UiT The Arctic University of Norway invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Archaeology at the Department of Archaeology, History and Religious Studies in Tromsø, Norway. This three-year doctoral position provides research training leading to a PhD degree.
The selected candidate will conduct an original PhD research project and participate in the university’s doctoral training programme. Research topics may cover any period from the Stone Age to the present day. Projects can focus on archaeological theory, cultural heritage management, contemporary archaeology, museum studies, public engagement, or comparative archaeological research. The research project should be relevant to Northern Norway.
The department offers strong expertise in Arctic archaeology, Sámi studies, cultural heritage, and archaeological methods. PhD candidates work closely with researchers, research groups, laboratory facilities, and international partners. The department conducts research on northern communities, cultural heritage, and archaeology across the Arctic region.
The fellowship includes full-time employment for three years, with the possibility of an extension through the university’s completion grant scheme. In addition to conducting independent research, candidates will receive academic training and join an active research community focused on Arctic and High North studies.
Programme Overview
- Position: PhD / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
- Department: Department of Archaeology, History and Religious Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education
- Research Group: Archaeology Group
- Supervisor: Professor Bjørnar Julius Olsen and Professor Charlotte Damm
- Location: Tromsø, Norway
- Duration: 3 years with possible completion grant extension
- Start Date: Within a reasonable period after appointment
- Funding: Gross annual salary of NOK 550,800 with a 3% annual increase
- Required Degree / Diploma: Master’s degree in Archaeology or a relevant field
Research Focus
- Archaeology of Northern Norway
- Stone Age Archaeology
- Contemporary Archaeology
- Archaeological Theory and Method
- Cultural Heritage Management
- Museology
- Dissemination and Public Archaeology
- Sámi-related Archaeological Research
- Comparative Archaeological Studies
Eligibility / Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree in Archaeology or a relevant discipline
- Minimum academic grade equivalent to B
- Fluency in English
- Eligibility for admission to the university’s PhD programme
- Ability to work within an international academic environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong research proposal relevant to the position
- Demonstrated academic potential through previous research
- Good communication and collaboration skills
- Motivation for doctoral research training
- Interest in developing Norwegian language competence during the fellowship
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and complete an original PhD research project
- Participate in organised doctoral training activities
- Prepare and submit a doctoral dissertation
- Collaborate with supervisors and academic colleagues
- Contribute to departmental research activities
- Engage with relevant theoretical and methodological approaches
Application Process
Applicants must submit their application through the university’s recruitment system before the stated deadline. Assessment will focus primarily on the quality of the project proposal, academic qualifications, research potential, and suitability for doctoral research training.
Required documents include:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Bachelor’s degree diploma
- Master’s degree diploma
- Academic transcripts
- English or Scandinavian translations of documents where required
- Documentation of English proficiency
- Contact details for referees
- Master’s thesis
- Additional academic publications, if available
- Project description (maximum five pages)
Why This Opportunity Matters
This PhD offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of:
- Archaeology
- Cultural Heritage Studies
- Arctic Research
- Contemporary Archaeology
It provides advanced doctoral training within an established research environment that supports international collaboration and independent scholarly development.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 4 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 September 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Oslo)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: Following appointment agreement
Researchers interested in archaeology, cultural heritage, and Arctic studies should submit their applications before 15 September 2026.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Academic Jobs in Archaeology
- Cultural Heritage Research Opportunities
- International Scholarships in Archaeology
- Fully Funded PhD Positions for International Scholars
- Academic Jobs in Europe
- Stone Age Archaeology Research Positions
Institutional Overview
UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a public research university with a strong focus on Arctic research, Northern studies, and interdisciplinary scholarship. The university serves approximately 18,000 students across several campuses in Northern Norway and supports internationally recognised research within archaeology, cultural heritage, history, Indigenous studies, environmental sciences, and social sciences. Its Department of Archaeology, History and Religious Studies maintains active research programmes examining northern societies, archaeological heritage, theoretical approaches, and contemporary cultural developments across the Arctic region.
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