PhD Position in Political Science: Child Rights and Crime Prevention (PROTECT Project)
The University of Bergen invites applications for a three-year PhD position in Political Science, based in the Department of Government and the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism. This position is part of the interdisciplinary PROTECT project, which investigates the integration of child rights and crime prevention within welfare states. The project is led by Professors Marit Skivenes (political science) and Linda Gröning (law), and is funded by the Research Council of Norway.
The PROTECT project focuses on how welfare states can address the challenge of children engaging in serious violent crimes, balancing the protection of children's rights with public safety and crime prevention. The research examines the roles of the child protection system and the criminal justice system, employing innovative methodologies and cross-country comparative approaches. The PhD candidate will focus on work packages 3 and 4, contributing to pioneering interdisciplinary research that combines criminal law and political science.
The Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism explores government power, state intervention, welfare models, child protection, and children's rights. The research is comparative and interdisciplinary, involving collaborations with the Centre on Law and Social Transformation, FAIR at the Norwegian Business School, and the Centre on Criminal Justice and Agency. The academic environment is vibrant, international, and professionally challenging, offering a global research network and opportunities for collaboration.
Applicants must hold a master's degree (MA or equivalent) in political science or sociology, awarded prior to the application deadline. A grade B or better is required for both the master's thesis and the degree overall. Extensive knowledge and experience with quantitative methods is mandatory. Proficiency in written and oral English is required; knowledge of a Scandinavian language is advantageous. Experience as a research assistant is considered positive. The selection process will emphasize academic grades, methodological and quantitative competencies, and the quality and fit of the project proposal with the PROTECT project.
As a PhD research fellow, you will participate in the PhD programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences. Admission requires a master's degree with at least 120 ECTS credits, building on a bachelor's degree of 180 ECTS credits, or an integrated master's degree of 300 ECTS credits. The master's degree must include an independent work of at least 30 ECTS credits and be relevant to the academic field. A project proposal must accompany the application, presenting the research topic, problem, theory, methods, and a progress plan. The final research plan will be developed in cooperation with the project leaders within three months of the start date.
The position offers a salary of NOK 568,700 per year (PhD code 1017), with automatic increases for up to four years at a 3% annual rate. Additional benefits include enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund and welfare benefits. The successful candidate is expected to reside and work in Bergen, Norway, and actively contribute to the academic life of the Centre and the research project.
To apply, submit your application and appendices via Jobbnorge using the 'Apply for this job' link. Required documents include a cover letter, CV, transcripts, diplomas, project proposal, academic work, and contact details for two referees. Applications without a project description or sent by email will not be considered. Certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded. The application deadline is June 30, 2026.
For further information about the position, contact Principal Investigator Marit Skivenes ([email protected]). Practical questions regarding the application procedures can be directed to HR Adviser Gudrun Horvei ([email protected]). Questions about the PhD programme may be directed to Adviser-PhD Elina Troscenko ([email protected]).
The University of Bergen is committed to diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. The institution applies the principle of public access to information in recruitment and ensures equal opportunity for all qualified candidates.
