The University of Bergen (UiB) in Norway is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Social Anthropology at its prestigious Department of Social Anthropology. This four-year doctoral appointment offers outstanding researchers the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge anthropological research while receiving an annual salary of NOK 593,700, automatic yearly salary increases, excellent welfare benefits, and valuable teaching and academic experience.

Located in Bergen, Norway, the Department of Social Anthropology is one of Europe’s largest and most internationally recognized anthropology departments. The successful candidate will become part of a vibrant research community comprising internationally renowned scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and doctoral candidates conducting ethnographic research across the globe.

If you are passionate about anthropology and aspire to build an academic or research career at one of Europe’s leading universities, this opportunity provides an excellent platform to advance your research while contributing to teaching, supervision, and scholarly engagement.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 15 September 2026

Applications submitted after the deadline or without the required research proposal will not be considered.

About the University of Bergen

The University of Bergen (UiB) is one of Norway’s leading research universities and is internationally recognized for excellence in research, education, and innovation.

The university aims to contribute to sustainable and democratic societal development through high-quality teaching and research while maintaining an inclusive, collaborative, and internationally oriented academic environment.

Its Faculty of Social Sciences is home to several internationally respected research groups and offers doctoral education across diverse disciplines.

About the Department of Social Anthropology

The Department of Social Anthropology is among the largest anthropology departments in Europe and offers exceptional opportunities for doctoral researchers.

The department currently includes:

• 17 permanent academic staff members.
• 5 postdoctoral researchers.
• Approximately 25 PhD candidates.

Researchers conduct ethnographic studies in nearly every region of the world while contributing to internationally funded research projects.

The department also hosts:

• Monthly research seminars featuring international scholars.
• The prestigious Fredrik Barth Memorial Lecture.
• Active public engagement and academic outreach activities.
• Teaching at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels.

This intellectually stimulating environment allows doctoral candidates to collaborate with leading anthropologists while developing their own independent research.

About the PhD Position

The successful applicant will be employed for four years.

The appointment consists of:

• 75% doctoral research
• 25% teaching, supervision, and administrative duties

This structure enables candidates to gain valuable university teaching experience alongside their doctoral studies, preparing them for future academic careers.

The selected candidate will be based in Bergen, Norway, and is expected to be physically present at the department except during approved fieldwork or research travel.

PhD Programme

Successful applicants will be admitted to the PhD Programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The doctoral programme normally includes:

• Three years of structured doctoral research.
• Coursework and academic training.
• Supervision by experienced researchers.
• Research seminars.
• Professional development opportunities.
• International collaboration.

Applicants should possess educational qualifications equivalent to:

• A Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS).
• A Master’s degree (120 ECTS).

Alternatively, applicants with integrated five-year Master’s programmes totaling approximately 300 ECTS are also eligible.

The Master’s degree should include an independent research thesis of at least 30 ECTS.

Salary and Benefits

Successful candidates will receive an attractive employment package, including:

• Annual salary of NOK 593,700.
• Automatic annual salary increases of approximately 3% during the four-year appointment.
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Comprehensive welfare benefits.
• A supportive and internationally recognized research environment.
• Excellent career development opportunities.
• Teaching and supervision experience.
• Access to world-class academic resources.
• Opportunities to collaborate with internationally renowned anthropologists.

Research Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit a research proposal of 5–8 pages, including references.

The proposal should clearly explain:

• Research topic.
• Research questions.
• Theoretical framework.
• Research methodology.
• Project objectives.
• Timeline and progress plan.
• Expected contribution to anthropology.

Preference will be given to proposals that complement the department’s existing regional and thematic strengths while expanding its research profile.

The quality of the proposal will play a central role in the admission process.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Anthropology.
• Complete the degree before the application deadline.
• Normally have achieved a Grade B or better overall and on the Master’s thesis.
• Demonstrate academic independence.
• Possess excellent organizational skills.
• Work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English proficiency.

Experience in teaching, academic outreach, or public dissemination is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Cover letter outlining research interests and motivation.
• Research proposal (5–8 pages).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts.
• Degree certificates.
• Academic references.
• Contact details for two referees.
• Master’s thesis.
• List of academic publications.
• Publications submitted for assessment.

Applicants whose qualifications were obtained outside the Nordic countries may later be asked to provide additional documentation regarding course syllabi.

Applications must be submitted through the Jobbnorge recruitment portal.

Applications sent by email will not be accepted.

Apply Here 

Working Environment

The Department offers an inspiring academic culture characterized by:

• International collaboration.
• Interdisciplinary research.
• Active research seminars.
• Guest lectures by international scholars.
• Mentorship from experienced faculty.
• Strong research networks.
• Public engagement opportunities.

The university values diversity and inclusion and encourages applications regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or background.

Applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or career gaps are particularly encouraged to apply.

Why You Should Apply

This fully funded PhD represents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring anthropologists seeking to conduct internationally recognized research while gaining valuable teaching experience.

With competitive funding, excellent academic supervision, access to a vibrant research community, and the opportunity to work at one of Europe’s leading universities, the programme provides an ideal foundation for a successful academic or research career.

Interested candidates should prepare a strong research proposal and submit their complete application before 15 September 2026.

For more information on this PhD position, visit here 

Discover more PhD opportunities on OFY, here