The University of Agder (UiA) invites applications for a three-year PhD Research Fellow position in Norwegian professional language use in the workplace, affiliated with the Center for Norwegian Professional Language at the Department of Nordic and Media Studies, Campus Kristiansand. This position is part of a national initiative funded by the Research Council Norway, aiming to advance research, development, and education in terminology, professional language use, language and work, lexicography, onomastics, and language technology. The Center, launched in September 2025, is the largest professional language research environment in Norway and is coordinated by the University of Bergen with national and international partners, including UiA.

The PhD project will be linked to work package 2, “Professional language in education and work,” focusing on empirical research into the role and function of professional language in society. Research questions include the characteristics of individuals' use and learning of Norwegian professional language in monolingual and multilingual contexts, factors influencing language use and acquisition, consequences of professional language skills, and measures to strengthen parallel language practices across educational and workplace settings. The successful candidate will develop an independent doctoral project aligned with the Center’s objectives, presenting theoretical perspectives, materials, and methods for studying Norwegian professional language use in the workplace.

The Department of Nordic and Media Studies at UiA offers a vibrant academic environment with approximately 55 staff members, specializing in teacher education, Nordic studies, and communication and media studies. The department, together with the Department of Foreign Languages and Translation, provides two PhD specializations: linguistics and literary studies. The position offers professional development opportunities, a positive and inclusive working environment, modern facilities, and membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in Nordic studies, Norwegian as a second language, linguistics, multilingualism, communication, or a related field, with a grade of B or better on the master’s thesis. Proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language at the B2 level and good presentation skills in English are required. Candidates in the final stages of their master’s degree may also apply. Experience with fieldwork, data collection, and qualitative analytical methods is desirable. Personal qualities such as teamwork, independence, systematic work, and suitability for the position will be emphasized.

The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, with a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800. A compulsory pension contribution is deducted according to statutory provisions. The application deadline is May 1st, 2026, and the starting date is October 1st, 2026, or as agreed. Applicants must submit their application electronically, including diploma with grades, master’s thesis, academic publications, cover letter, project description (5–7 pages), and CV. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English. Short-listed candidates will be invited for interview, and reference checks will be conducted with permission.

For further information, contact Associate Professor Dr. Verónica Pájaro ([email protected]), HR adviser Hilde Anett Krossen ([email protected]), or PhD coordinator Lise Moss ([email protected]). More details about the PhD programme can be found at UiA PhD Programme. Apply via JobbNorge.