Postdoctoral Research Fellows (2 Posts) in the ERC-funded HydroConnect project

Two postdoctoral positions available: 

Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) currently has two vacancies for two postdoctoral researchers with an interest in cross-disciplinary work and expertise and knowledge of fresh groundwater networks. The candidates should ideally have a background in social anthropology (or a closely related field, such as human geography) and/or  archaeology. These are full-time, temporary positions spanning three years (36 months), working on the European Research Council (ERC) funded project HydroConnect. These two positions are based in Bergen, Norway at CMI, and will be included in the Climate and Natural Resources research group at CMI.

The two postdoctoral positions 

• Postdoctoral position 1: The study of fresh groundwater networks in Tonga or other Pacific Islands
• Postdoctoral position 2: The study of fresh groundwater networks on the Comoros Islands

Start date of both positions: 1st of September 2026. 

Information regarding the project HydroConnect:

The positions are part of a European Research Council (ERC)-funded project entitled Global HydroConnectivities beyond Ocean, Seas and Rivers led by Prof. Edyta Roszko, the Principal Investigator (PI) at Chr. Michelsen Institute in Bergen, Norway. Applicants are invited to design their own sub-project that aligns with the broader focus of the ERC project. The broader project focuses on connectivities afforded by hidden, underground water that surfaces along the coastlines of islands lacking accessible, perennial fresh water. Specifically, the project explores how Austronesian-speaking seafarers transformed such freshwater ‘seeps’ into wells and other forms of water capture throughout the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific. The first aim is to develop the concept of hydroconnectivities that integrates fresh water, well infrastructure, and ecological and social exchanges through comparative historical ethnography of Austronesian Indigenous knowledge that has crossed oceans, generations and various groups of people. The second aim is to map and theorize how present-day descendants and successors of Austronesian-speaking seafarers benefited from Indigenous knowledge, freshwater seeps and wells (link to the project).

Research for a just and equal world

CMI's vision is to generate research for a just and equal world. Our mission is to address global challenges by providing research-based knowledge that inspires and shapes policy and practice. For more information regarding CMI's values and vision, see the CMI Strategy (2023-2028). As a researcher at CMI, you must identify with CMI’s visions and strategies.

At CMI we have organized our research in different research themes; and our research groups are organized around our themes. These groups are comprised of researchers from different disciplines, as our research projects are often multi-disciplinary.

CMI is an independent research institute, which means that we are funded through research grants and by successfully winning research projects. As a researcher at CMI, you must identify with CMI’s vision to generate and communicate research for a just and equal world. 

Information regarding the two postdoctoral positions: 

Postdoctoral position 1: Fresh groundwater networks in Tonga or other Pacific Islands

The position is part of work-package 2 (WP2) entitled ‘Hydroconnectivities in the Indo-Pacific coordinated by PI, Prof. Edyta Roszko. Ideally, the successful candidate will focus on Tongatapu and Eua (in Tonga) or, alternatively, other islands in the Pacific (e.g. Kiribati, Tuvalu), lacking surface waters and islanders’ current state of knowledge about coastal seeps, underground water caves, freshwater pools, as well as on specific rights to access water from those spaces.  The wider aim is to reconstruct the history of hydrological knowledge and the enduring engagement of local communities with the geological landscape and their strategies to navigate changes imposed by climate and other human-induced factors. The successful candidate is expected to conduct individual and in-depth ethnographic field research on one or two selected islands, collaborate with a Senior archaeologist/geomorphologist and contribute to archaeological survey, mapping and cataloging freshwater wells (or other forms of water capture). It is expected that in combination with archaeological and geological mapping of the freshwater features, coastal landscape, and underground water seeps and caves, ethnographic fieldwork will provide in-depth insights into the role of these water reservoirs in the hydroconnectivities that help(ed) to sustain livelihoods on the atolls in the past and present. 

Postdoctoral position 2: Fresh groundwater networks on the Comoros Islands

The position is part of a work-package 2 (WP2) entitled ‘Hydroconnectivities in the Indo-Pacific coordinated by PI, Prof. Edyta Roszko. Specifically, the successful candidate will explore the role of the underground freshwater seeps on Ngazidja Island (Comoros) that are the only source of drinking water and their role in connecting diverse ethnic communities. The subproject explores hydrological knowledge in Comoros that must have travelled across different ethnic lines and geographical zones as the Comoros Islands were the earliest locations of contact between African, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian populations in the Swahili Corridor, as reflected in the Comoros Islanders’ rich linguistic, cultural and religious diversity. The successful candidate will contextualize their findings in connection to mainland East Africa and Madagascar and will conduct individual and in-depth ethnographic field research in Ngazidja, collaborate with a Senior archaeologist/geomorphologist and contribute to archeological survey, mapping and cataloging freshwater wells (or other forms of water capture). It is expected that in combination with archaeological and geological mapping of the freshwater features, coastal landscape, and underground water seeps and freshwater plums, ethnographic fieldwork will provide in-depth insights into hydroconnectivities that help(ed) to sustain livelihoods on the island in the past and present. 

