for interviews, and applicant lists may be published in accordance with Norwegian law.

For further information 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.