PhD candidate in social anthropology

We have a PhD research fellow position available at the Department of Geography and Social Anthropology. The position is linked to the research centre NOTRAP – Centre for Transformative Energy Policy. The centre is interdisciplinary in itself, and the fellowship position will be part of a fellowship community with connections to several departments at NTNU. The energy transition is unparalleled in terms of speed, depth and impact on energy systems and markets, not to mention its enormous impact on societies, citizens and decision-makers. Although the transition has barely begun, we are already seeing how it is contributing to social unrest and resistance, polarisation and populism, which threaten to weaken democracy in the long term. The centre’s focus is on the policies and paradigms that underpin both these tendencies and their management. The fellowship in social anthropology will investigate how the energy transition affects societies, citizens and decision-makers, with a particular focus on political controversies, resistance, conflict and the cultural and social dynamics associated with technological change.

In addition to NOTRAP, the fellow will be part of an active and positive group of fellows at the Department of Geography and Social Anthropology. The successful candidate will be affiliated with the research group “The Anthropology of Technology”. This is an active research group consisting of both experienced and younger researchers, and exploring technology as a fundamental cultural phenomenon.

The PhD project will investigate the cultural and societal dynamics of political change processes, with particular emphasis on (not all points need to be covered):
• How citizens and stakeholders are engaged in policy development.
• Controversies, narratives and perceptions related to the energy transition.
• The socio-political effects of different policy choices, including resistance, polarization and acceptance.
• Methods for inclusion and innovation in political processes.

Are you motivated to take the step towards a doctorate and open up exciting career opportunities? As a research fellow with us, you will work towards achieving your doctorate, while at the same time gaining valuable experience that qualifies you for a further career in higher education and research, in and outside academia.
Your immediate supervisor will be the head of department.

• conduct an ethnographic study of politics and energy transition
• complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate
• conduct high-quality research
• academic publications and popular science dissemination
• participate as part of the interdisciplinary community of NOTRAP
• participate in the research group Anthropology of Technology  
• participate in international activities such as attending conferences and/or research stays at foreign educational institutions
• participation in research projectsBe prepared that after employment there may be changes in your work tasks.

• you must have a master’s degree in social anthropology, or equivalent
• You must have a master’s degree in [field of study] or equivalent. Your educational background must correspond to a five-year Norwegian study programme, where 120 credits have been obtained at master’s level.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies, and have an average grade from your master’s degree program, or equivalent education, that is equal to B or better compared to NTNU’s grading scale . If you do not have letter grades from your previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD program.
• Master’s students can apply, but the master’s degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position and no later than 01.08.25
• Good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.
• you must meet the requirements for admission to a PhD program in social sciences with a specialization in social anthropology

For detailed information on what the application should contain, see the section “About the application”. 

We refer to  the Regulations to the University and College Act (the University and College Regulations) and  the Regulations for the degrees of philosophiae doctor (PhD) and philosophiae doctor (PhD) in artistic research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)   for general criteria for the position.

• Experience with and interest in topics related to the anthropology of technology with special emphasis on digitalization and cultural logic.
• knowledge of conducting ethnographic studies in technology environments, both physically and digitally
• practical experience with policy, governance and regulation
• participation in NFR/EU-funded research projects
• experience in studying new technological phenomena against a broader social context
• experience with and interest in interdisciplinary collaboration
• good oral and written communication skills in English

To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are able to:

• work independently
• work in a structured way, set goals and make plans to achieve them
• present and discuss your research with other professionals
• get involved and contribute constructively with feedback
• work constructively under pressure or in the face of adversity
• show curiosity and a strong motivation for the subject
• analyze data, consider different perspectives and draw well-founded conclusions
• be flexible and open to adjusting the project plan as needed

Personal suitability will be emphasized.

• an exciting job with an important social mission
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• career guidance and follow-up during the doctoral period
• open and  inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• operating resources that can be used to carry out the project
• Sponsorship scheme for new employees at NTNU
• favorable terms in the Government Pension Fund

You will be employed as a research fellow at NTNU and will have access to employee benefits and perks.

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity of society and that uses the potential of the population’s combined competencies. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values ​​are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender balanced is crucial for us to achieve our goals together.

We want employees with different competencies, subject combinations, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better task solving of our societal mission in research and education.

If you find this position relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.

In the position of research fellow code 1017, your salary will normally be gross NOK 536,200 per year depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the Norwegian State Pension Fund will be deducted from your salary.

The employment period is 3 years. If career-enhancing work is added to the position, the employment period will be extended accordingly.

For employment as a research fellow, it is a prerequisite that you are admitted to the PhD program within the PhD program in social sciences, major in social anthropology,  within three months of commencement, and that you participate in an organized doctoral study program within the employment period.

The position is conditional on external funding.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you stay up to date on academic and organizational changes and adapt to them.

For necessary interaction academically and socially, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

The appointment will be carried out in accordance with the principles of  the Government Employees Act , and  legislation regulating the export of knowledge, technology and services . Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are deemed to conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

The application and attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these will be used as the basis for the assessment. The documents must be in Norwegian/Scandinavian or English.

Please note that your application will only be assessed based on the information we have at the application deadline. Please ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above. The application and all attachments must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited for an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request.

The application must contain:

• transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• CV
• Copy of your master’s thesis. If you have recently submitted your master’s thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of completed master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• project outline containing proposals for an overall description of research questions, theoretical perspectives, methodological design for the project and progress plan (maximum 1500 words/4 pages)
• short motivation letter (400 words/1 page)
• any publications or other relevant research work
• any certificates
• names and contact information of three relevant references

If all or part of your education was taken abroad, we ask you to also attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor’s and master’s education, in addition to any other higher education. If your institution offers a “diploma supplement” (common for most European educational institutions), please attach this. A description of other documentation that is required can be found  here . If you have a statement from  HK-dir , it is a good idea if you attach it as well.

We take into account work you have done together with others. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to the joint work, you must attach a brief account of your participation.

When assessing the best qualified candidate, we emphasize necessary qualifications such as education, experience, and personal suitability. Motivation for the position, ambitions, and potential for research will also count when assessing the candidates.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and has committed ourselves  to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment  and the commitments in  CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a wider range of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU’s social mission).

A public applicant list with name, age, job title and municipality of residence will be prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to reserve yourself from being included on the public applicant list, you must provide reasons for this. Assessment will be made in accordance with  applicable legislation . You will be notified if your reservation is not accepted.

If you think the position looks interesting and is in line with your qualifications, you are welcome to apply.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Jens Røyrvik, tel. 94310996, e-mail jens.royrvik@ntnu.no.

If you have any questions about the hiring process, please contact HR advisor Renate Lillian Johansen, email: renate.johansen@ntnu.no

The application and all attachments must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas.

Application deadline: 01.06.2025