About the Program
The University of Oslo invites applications for a fully funded PhD in History of Religion, Legal History and/or Medieval Art History titled “POLYCHROME – The Survival of Damaged Medieval Polychromed Heritage in the Nordics” at the Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History (IAKH), Faculty of Humanities. This doctoral position focuses on changing attitudes to medieval devotional images following the Reformations in Scandinavia, exploring how mutilation, neglect, restoration, and interpretation shaped religious and cultural meanings over time. The project is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and supervised within a strong interdisciplinary research environment led by Professor Noëlle Streeton. The research duration is three years, based in Oslo, Norway, with an expected start date no later than September 2026. The position offers advanced humanities research training, access to historical and material sources, and collaboration within an international and multidisciplinary academic network.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Research Fellow (SKO 1017)
- Institution: University of Oslo
- Department/Faculty: Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History (IAKH), Faculty of Humanities
- Supervisor: Professor Noëlle Streeton (POLYCHROME Principal Investigator)
- Location: Oslo, Norway
- Start Date (Anticipated): No later than September 2026
- Duration: 3 years (with possible completion grant extension)
- Funding: Fully funded ERC-supported fellowship; salary range NOK 550,800–595,800 per year
- Working Hours: Full-time position
- Required Degree/Diploma: Five-year higher education degree (BA + MA or equivalent), including a Master’s thesis of at least 30 ECTS, qualifying for PhD admission at the University of Oslo.
Research Focus/Area
- History of religion in post-Reformation Scandinavia
- Legal history and religious regulation
- Medieval and early modern art history
- Iconoclasm, image-breaking, and image worship
- Devotional images and church material culture
- Afterlives of medieval objects and heritage interpretation
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in History of Religion, Early Modern History, History of Art, or Social Anthropology
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Reading proficiency in a Scandinavian language
- Ability to work independently in an international and multidisciplinary environment
- Strong academic motivation and suitability for doctoral research
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with relevant historical or material primary sources
- Working knowledge of Latin and/or German sources
- Interest in medieval objects and their post-medieval use in churches
- Documented collaboration skills and ability to meet deadlines
Key Features of the Program
- Participation in a major ERC-funded humanities research project
- Interdisciplinary training across history, art history, religion, and conservation
- Access to Scandinavian historical archives and church heritage sources
- International research environment and structured doctoral training
- Opportunities for travel funding, exchange, and academic career development
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online via Jobbnorge, the University of Oslo’s recruitment system.
Required Documents:
- Application letter outlining motivation and qualifications
- Academic CV with publications and relevant experience
- Certified copies of BA and MA diplomas and transcripts
- 3–5 page PhD research proposal aligned with the POLYCHROME project
- Documentation of English language proficiency (if requested)
All documents must be submitted in English or a Scandinavian language.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently open
- Deadline: 22 March 2026
- Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be invited
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Oslo
- Official Notification: click here
- Application Portal: click here
Click here for more PhD opportunities
