PhD Research Fellowship in Medieval and Early Modern Hanseatic History
The University of Bergen invites applications for a PhD Research Fellowship in medieval and early modern Hanseatic history, based in the Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion. This three-year, full-time position is part of the research project "Women among the Hansa in Bergen," which seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of women's roles within the Hanseatic community in Bergen from the Middle Ages to the late seventeenth century. The project is a collaboration with the Hanseatic Museum in Bergen, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to work in both academic and museum environments.
The PhD project will focus on the marriage patterns of Hanseatic merchants in Bergen, examining the societal implications of changing marital norms over time. Initially, Hanseatic merchants were prohibited from marrying, but by the end of the period, local marriages became more common. The candidate will investigate these changes using sources such as parish registers, documents from the Hanseatic Kontor, and the Nabersbücher, aiming to shed light on the broader social and economic impacts of these shifts.
The position is designed to support the completion of a doctoral degree qualifying the candidate for independent research and other advanced roles. The PhD candidate will be enrolled in the Faculty of Humanities’ PhD program, which includes a mandatory training component of 30 ECTS (six months). The remaining 2.5 years will be dedicated to the research project. The work environment is stimulating and professionally challenging, with opportunities to build strong professional networks and benefit from excellent welfare provisions.
Eligibility:
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in history or legal history (or equivalent), awarded by the application deadline. Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required, and the ability to work with Middle Low German and/or Middle Norwegian source material is essential. Skills in Modern German and/or Norwegian are advantageous. Experience with historical hand-written documents and collaborative projects is beneficial. Applicants must submit a detailed project proposal, progress plan, transcripts, a summary of their master’s thesis, a publication list, and relevant certificates or references. All documents must be in Norwegian, another Scandinavian language, or English, with certified translations if necessary.
Funding:
The position offers a gross annual salary of NOK 568,700 (code 1017), with increases based on seniority. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which provides a secure occupational pension scheme, disability and survivor benefits, and access to favourable housing loans.
Application Process:
Applications must be submitted electronically via the provided link. Candidates should include a brief description of their research interests and motivation, a CV with personal details and qualifications, and at least two referees (one being the main supervisor for the master’s thesis). Required attachments include a project proposal, progress plan, transcripts, thesis summary, publication list, and relevant certificates. All documents must be uploaded by the application deadline of 5 December 2025.
For further information, contact Professor Teemu Ryymin (Teemu.Ryymin@uib.no) or Professor Kirsi Salonen (kirsi.salonen@uib.no). The University of Bergen is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background. The appointed candidate is required to have their daily workplace at the University of Bergen and comply with institutional guidelines.