PhD in Cultural and Cognitive Evolution – Bergen, Norway

PhD Position in Cultural and Cognitive Evolution at University of Bergen, Norway

About the Program

The University of Bergen invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Cultural and Cognitive Evolution within the Department of Psychosocial Science. This opportunity is offered in close collaboration with SapienCE – Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour, a Norwegian Centre of Excellence exploring the origins of human cognition and culture.

The PhD project focuses on investigating early human cognition, cultural transmission, and decision-making through interdisciplinary research combining psychology, anthropology, archaeology, and evolutionary studies. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a dynamic international research environment and contribute to groundbreaking research on the behavioural evolution of Homo sapiens.

PhD candidates will have access to advanced training, fieldwork opportunities, and collaborations with leading researchers. The position is fully funded and provides a competitive salary and benefits under Norwegian employment standards.

Program Details

Position: Fully-funded PhD Position
Institution: University of Bergen
Department/Faculty: Faculty of Psychology, Department of Psychosocial Science
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Andrea Bender
Location: Bergen, Norway
Start Date (Anticipated): Late 2025 or as agreed
Duration: 3 years (with potential extension to 4 years including teaching responsibilities)
Funding: Full funding (NOK 541,800 per year salary, with annual adjustment)
Working Hours: 40 hours/week (standard for Norway)
Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Psychology or related disciplines such as Cognitive Science, Anthropology, Biology, or Archaeology with a cognitive focus.

Research Focus/Area

Cognitive and cultural evolution
Cultural transmission and learning
Risk perception and decision-making
Ethnomycology and ethnobiology
Comparative studies using phylogenetic methods
Experimental cognitive psychology

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree in Psychology, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, Biology, or related field
Minimum grade B (or international equivalent) on the Master’s thesis
Proficiency in English (spoken and written)

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with experimental design and analysis
Research background in cognitive or social psychology
Experience with ethnographic fieldwork or transmission-chain experiments
Knowledge of Bayesian phylogenetic methods
Familiarity with cultural databases and cross-cultural research

Key Features of the Program

Participation in a world-leading Centre of Excellence (SapienCE)
Access to interdisciplinary research collaborations
Optional structured coursework through the Faculty of Psychology
Full access to UiB’s institutional support services and research infrastructure
Opportunities for fieldwork and international research stays
Funding for conferences, workshops, and scientific publications

Application Process

How to Apply:

Apply online through the JobbNorge portal. All documents must be submitted in English or a Scandinavian language. Translations are required if documents are in another language.