About the position
Up to three 100 % position are available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Social Sciences, as PhD Research Fellows in Political Science, affiliated to the Department of Political Science and Management, for a period of three years, or four years with 25% required duties.
The position is located at Campus Kristiansand. The starting date is negotiable with the faculty.
The Department of Political Science and Management, which has 15 permanent staff members, is responsible for the bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs. The department also has a large portfolio within continuing and further education (EVU). Furthermore, the department hosts two research groups: “European Integration and Transnational Governance” and “Governance and Leadership in a Changing Public Sector,” as well as a center for applied municipal research. More information about the department can be found here.
We are seeking candidates with original and solid research projects within the department’s PhD specialization in public administration. More information about the department’s PhD program can be found here.
The position is part of an active and interdisciplinary research environment with strong expertise in several areas of political science, offering excellent opportunities for academic development and collaboration.
Please note that residence in Kristiansand is required for the duration of the fellowship.
Required qualifications
The position is regulated by the Norwegian Regulations concerning terms and conditions of employment for the posts of post-doctoral research fellow, research fellow, research assistant, and resident. Admission to the Faculty’s Ph.D. program (specialization in Public Administration) is a prerequisite for employment. More information about the Ph.D. program is available here.
- completed master’s degree in political science (or equivalent), with an average grade of B or higher (including the master’s thesis). For more information, see here
- demonstrate strong written and oral proficiency in English.
Desired qualifications
- experience with scientific publications
Any scientific publications will be given weight in the assessment of the application. If applicants have published scientific/academic works previously, they are asked to attach a maximum of two such works, as well as a complete list of relevant publications.
Personal qualities
- strong commitment to academic originality and research quality.
- ability to work independently and as part of a team
- excellent communication skills (written and oral)
- proactive, flexible, and receptive to new ideas
- results-oriented.
- motivated to contribute to a positive academic and social working environment.
Personal qualities and suitability for the position will be emphasized.
We offer
- professional development in a large, exciting and socially influential organisation
- a positive, inclusive and diverse working environment
- modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers
- membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
More about working at UiA.
The position is remunerated according to the Norwegian State salary scale, plan 17.515, position code 1017 Research Fellow, with a gross annual salary of NOK 550 800. Statutory contributions to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will be deducted.
General information
UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV.
The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions.
Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process.
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.
In case of discrepancies between the Norwegian and the Norwegian version of this description, the Norwegian version takes precedence.
Application
The applications and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) must be submitted electronically via the link “Apply for this job”.
The following documentation must be uploaded:
- official transcripts and diplomas
- master's thesis/major thesis
- certificates
- scientific work and R&D activities, as well as a list of these
- project description of a maximum of 10 pages, including a bibliography
The project description should contain a presentation of possible research questions/hypotheses, a theoretical framework and a progress plan for the proposed PhD project. An essential part of the assessment of applicants is the quality of the project description. The project proposal should include an outline of possible research questions/hypotheses, a theoretical framework, and a progress plan for the proposed PhD- project. A key part of the evaluation will be based on the quality of the proposal.
The University is committed to ensuring appropriate academic supervision for successful candidates.
Applicants are responsible for submitting complete documentation by the application deadline. All documentation must be in a Scandinavian language or in English.
Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
Contact
Contact Information
For questions about the position:
Prof. Jarle Trondal, Ph.D. Program Coordinator
Phone: +47 91 38 00 83 | Email: [email protected]
For questions about the application process:
Marte Strand, Senior Advisor
Phone: +47 38 14 12 07 | Email: [email protected]
Creating knowledge together
When people who are committed come together to further knowledge, anything is possible.
The University of Agder combines the unique warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological and artistic expertise.
Would you like to work with us to create better solutions to our shared challenges?
University of Agder
The University of Agder has more than 1500 employees and almost 14 000 students, making us one of Southern Norway's largest workplaces. Our dedicated staff engage in research, teaching and dissemination across a diverse range of fields.
The university is located on two modern campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad.