Essential work tasks and expectations: 

• Develop a research subproject within the HydroConnect project in consultation with the PI.
• Conduct ethnographic fieldwork and contribute to developing new methods to advance project aims.
• Collect, analyse, visualise and interpret data through literature reviews, ethnographic fieldwork, network analysis and other research methods as appropriate to project.
• Take responsibility of own data management to prevent data loss.
• Take responsibility for the administrative aspects of the project, including obtaining national and ethical approvals, regularly updating the project website, and maintaining up-to-date information on research outputs and dissemination in the online system.
• Keep up to date with research literature relevant to the project.
• Work individually and collaborate with members of the research team
• Prepare findings for publication, e.g. by producing visualisations, maps and reports
• Disseminate research findings for publication by giving talks in research seminars, conferences, and writing publications.
• Organization of seminars, workshops, and conferences 
• Participate in outreach activities to communicate science to the public.
• Present research outputs, including drafting 3 single and co-authored peer-reviewed journal articles, and 1 chapter for a planned edited volume
• Participate in CMI institutional life and outreach activities to communicate science to the public. 

The postdoctoral researcher positions will be fully dedicated to the ERC funded HydroConnect project. 

Who we are looking for: 

Essential criteria (experience and qualifications): 

• A PhD in Anthropology and/or Archaeology or a closely related field
• Experience in and willingness to conduct long-term ethnographic fieldwork (up to 8 months) and have relevant regional language expertise specific to the advertised position
• Ability to conducting fieldwork, data analysis and writing, plus developing original lines of inquiry 
• Familiarity with the anthropological and archaeological literature on Indigeneity, settlement, and mobility
• Be prepared to join an existing research project and actively contribute to its central aims and collaborative inquiries 
• Be prepared to reside in Bergen (Norway) for the duration of the position (excluding fieldwork) and actively participate in the project in institute events

Desirable criteria (experience and qualifications):

• Practical archaeological skills (survey, cataloging, creating typologies)
• Familiarity with augmented reality mapping (ARS), geographic information systems (GIS) and/or remote sensing

Personal qualities and qualifications: 

• Self-leadership: Ability to work independently and in a team
• Curious and bold: Curiosity for other disciplines, open-minded and willing to push boundaries.
• Respectful: Respectful and willing to understand the contributions of other disciplines.
• Collaborative: willingness to collaborate and establish mutual understanding and trust.
• Inclusive and empathetic: see, listen to and value colleagues and partners for who they are. Support colleagues and embrace differences.

We value: 

• Project development skills and entrepreneurship. Researchers are the driving force in project development. An entrepreneurial attitude is essential. Skills, experience, and a track record of project development is valuable.
• Engagement with policy and practice. CMI aims to provide research-based knowledge that informs and inspires policy and practice. This entails interaction with user groups, policy- makers and practitioners.
• Field experience. Field experience is important for gaining deep insight about development challenges.

• Versatility. Working at CMI, it is an advantage to be interested in a variety of themes and geographical areas, and to be open to different methodological and disciplinary approaches.
• Project leadership. Researchers at CMI often manage their own projects, with the support of a professional administration.
• Research collaboration. Research at CMI involves collaboration with leading international research institutions, including partners in the Global South.
• Popular dissemination. The impact of CMIs research comes partly through popular dissemination and engagement in public debates of relevance to our research.

Location and home office

This position is located in Bergen, Norway. CMI is not in a position to offer remote working arrangements for new staff members. We offer home office agreements, allowing all staff to work up to two days a week from home office in Norway.

CMI can offer you:

• Salary starting at NOK 702 420.-. 
• The opportunity to be part of the leading multidisciplinary development research institute in Scandinavia and to shape our research agenda and communication outreach.
• A vibrant and international working environment.
• Work-life balance and home office opportunities.
• Opportunity to work in Norway, with English as the working language.
• A conducive environment for families with children. 

Bergen is a picturesque city situated between fjords and mountains, with excellent opportunities for cultural experiences and an active lifestyle. 

Relevant staff benefits:

• In addition to the annual 5 weeks holiday leave, CMI offers staff additional paid leave from the 24th of December to the 1st of January, and during the Easter week each year.
• Subsidized gym membership.
• Financial assistance to move from abroad to join CMI (terms apply).
• Norwegian language classes for employees moving to Norway from abroad.
• Excellent travel insurance that covers both work and private travel (terms apply).
• Defined contribution pension (innskuddspension). Contributions are paid with 7% of the salary up to 7.1 G and 25.1% of the salary between 7.1-12 G (2% are deducted from the employee, terms apply).

How to apply

Please submit the following:

• Cover letter specifying which position the prospective candidate wishes to apply for (statement of motivation summarizing scientific work and research interest, field experience, versatility, project management, research collaboration, scientific and public dissemination, max. 2 pages)
• CV and publication list
• Research proposal (max 3-5 pages): 1) the main research question and its significance, 2) the context, 3) the methods, 4) originality and anticipated contribution to the literature, 5) alignment with the ERC project
• Writing samples (up to 2 scientific publications)
• Names and contact details of three referees
• Certificate of PhD degree

The application deadline is set to the: 1st of March 2026

Please note that CMI only accepts applications through the JobbNorge recruitment system.

To explore the call further or if you have any queries, please contact Research Professor Edyta Roszko edyta.roszko@cmi.no.

CMI employs staff with a wide range of complementary competencies, and we are committed to academic excellence and an inclusive environment and therefore, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of personal background, gender, or sexual orientation, disability or ethnicity, etc. Qualified applicants with an Indigenous background are particularly encouraged to apply.