PhD Research Fellowships in Political Science

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.

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: 1 October 2025