University of Oslo PhD Fellowships: Health and Environment Research

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

Duration: 3 years

Location: Oslo, Norway

Application deadline: March 16th, 2026

ABOUT

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.

Research areas within HEALENAE:

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)

Eligibility Criteria

Master’s degree in social anthropology or closely related field (two years, 120 ECTS) by the application deadline
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

Applicants cannot:

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

Selection Requirements

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

Benefits of the Fellowship

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

Application Requirements

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