University of Oslo PhD Fellowships: Health and Environment Research

Fellowships

University of Oslo PhD Fellowships:
Health and Environment Research

University of Oslo offers a three-year PhD program in social anthropology through the HEALENAE network, focusing on health and environment research in Africa and Europe, with collaboration opportunities.

Japheth Sirima 13th March 2026 (Last updated: 13th March 2026) 3 minutes read 0 comments

Organization
:
University of Oslo (UiO) – Department of Social Anthropology

Duration
: 3 years

Location
:
Oslo, Norway

Final date to receive applications
:
March 16th, 2026

The PhD positions are part of the HEALENAE doctoral training network (Health and Environment in Africa and Europe), funded by the European Union. The programme brings together 15 PhD candidates who work collaboratively on interdisciplinary research projects linking institutions across Europe and Africa. Among the positions, two offer dual degrees with Makerere University in Uganda, while one may involve a joint degree with the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

All selected candidates are required to relocate to Norway, with dual-degree students spending approximately six months at the partner institution.

• Metabolic Impact:
  Examining agricultural intensification and health transformations (UiO & UCT)
• Infrastructures of Toxic Evidence and Civic Protection:
  Investigating environmental hazards and public response (UiO & MU)
• Epidemics and Natural Disasters as ‘Business’:
  Analyzing socio-economic and cultural dimensions of crisis events (UiO & MU)

• Master’s degree in social anthropology or closely related field (two years, 120 ECTS) by the Final date to receive applications
• Academic excellence: average grade of A or B (ECTS scale) or 70% and above in percent-based grading
• Minimum three months of ethnographic fieldwork experience
• Strong academic writing skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Willingness to conduct long-term ethnographic research and collaborate across disciplines and institutions
• Excellent command of English (oral and written) with documentation for admissions at all participating universities

• Have resided or conducted main activity in Norway for more than 12 months in the last 36 months
• Hold a PhD

• Academic achievements and thesis results
• Quality and feasibility of the research project proposal
• Personal motivation and suitability for interdisciplinary, collaborative work
• Capacity for public engagement and adherence to ethical research standards

• Competitive salary with statutory pension contributions
• Funding for research, travel, conferences, books, and equipment
• Professional development in an internationally oriented, interdisciplinary network
• Access to Norway’s excellent welfare and healthcare system
• Opportunities for physical activity during work hours
• Collegial, supportive, and academically stimulating environment

• Cover letter outlining motivation and research interests (max one A4 page)
• Detailed CV with education, positions, publications, and relevant activities
• Project description addressing:
• Topic summary (½ page)
• 3–5 research questions or objectives (max 1 page)
• Background literature and theoretical framework (1–2 pages)
• Field sites, methods, and ethical considerations (1–2 pages)
• References and bibliography
• Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts
• Documentation of English language proficiency