Tenure-Track Position in Archaeology – University of Oslo, Norway

The University of Oslo (UiO), Norway, is inviting applications for a Tenure-Track Position in Archaeology within its Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History. The position focuses on Mesolithic archaeology in Scandinavia, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and statistical analysis, offering an opportunity to develop an independent research programme and contribute to archaeological research and university teaching.

The successful candidate will undertake a six-year, full-time postdoctoral appointment, with 25% of working time dedicated to teaching and administrative responsibilities. Subject to a successful final assessment, the appointment may lead to a tenured Associate Professor position. The annual salary ranges from NOK 595,000 to NOK 677,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent academic qualification in Scandinavian Mesolithic archaeology, with a clear specialisation in GIS and statistical analysis. Applicants must have submitted their dissertation for final evaluation or defended it within the five years preceding the application deadline, excluding documented parental and sickness leave. Where the dissertation has been submitted for final evaluation but not yet defended, appointment is conditional on a successful defence.

Position Details

Position: Tenure-Track Position in Archaeology
Institution: University of Oslo, Norway
Department: Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History (IAKH)
Research Discipline(s): Archaeology, GIS, statistical analysis, Mesolithic archaeology
Location: Oslo, Norway
Job Type: Postdoctoral / Tenure-track academic position
Contract Duration: Six years initially, with the possibility of progression to a tenured Associate Professor position
Working Hours: Full-time
Application Deadline: 31 October 2026
Salary/Funding: NOK 595,000–677,000 per year
Required Qualification: PhD

Research Areas

Mesolithic archaeology in Scandinavia
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Statistical and quantitative archaeological analysis
Digital methods in archaeology
Archaeological methodology and practice

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

PhD or equivalent academic qualification in Scandinavian Mesolithic archaeology, with a clear specialisation in GIS and statistical analysis. Applicants must have earned their degree within the past five years, excluding documented parental and sickness leave.
To be eligible, applicants must have submitted their doctoral dissertation for final evaluation or defended it within the five years preceding the application deadline. If the dissertation has been submitted for final evaluation but not yet defended, appointment is conditional on a successful defence.
Thorough knowledge of Scandinavian Mesolithic material culture.
Demonstrated ability to manage large datasets and use GIS.
Experience with advanced digital tools for quantitative and/or qualitative archaeological analysis.
Knowledge of theoretical approaches to archaeological methodology and practice.
Experience with interdisciplinary research in the environmental humanities and/or collaboration with the natural sciences.
Documented pedagogical skills, demonstrated through a teaching course certificate and/or teaching experience.
Evidence of potential to secure research funding.
Interest and ability in academic leadership and administration.
Fluent oral and written communication skills in English and a Scandinavian language.
Motivation, personal suitability and the ability to contribute to a collaborative academic environment.

Applicants who have been employed for more than one year in an ordinary postdoctoral position at the University of Oslo cannot be appointed to a postdoctoral position on tenure-track terms.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

Develop and conduct a research project integrating GIS, statistical analysis and the Scandinavian Mesolithic.
Build a long-term research profile and develop plans for an international research group.
Pursue external research funding and establish academic collaborations.
Contribute to teaching in Stone Age Archaeology and archaeology more broadly.
Complete teaching and administrative duties, including obtaining basic pedagogical qualifications.
Disseminate research findings to wider public audiences.
Develop academic leadership and research management skills.
Contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration and the long-term development of teaching and research at the department.

The position includes a formal midterm evaluation in the fourth year. A final assessment towards the end of the six-year period will determine whether the candidate meets the requirements for a tenured Associate Professor appointment.

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for the postdoctoral position is NOK 595,000–677,000, depending on qualifications and experience. A statutory contribution of 2% is deducted for membership of the State Pension Fund.

Other benefits and opportunities include:

Membership of the Norwegian State Pension Fund, with associated pension, mortgage and insurance benefits.
Good welfare schemes.
Up to 1.5 hours of exercise per week during working hours.
Academic mentorship, guidance and training.
Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

The university also provides appropriate workplace accommodations where required.

Important Dates

Application deadline: 31 October 2026
Midterm evaluation: During the fourth year
Final tenure assessment: Towards the end of the six-year appointment

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the University of Oslo’s electronic recruitment system, Jobbnorge.

Applicants should prepare all required documents in English or a Scandinavian language, either in the original language or in translation. Candidates with qualifications from universities outside Norway must also explain their grading system.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents for the Tenure-Track Position in Archaeology at the University of Oslo:

Application letter
Curriculum vitae (CV)
List of publications
Research project description: 3–5 pages, with a maximum of 14,000 characters.
Six-year progress plan: A plan outlining the proposed research project, teaching responsibilities and professional development over the six-year appointment.
Two writing samples
Educational certificates

Documents requested at a later selection stage:

A teaching portfolio of 3–6 pages, including educational certificates, teaching competence, experience and a reflection note based on the principles of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).
Up to seven academic publications for expert assessment, with three works published within the previous five years identified as most relevant.
Contact details for three referees, including names, relationships to the candidate, email addresses and telephone numbers.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for the Tenure-Track Position in Archaeology at the University of Oslo, Norway. Submit your application through the official Jobbnorge recruitment portal.

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