PhD Position – Landscape Archaeology and Environmental DNA at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
About the Program
The Arctic University Museum of Norway at UiT invites applications for a fully-funded PhD position in Northern European Landscape Archaeology, focusing on environmental change and sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA). This position is part of the “Viking to Christian Landscapes across the Norwegian Sea (V2C)” project, funded by the Norwegian Research Council and embedded within the ArcEcoGen Research Centre. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team working across Norway and the UK, examining long-term landscape transformations and agricultural practices from 500–1500 CE using state-of-the-art sedaDNA and coring techniques. The PhD is also integrated into the Changing Arctic Research School, offering extensive training, workshops, and international networking opportunities.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position
- Institution: UiT The Arctic University of Norway
- Department/Faculty: The Arctic University Museum of Norway and Academy of Fine Arts
- Supervisor: Professor Antony Brown (PI, V2C Project), Researcher Stephen Wickler
- Location: Tromsø, Norway
- Start Date (Anticipated): Autumn 2025 (exact date to be agreed upon)
- Duration: 4 years (3 years PhD + 1 year for teaching/outreach/secondment)
- Funding: Full funding (salary starting at 536,200 NOK/year + 3% annual raise)
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g. archaeology, bioarchaeology, environmental science, palaeoecology, molecular ecology)
Research Focus
- Environmental archaeology using sedaDNA and metabarcoding
- Landscape change and agricultural practices from ca. 500–1500 CE
- Lithological and palaeoecological analysis of lake and mire sediments
- Development of novel methodologies (e.g., pOSL, pathogen detection)
- Cross-site comparisons across Norway and the Northern Isles (UK)
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or near completion) in archaeology, bioarchaeology, palaeoecology, environmental sciences, or related field
- Strong academic performance (grade B or better in both thesis and coursework)
- English proficiency (documented via high school diploma for Nordic applicants)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with fieldwork, environmental DNA, or genetic analyses
- Knowledge of cool-temperate ecosystems
- Experience working in teams or with international collaborators
- Publications, reports, or academic presentations
- Working knowledge of Norwegian or a Scandinavian language
- Valid driver’s license
Key Features of the Program
- Affiliation with a top-tier research centre in Arctic ecosystem genomics
- Upgraded sedaDNA labs with robotic automation by 2025
- Integration into the Changing Arctic research school
- Interdisciplinary supervision and collaboration with multiple institutions (Norway and UK)
- Optional 3-month research stay abroad
- Courses, seminars, secondments in public/private sector
- Support for conference travel and publication
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit your application through the Jobbnorge portal (link below).
Required Documents:
- Cover letter (motivation and research interests)
- CV
- Diplomas and transcripts (Bachelor’s & Master’s)
- Master’s thesis (or draft if incomplete)
- 2–3 academic references
- Documentation of English proficiency
- Project description (max. 4 pages)
- Explanation of grading system (if non-Norwegian)
- Documentation of Norwegian or Scandinavian language proficiency (if applicable)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Ongoing
- Deadline: 30th May 2025
- Interviews : TBA
Where to Apply
- University Website: https://en.uit.no
- Job Posting Link: Click here
- Application Portal: Click here
