About the Program
The University of Oslo invites applications for a fully funded PhD in Criminology titled “Rehabilitation and Reintegration in Europe (RaRiE)” at the Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law, Faculty of Law. This doctoral position focuses on comparative rehabilitation and reintegration practices within European penal systems, examining how rehabilitative ideals are designed, implemented, and experienced in practice. Addressing key questions in criminology, sociology of law, and penal policy, the project is part of a prestigious European Research Council (ERC)-funded research initiative.
The PhD will be supervised by Professor Thomas Ugelvik and is closely linked to an international research team across Norway, the Netherlands, and Scotland. The research duration is three years (or four years with teaching duties) and is based in Oslo, Norway, with an anticipated start date in Spring 2026. The position offers international collaboration, qualitative fieldwork, advanced research training, and strong career development opportunities within a leading European criminology environment.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Research Fellow
- Institution: University of Oslo
- Department/Faculty: Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law, Faculty of Law
- Supervisor: Professor Thomas Ugelvik
- Location: Oslo, Norway
- Start Date (Anticipated): Spring 2026
- Duration: 3 years (4 years with 25% teaching duties)
- Funding: Fully funded ERC-supported fellowship, salary range NOK 550,800–595,000 per year
- Working Hours: Full-time position
- Required Degree/Diploma: Norwegian five-year Master’s degree or equivalent qualification recognised for PhD admission.
Research Focus/Area
- Comparative criminology
- Rehabilitation and reintegration in penal systems
- European criminal justice policy
- Sociology of law
- Desistance theory
- Qualitative criminological research
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Criminology, Sociology of Law, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related discipline
- Strong academic performance, including a high-quality Master’s thesis
- Excellent command of English (written and spoken)
- Strong command of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language (Danish or Swedish)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research experience in criminal justice or penal studies
- Strong academic record with relevant publications
- Knowledge of desistance theory
- Qualitative research skills, including interviews and fieldwork
Key Features of the Program
- Participation in a major ERC-funded international research project
- Collaborative research with leading European criminology scholars
- Active involvement in seminars, workshops, and international dissemination
- Access to strong institutional research support and welfare schemes
- Opportunity for teaching experience (optional four-year track)
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted through the University of Oslo’s electronic recruitment system via the official job portal.
Required Documents:
- Cover letter outlining motivation and qualifications
- 4–5 page PhD project proposal aligned with the RaRiE project
- Academic CV
- Copies of diplomas and transcripts
- Up to three academic works
- Contact details for at least two academic referees
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently open
- Deadline: 13 February 2026
- Interviews (if applicable): Following shortlisting
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Oslo
- Official Notification: University of Oslo – PhD Research Fellow in Criminology
- Application Portal: UiO Jobbnorge Recruitment System
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