Fully Funded PhD Fellowship in Societal Security and Disaster Research at UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Location: Tromsø, Norway
Application Deadline: 23 October 2025
The Faculty of Science and Technology at UiT The Arctic University of Norway is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD fellowship in Societal Security and Disaster Research. This position is hosted by the Department of Technology and Safety (ITS), which operates across UiT’s campuses in Tromsø, Bardufoss, and Harstad.
With over 90 staff members and 600 students, the department is known for its expertise in nautical science, aviation, societal safety, environmental studies, and international preparedness.
The selected candidate will be employed for four years, comprising three years of doctoral research and one year of teaching and academic responsibilities. Successful applicants will receive research training leading to a PhD degree upon admission to UiT’s PhD Programme at the Faculty of Science and Technology.
Research Focus
This PhD position aligns with UiT’s mission to address urgent societal and environmental challenges in the Arctic and beyond. It is part of the university’s SlowRisk Project, which explores the relationship between disaster risk, early warning systems, and community experiences.
In Norway, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) monitors several high-risk areas prone to rock avalanches. While technical research on monitoring systems is extensive, there is limited understanding of how such knowledge shapes community resilience and risk perception. The project aims to bridge this gap by investigating social dimensions of disaster risk and how technological instruments influence local experiences of safety and uncertainty.
Applicants are encouraged to propose original research projects aligned with these themes. Case studies may focus on Norwegian monitoring sites or similar contexts globally, particularly in resource-constrained regions. The research should examine how technical knowledge is produced, shared, and negotiated within communities exposed to risk.
Academic and Methodological Approach
The PhD fellowship promotes interdisciplinary research drawing on:
An “instrumental realist” approach is particularly encouraged—recognizing technology and instrumentation as mediators of human experience.
The fellow will collaborate with community members, technical experts, scientists, and municipal planners, contributing to research design, fieldwork, data analysis, and publication. The position also involves presenting findings at academic conferences and workshops under UiT’s representation.
Candidate Qualifications
Applicants must hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as:
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Societal Security and Risk Management
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Geography or Environmental Studies
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Anthropology or Sociology
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Science and Technology Studies (STS)
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Philosophy of Technology
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Global Development Studies
Preferred qualifications include:
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Experience in fieldwork or qualitative research methods
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Strong communication and writing skills in English
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Ability to work independently and in an international research environment
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Demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary approaches
Nordic applicants may verify English proficiency through a high school diploma. Prior research experience or work in academic institutions will be considered an advantage.
Admission Requirements
To qualify for UiT’s PhD Programme, candidates must hold:
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A bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) and a master’s degree (120 ECTS), or
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An integrated master’s degree (300 ECTS)
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of C (3.0 equivalent) in their master’s degree, which should include an independent research project.
Those educated outside Norway will undergo an equivalency assessment to ensure compliance with Norwegian higher education standards.
Employment Terms and Benefits
UiT offers an annual salary of NOK 550,800 for PhD fellows, with a 3% annual salary increase. Employment includes membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which provides:
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Pension and insurance coverage
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Sickness and injury benefits
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Favorable loan conditions
Additional benefits include:
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Flexible working hours
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Relocation reimbursement (where applicable)
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Career development opportunities
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Access to Norway’s universal healthcare system
UiT promotes gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds.
Application Procedure
Applicants must submit the following documents via Jobbnorge before 23 October 2025:
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Cover letter outlining motivation and research interests
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Certified copies of bachelor’s and master’s diplomas with transcripts
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Proof of English proficiency
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Project proposal (up to 5 pages, including references)
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Names and contact details of two or three referees
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Master’s thesis or relevant academic publications
All application materials must be submitted in English or a Scandinavian language.
About UiT The Arctic University of Norway
UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a leading research institution committed to advancing knowledge in the High North. Guided by the Northern Sami concept eallju—meaning “eagerness to work”—UiT fosters sustainable, knowledge-driven development across regional and global levels.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, UiT combines academic excellence with societal responsibility, addressing some of the most critical challenges in climate, security, and technology.
Contact Information
For inquiries:
Associate Professor Reidar Staupe
[email protected]
Official Application Link: Visit UiT’s Jobbnorge Porta
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the duration of the PhD fellowship at UiT?
The position lasts four years, including three years of research and one year of teaching or administrative duties.
2. Is the PhD fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the position is fully funded, with a salary of NOK 550,800 per year and benefits under the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
3. Who can apply for this fellowship?
Applicants with a master’s degree in fields such as societal security, risk management, sociology, anthropology, or STS are eligible.
4. Can international students apply?
Yes, international candidates are encouraged to apply. All applications will be evaluated for equivalency with Norwegian academic standards.
5. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for submitting applications is 23 October 2025.
6. Is English proficiency required?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate strong written and spoken English skills. Nordic applicants may use a high school diploma for verification.
7. Where will the PhD fellow be based?
The position is primarily based at UiT’s Tromsø campus, with opportunities for collaboration across Bardufoss and Harstad.
8. What research themes are encouraged?
Projects exploring risk perception, disaster management, and the role of technology in community resilience are highly encouraged.
9. Are there opportunities for international fieldwork?
Yes. Candidates may conduct case studies abroad, particularly in regions facing natural hazards or limited resources.
10. How can I apply?
Applications must be submitted via Jobbnorge with all required documents before the stated deadline.
