PhD positions in Social Anthropology - ERC project In/visible women of the sea (GENMAR)

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PhD positions

The Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen invites applications for two PhD fellowships in Social Anthropology. The positions are fully funded by the European Research Council (ERC) through the project GENMAR (2026–2031). The successful candidate’s PhD project must therefore make a clear and substantial contribution to the themes and objectives of GENMAR. 

Prospective candidates must present a project proposal ethnographically situated in either Brazil, Tanzania or Thailand. Further instructions about the project proposal are outlined below. 

About the project/work tasks:

The GENMAR-project will advance empirical and theoretical knowledge about why and how women are continuously marginalized in the fishery sector. 

Current research shows that fisherwomen’s roles and contributions are not only habitually underrecognized, but they are also often excluded from governance- and management processes and lack social and economic rights. However, we know little about how gender equality policies- and recommendations in fishery are negotiated through political- and advocacy systems. Further, in the face of increased attention to the issue, little is known of where and why it loses momentum in political systems. Moreover, women’s role and agency in fishery politics, advocacy and governance is an understudied field, offering limited knowledge of how and why their struggles are hindered.

GENMAR’s research objective is situated at the intersection of these three knowledge gaps. The project will develop a multi-sited, multi-scalar, comparative and theorized ethnography of gender inequality, gender advocacy and gender policies in fisheries in Spain, Brazil, Tanzania and Thailand, and a case study of fishery policy in the EU-commission and the UNs Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Theoretically, the project draws on the existing literature about the gendering of fisheries, in dialogue with gender studies, social science concept analysis, legal anthropology and anthropological approaches to the state, organizations, law and policy. Methodologically, the project draws on ethnographic fieldwork, extended interviews, focus groups, document- and media studies and law- and policy analysis. 

The project’s PI is Associate Professor Iselin Åsedotter Strønen. For more information about the project, see https://www4.uib.no/en/research/research-projects/invisible-women-of-the-sea-gendering-fishery-politics-and-advocacy-genmar

Responsibilites:

• Pursue a PhD project that directly contributes to GENMARs project’s focus on gender and fisheries at the local, regional, national and international level
• Collaborate actively with the GENMAR project team in developing innovative and ambitious lines of inquiry, joint research questions, literature reviews and theoretical frameworks
• Conduct ethnographic field research for approximately one year in the course of the project period. 
• Actively participate in research, publication, and dissemination activities of GENMAR
• Write a PhD-dissertation and at least one book chapter
• Present research at departmental seminars, project workshops and conferences, and international conferences
• Follow the highest standards of data management and ethical protocols and procedures in alignment with ERC requirements 
• Obtaining research permits when/if required, contribute to updating the project website and to communicating research findings to the public when appropriate 

Qualifications and personal qualities:

Required qualifications

• The applicant must hold a master's degree or the equivalent in social or cultural anthropology (thesis must be approved by the deadline)  
• The requirements are generally a grade B or better on the Master thesis and for the master's degree in total
• A documented research trajectory reflecting the thematic and/or theoretical focus of GENMAR. Documented research experience with the gendering of fisheries is an advantage but is not an absolute requirement. 
• Ethnographic research experience from the country/region where ethnographic research is proposed conducted   
• In-depth knowledge of qualitative methods and documented experience with long-term, independent ethnographic field research. 
• Language skills enabling ethnographic fieldwork in candidates’ proposed research site (Brazil, Tanzania or Thailand). 
• Strong analytical skills and ability to communicate clearly
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken)
• The place of work for this position is Bergen, and the work requires that you are physically present at the Department of Social Anthropology on a daily basis (excluding fieldwork)

Desired qualifications

• A publication track record beyond MA thesis
• Prior experience in large research projects and/or prior experience from working in academia in educational/institutional/organizational roles 
• Experience with research communication to an academic and/or public audience

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. 

About the PhD positions:

The duration of the PhD position is 3 years. In addition, to finish a book chapter for the project’s final publication output, the candidates will get the opportunity to be hired as researchers for a period of 3 months. For one of the positions there may be opportunities for teaching or other academic duty work, but this is agreed upon at a later stage.

About the PhD training:

As a PhD research fellow, you will take part in the PhD programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences, UiB. The programme corresponds to a period of three years and leads to the PhD degree. To be eligible for admission you must normally have an educational background corresponding to a master’s degree with a scope of 120 ECTS credits, which builds on a bachelor’s degree with a scope of 180 ECTS credits (normally 2 + 3 years), or an integrated master’s degree with a scope of 300 ECTS credits (5 years). Master’s degrees must normally include an independent work of a minimum of 30 ECTS credits. It is expected that the topic of the master’s degree is connected to the academic field to which you are seeking admission.

We can offer:

• Salary as PhD (code 1017) NOK 568 700, - per year. Automatic salary increases for up to 4 years with a 3% annual increase
• Personal funds for fieldwork, books and conference attendance
• Being part of a tightly integrated, ambitious and collegial project group
• A dynamic and internationally recognized departmental research environment, with a strong portfolio on marine- and ocean research
• Bergen as a vibrant academic city with access to spectacular nature
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Good welfare benefits

Project proposal:

A research proposal (5-8 pages excluding references) must accompany the application. The proposal must clearly demonstrate how the PhD project will make a substantial contribution to the overall scope and ambitions of the GENMAR project. The proposal should outline the research focus and main research questions, ethnographic field site(s) and context, proposed methodology, situate the project within relevant research literature, and outline a theoretical approach. Admittance to the PhD programme will be based on the research proposal. The faculty has prepared a guide for writing project descriptions.

Your application must include:

• A cover letter (max 2 pages) including a brief account of your research interests and motivation for applying for the position
• The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of them must be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis
• Project proposal
• CV (including education, positions, research experience, qualitative methods training, and other qualifying activities)
• Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees.
• Relevant certificates
• A list of academic publications
• Academic publications that you want to submit for assessment (including your master’s thesis or equivalent)
• If you have a master's degree from an institution outside of the Nordic countries, or a 2-year discipline- based master's degree (or the equivalent) in a subject area other than the one associated with the application, you may later in the application process be asked to submit an overview of the syllabus for the degree you have completed

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge following the link on this page marked “Apply for this job”.

Closing date: May 26, 2026. 

Applications submitted without a project description or applications sent as e-mails will not be considered. Only submitted documents will be subjected to an expert assessment.

General information:

Starting date: January 1, 2027, at the latest

For questions about the position, please contact Iselin Åsedotter Strønen: Iselin.stronen@uib.no

Practical questions regarding the application procedures should be directed to Adviser – HR, Gudrun Horvei: gudrun.horvei@uib.no 

Appointed research fellows will be admitted to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences. Questions about the programme may be directed to Adviser Elina Troscenko: elina.troscenko@uib.no

Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. For further information about the recruitment process, click here.

Life as a PhD candidate at UiB

Marion Claireaux tells about life and work as a PhD candidate at UiB.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrtp6VxMeJ4&index=2&list=PLf8ZIYfAO0qjhROTj6SthDbSScg0lSO6G