PhD Research Fellowship in the Modern History of the Middle East at University of Bergen, Norway

PhD Research Fellowship in the Modern History of the Middle East at the University of Bergen, Norway

About the Fellowship

The Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion at the University of Bergen invites applications for a PhD Research Fellowship in the modern history of the Middle East. The fellowship offers the opportunity to conduct high-level research on cultural production, technologies, popular culture, leisure, entertainment, gender, and sexuality in the Middle East from the late nineteenth century onwards. The position is associated with the Centre for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, offering a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international academic environment.

Fellowship Details

Position: PhD Research Fellowship in the Modern History of the Middle East
Institution: University of Bergen
Administering Body: Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion
Location: Bergen, Norway
Research Field: Modern Middle Eastern History
Type: Full-time, Fellowship
Duration: 4 years
Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
Working Hours: As per University of Bergen norms (37.5 hours per week typical)
Funding/Compensation: NOK 532,200 per year (as per code 1017), with salary progression based on seniority; enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund; good welfare benefits
Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in History or related discipline with a strong historical focus

Research Areas Supported

Cultural production and exchange in the Middle East
Circulation of cultural and material objects
Popular culture, leisure, and entertainment
Gender and sexuality formation
Transregional and transnational connections
Marginal actors and global modernities in Middle Eastern history

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Completed Master’s degree in History or closely related fields by the application deadline
Strong independent work ability and teamwork skills
High proficiency in written and spoken English
Willingness to actively participate in the Centre for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
Willingness to reside in Bergen and comply with UiB work regulations

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of Arabic (advantageous)
Experience with transregional/transnational approaches
Previous participation in international academic environments

Fellowship/Job Benefits

Visa sponsorship available for international applicants
Competitive gross salary starting at NOK 532,200 annually
Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
Access to Norway’s excellent welfare and healthcare benefits
Research environment with international collaboration
Dedicated career development time (teaching, dissemination, etc.)
Comprehensive research training (30 ECTS credits through the Faculty of Humanities PhD program)

Key Responsibilities

Complete an independent research project leading to a PhD dissertation
Submit a structured PhD project proposal and follow a progression plan
Engage in departmental activities including seminars, lectures, and international workshops
Contribute to career-promoting tasks like teaching, public dissemination, and administration
Fulfill training components of the Faculty of Humanities’ PhD program

Application Process

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted electronically through the University of Bergen’s Jobbnorge portal.

Required Documents:

Project proposal (up to 5 pages/12,000 characters, excluding bibliography)
Bibliography for the project
Progression plan including career-promoting work and training requirements
CV
Diplomas and transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Summary of Master’s thesis (up to 3 pages)
List of scientific publications (if applicable)
Up to three publications (optional)
Relevant certificates and references
Names and contact information for two referees (one must be the Master’s thesis supervisor)

All documents must be in English, Norwegian, or another Scandinavian language. Certified English translations must accompany any documents in other languages.