PhD Position on Health among African Sexual and Gender Minority Migrants
The University of Oslo invites applications for a PhD position on health among African sexual and gender minority migrants, based at the Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine. This opportunity 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 doctoral research will focus on the health, well-being, and migration experiences of African sexual and gender minority men living in Norway. The project employs qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and participatory approaches with community actors. The research aims to explore migration journeys, health challenges, resilience, and the support systems available to migrants. The candidate will also map and analyse relevant national policies affecting this population.
The position is a three-year fixed-term appointment, with the PhD fellow 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, bringing together scholars from medicine, health sciences, and social sciences. The PhD candidate will join a team of four doctoral researchers working on related studies in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, participating in cross-national supervision meetings and project workshops.
Responsibilities include contributing to the final design of the Norwegian sub-study, conducting qualitative fieldwork and data collection, analysing qualitative data, preparing and publishing academic articles (normally three for the thesis), contributing to joint publications, presenting findings at conferences and stakeholder meetings, and engaging in collaborative activities with international partners. The candidate is expected to complete the doctoral research and submit a PhD thesis by the end of the three-year period.
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 experience or interest in social science research. Master-level courses should have an average grade of B or better; applicants with a grade point of C may be considered individually. Excellent written and oral proficiency in English, strong academic writing skills, good organisational skills, and the ability to manage research activities independently are required. Desired qualifications include experience with migration-related research, work with sexual and gender minority populations, proficiency in Norwegian, familiarity with qualitative methods, interest in interdisciplinary research, knowledge of the Norwegian health or welfare system, and experience in international collaborations.
The University of Oslo offers a stimulating and inclusive academic environment, committed colleagues, involvement in a multi-country research project, good welfare schemes, and membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse with beneficial mortgages and insurance. The salary for the Doctoral Research Fellow (position code 1017) ranges from NOK 550,800 to 610,000 per year, depending on competence and experience, with 2% deducted for statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.
To apply, submit your application and attachments via the Jobbnorge recruitment system. Required documents include a CV (max two pages), full university transcripts, three academic references, a writing sample (4,000–10,000 words), and a personal statement addressing your interest, experience, and plans for the project. Education results should be retrieved from Vitnemålsportalen.no or uploaded if not available. All documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language. The application deadline is 6th May 2026.
For questions about the position, contact Associate Professor Kåre Moen ([email protected]) or HR Adviser Nisma Mælum ([email protected]). The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with a multidisciplinary PhD programme in the Faculty of Medicine and a strong commitment to equality, inclusion, and diversity.
