UiT The Arctic University of Norway is offering a PhD Fellow position in Arctic mobility and landscape research in Tromsø. The three-year doctoral position begins on 1 March 2027 and forms part of the ROADS project. The research examines Arctic mobility, infrastructure, landscape, spatial justice and Indigenous land use across Northern Fennoscandia through interdisciplinary approaches.
The successful candidate will conduct doctoral research within Work Package 2, Mapping Conflict and Relational Mobility in the North. The research examines contemporary road development alongside older roads, seasonal pathways and Indigenous and local mobility systems. It considers roads as political, cultural and material assemblages influencing relationships between communities, landscapes, governance and more-than-human worlds.
Furthermore, the PhD project will examine how access, mobility and territorial authority are negotiated between Sámi reindeer herders, local communities, planners, government agencies and extractive industries. The successful candidate can shape the dissertation’s detailed direction within ROADS while receiving supervision from Principal Investigator Dr Tarja Salmela.
The research combines GIS and spatial analysis with ethnographic fieldwork, archival research, participatory mapping, policy analysis and visual methods. Applicants from archaeology, geography, heritage studies, Indigenous studies, environmental humanities and related disciplines are encouraged to apply. The position offers a gross annual salary of NOK 580,000–600,000.
Programme Overview
- Position: PhD Fellow in Arctic Mobility, Landscape and Spatial Justice
- Official Reference Number: Not stated in the vacancy
- Institution: UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
- Department: School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics
- Research Project: ROADS
- Supervisor: Dr Tarja Salmela, Principal Investigator, ROADS
- Location: Tromsø, Norway
- Duration: 3 years
- Start Date: 1 March 2027
- End Date: 28 February 2030
- Funding: NOK 580,000–600,000 gross annual salary under State salary scale code 1017
- Required Degree / Diploma: Master’s degree equivalent to a Norwegian Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
Research Project
The ROADS project provides the first systematic study of residual road infrastructures in Northern Fennoscandia. It examines how bypassed roads, abandoned corridors, former military infrastructures and seasonal pathways continue shaping landscapes, memories and mobility practices.
The PhD research focuses on the relationship between contemporary road development and established Indigenous and local mobility systems. Key research themes include:
- Arctic mobility and landscape research
- Roads and residual infrastructure
- Indigenous and local land use
- Spatial justice and territorial governance
- Sámi mobility and reindeer herding
- Resource extraction and military infrastructure
- Historical roads and seasonal pathways
- Environmental change and northern landscapes
Eligibility/Qualifications
Applicants must have relevant postgraduate academic preparation and demonstrate research interests connected with Arctic, Indigenous, environmental, mobility, infrastructure or landscape research.
- Master’s degree equivalent to a Norwegian Master’s degree in geography, archaeology, anthropology, Indigenous studies, environmental humanities, heritage studies, GIScience, landscape studies, planning or another relevant discipline.
- Master’s thesis submitted for evaluation by the application deadline if the degree is still being completed.
- Strong academic performance and demonstrated interest in Arctic, Indigenous, environmental, mobility, infrastructure or landscape research.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to work independently and contribute effectively to a collaborative research environment.
- Experience in archival or historical research, GIS, spatial analysis, critical GIS, participatory mapping or countermapping is advantageous.
- Experience in qualitative or ethnographic research, Indigenous methodologies, community-based research, political ecology, infrastructure studies or mobility studies is desirable.
- Knowledge of environmental humanities, heritage research, visual methods, digital storytelling or arts-based research is beneficial.
- Skills in Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish or a Sámi language are desirable.
Research Responsibilities
The PhD Fellow will lead research within Work Package 2 while contributing to the wider interdisciplinary objectives of the ROADS project.
- Investigate contemporary road development in Northern Fennoscandia.
- Examine relationships between roads and Indigenous and local mobility systems.
- Analyse access, mobility and territorial authority among different actors.
- Conduct fieldwork with local residents, Sámi communities and other stakeholders.
- Combine GIS and spatial analysis with qualitative and participatory approaches.
- Develop an original doctoral dissertation within the ROADS research framework.
Funding and Benefits
- Gross annual salary: NOK 580,000–600,000 under State salary scale code 1017, with a 3% yearly increase.
- Employment: Full-time, fixed-term doctoral appointment for three years.
- Working conditions: Flexible working hours and membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
- Social benefits: Membership of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme.
- Research support: Access to GIS and research infrastructure through UiT.
- Academic development: Opportunities for international collaboration, conference participation, publication and career development.
- Research environment: Participation in an interdisciplinary research community covering Arctic studies, mobility, infrastructure, environmental humanities, Indigenous studies and heritage research.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their complete application through Jobbnorge by 15 September 2026. Only documents and information received by the deadline will be considered during the assessment.
Required documents include:
- Cover letter explaining motivation and research interests.
- Academic CV.
- Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and official transcripts, with certified translations where required.
- Master’s thesis and other academic work, with publication list if available.
- 3–5-page research project description, including literature references.
- English proficiency documentation and Scandinavian language documentation, if available.
- Explanation of the grading system for foreign qualifications.
- References with contact details.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This PhD provides doctoral research at the intersection of:
- Arctic mobility and landscape research
- Archaeology and heritage studies
- Indigenous studies and local land use
- GIS, infrastructure and spatial analysis
The position provides research training within an interdisciplinary project addressing infrastructure, mobility, cultural heritage and environmental change in the Arctic.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 September 2026
- Expected Start Date: 1 March 2027
- Expected End Date: 28 February 2030
Eligible candidates should review the official vacancy information, prepare the required documents and submit their application through Jobbnorge before 15 September 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline?
15 September 2026.
When does the PhD position start?
1 March 2027.
How long is the PhD position?
Three years, ending on 28 February 2030.
What is the annual PhD salary?
NOK 580,000–600,000 gross per year.
Is archaeology an eligible background?
Yes. Archaeology is listed among the relevant disciplines.
Is a research proposal required?
Yes. A 3–5-page project description is required
Institutional Overview
UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a multi-campus research university and the northernmost university in the world. Located in the High North, UiT supports research addressing Arctic environments, societies, climate and global challenges. The university offers a broad range of study and research programmes across natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, with strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics includes the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Norwegian College of Fishery Science and School of Business and Economics. Its research covers Arctic ecosystems, climate, resources, environmental management, business, economics and societal change.
For more PhD, archaeology, heritage and environmental humanities opportunities, explore the latest academic vacancies and research funding updates on HigherJobz.
