Up to Five Ph.D. Research Fellowships in Theology and Religion

Profile of the Centre

The Centre for the Study of World Christianity and Religion at VID Specialized University offers up to five fully funded Ph.d. Research Fellow positions in Theology and Religion for a period of three years.

We understand World Christianity as both the living reality of a multi-centred, plural, global church and as an integrated research approach to studying theology, religion, and their cultural and contextual expressions worldwide throughout history. World Christianity studies also focus on bottom-up approaches that emphasise the perspectives of minorities and marginalised voices. It is a subject best explored through a variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary methods.

About the position

The position of Research Fellow at VID aims to attain a Ph.d. degree after completing research training. Obtaining a Ph.d. is a valuable qualification for roles both within and outside academia.

 We welcome applications in various fields of Theology and Religious Studies, however, the following research areas will be given priority:

• Projects grounded in Sámi or Kven traditions: Constructive or practical theological projects; projects on truth & reconciliation, colonialism, and decolonisation; and projects on Sámi, Kven or Forest Finn church history 
• History, mission and archival research: Projects that engage with VID’s historical archive to explore themes and issues related to glocal dynamics of Christian mission and/or church history, with particular attention to how these movements have shaped and been shaped by different contexts, local communities, and power structures 
• All areas of biblical studies: Projects within the framework of world Christianity, including indigenous, contextual, and postcolonial perspectives, as well as projects applying other recent and innovative approaches
• Ecotheology: Projects exploring how churches and theologians engage with and reflect on themes such as climate, biodiversity, and sustainability within their mission, systematic theology, and practice 

Research groups

VID aims to connect Ph.d. research projects with the activities of existing research groups. Our groups focus on producing high-quality research, collaborating with other academic institutions, and publishing in relevant research fields.

A comprehensive overview of the research groups at VID Specialized University is available here. Candidates are asked to specify which research group they intend to join.

PhD programme

The successful candidates will be employed by the Centre for the Study of World Christianity and Religion (Ph.d. programme in Theology and Religion) at VID. The programme in theology and religious studies aims to prepare students for professional careers in research and teaching, as well as for leadership roles within religious organisations, NGOs, and educational institutions.

More details on the Ph.d. programmes at VID are available on our website.

Applicants are asked to review the Ph.d. programme's profile and to clarify the link between their own project proposal and the programme.

The general criteria for appointment as a research fellow are outlined in the Guidelines and supplementary provisions for the Ph.d. programmes at VID Specialized University.

The place of employment can be Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger or Tromsø (based at KUN - Church education centre North).

Qualifications and personal abilities

Requirements for the position:

• Master's degree (120 ECTS) in theology. Degrees in religious studies, history of religion, comparative religion, sociology of religion, anthropology of religion, psychology of religion, or other fields of study relevant to the call may be considered relevant. Grades for the master's thesis and the relevant average grades of the master's programme must be B or higher to qualify.
• Proficient written and oral presentation skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and with focus
• Capacity to execute and finish major tasks

The following qualifications are also preferred:

• Experience in relevant research work
• Skill to collaborate effectively with others

In a general assessment of the applicants, emphasis will be placed on personal qualifications, relevant competence, and research experience.

Diversity is a key aspect of a positive working environment. We invite all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of gender, abilities, or cultural background. VID aims to increase the number of individuals from minority backgrounds in scientific roles, and therefore encourages applications from persons with minority backgrounds.

Template for project descriptions

All project descriptions must follow the prescribed template.

The project description must not exceed 3500 words, including the reference list, tables, and all text. Longer descriptions may not be considered.

The project description must be written in English or a Scandinavian language.

VID aims to enhance research collaboration with international educational and research institutions. Applicants are therefore expected to outline plans for research visits abroad during the Ph.d. fellowship.

We offer

• Opportunities for academic growth with highly qualified and dedicated colleagues
• Membership in the State Pension Plan with favourable loan and pension terms. VID conforms to the main agreement between the Enterprise Federation of Norway (VIRKE) and Employees' Unions.
• The position is classified under code 1017 for a Ph.d. student in accordance with the Basic Collective Agreement, with a salary of NOK 550.800 per year, and adheres to standard merit regulations. Membership in the State Pension Plan, as well as accident and group life insurance schemes, is mandatory. The salary will be updated annually in line with the collective agreement.

Application

The following documents must be uploaded to the JobbNorge portal by clicking on the “apply here” link above.

• CV
• Diplomas
• Diploma supplements
• Transcripts
• Project description

It is the applicant's full responsibility to submit a complete application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Diploma supplements for non-Norwegian diplomas must be included where relevant. Documents in languages other than English or Norwegian must be accompanied by an official translation. For applicants whose education cannot be documented with Diploma supplements, confirmation of education, its content, and grade must be provided.

A sorting committee will choose which applications will be reviewed by the expert committee. Please note that applicants whose project descriptions are not selected for expert assessment will not receive a written evaluation. The decision of the sorting committee will not be made public.

The expert committee will evaluate applicants based on competence, relevance to the call, and the quality of the project description. Emphasis will also be placed on the interview conducted with shortlisted applicants.

Applicants must provide a list of 2-3 references who can be contacted if shortlisted. Applicants invited for an interview must be able to submit certified copies of diplomas and certificates.

If you have documents that cannot be sent electronically, please contact HR at benedicte.angell@vid.no

Application deadline: 31.03.2026

Starting date: January 2027 or by agreement