Paul Wenzel Geissler

Join the Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Oslo (UiO) for a unique, fully-funded dual PhD opportunity focused on the anthropology of health and environment in Africa and Europe. Three PhD fellowships are available, with two positions in collaboration with Makerere University (Uganda) and one with the University of Cape Town (South Africa). Successful candidates will be part of the EU-funded HEALENAE doctoral training network, working alongside an international cohort of 15 PhDs to address pressing issues at the intersection of health, environment, and society. PhD fellows will be admitted to the Faculty of Social Sciences' PhD programme at UiO and to the doctoral programme at either Makerere University or the University of Cape Town, depending on the position. The programme includes annual training schools, writing retreats, and a six-month research stay at the secondary university. Research areas include: metabolic impact of agricultural intensification and health transformations, infrastructures of toxic evidence and civic protection, and the business of epidemics and natural disasters. Candidates will conduct fieldwork in Africa and/or Europe and are expected to reside in or near Oslo for the duration of the fellowship. Applicants must have a master's degree in social anthropology or a closely related discipline, with strong academic performance (A or B average and thesis grade). A minimum of three months of ethnographic fieldwork experience is required, along with demonstrable writing skills, motivation, and willingness to work interdisciplinarily and as part of a diverse team. Excellent English proficiency is mandatory, and documentation of language skills for both institutions is required. Experience with public engagement and African language skills are advantageous. Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Norway for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment and must not hold a PhD. The fellowship offers a competitive salary (NOK 550,800 - 595,800 per year), funding for research, travel, conferences, books, and equipment, and membership in Norway's Statens Pensjonskasse with excellent pension and insurance benefits. UiO is committed to equality, inclusion, and diversity, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. The application must include a motivation letter, CV, project proposal, educational certificates, and documentation of English skills. Applications must be submitted via Jobbnorge by 1 March 2026. For questions, contact Professor Paul Wenzel Geissler at [email protected]. For more information about the research areas and application process, visit HEALENAE PhD Calls and Jobbnorge Application Portal . The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, offering a stimulating academic environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Join the University of Oslo’s Department of Social Anthropology for a fully funded PhD fellowship focusing on the anthropology of health and environment in Africa and Europe. This unique dual degree opportunity, in collaboration with Makerere University (Uganda), is part of the EU-funded doctoral training network HEALENAE, which brings together up to 15 PhD students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects. The successful candidate will be one of three PhDs based in Oslo, working within the framework of 'Political economies of epidemic or environmental harm.' The fellowship offers a professionally stimulating environment, annual training schools, writing retreats, and a 6-month research stay at Makerere University. Fieldwork will be conducted in Africa and/or Europe, and the candidate will participate in international cohort activities, fostering cross-sectoral and cross-country insights. The position is fully funded, with a competitive salary (NOK 550,800–595,800 per year), research and travel funding, conference participation, books and equipment support, and membership in Norway’s best pension scheme. Welfare benefits and exercise time are also included. Applicants must have a master’s degree in social anthropology or a closely related discipline, with an average grade of A or B and a thesis awarded A or B. At least 3 months of ethnographic fieldwork experience is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to complete writing projects within deadlines, willingness to conduct long-term fieldwork, work interdisciplinary, and contribute to a larger team. Excellent English skills (oral and written) and documentation for both institutions are mandatory. African language skills and public engagement experience are advantageous. Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Norway for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment and must not hold a PhD. The application process requires a motivation letter, CV, project description (with research questions, background literature, sites and methods, ethical considerations), educational certificates, and documentation of English skills. All documents must be submitted in English or Scandinavian, and translations are required for other languages. Applications must be submitted via the JobbNorge portal by 4 June 2026. Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors, Professor Thorgeir Kolshus and Professor Paul Wenzel Geissler, before developing their project description. The University of Oslo is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Adjustments for applicants with disabilities are available. The Department of Social Anthropology is highly ranked, with a strong tradition of ethnographic research and public engagement. This fellowship offers the chance to contribute to meaningful societal development and knowledge advancement in health and environment across continents. For more information about the HEALENAE network and the project areas, visit healenae.eu/phd-calls . For application details and to apply, visit JobbNorge . For questions, contact Professor Thorgeir Kolshus ([email protected]) or Professor Paul Wenzel Geissler ([email protected]).