PhD Research Fellow in Social Science -Housing Segregation and Gentrification in Scandinavian Cities

PhD Research Fellow in Social Science -Housing Segregation and Gentrification in Scandinavian Cities

Would you like to explore how housing choices shape cities and societies?

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About the position

Faculty of Social Sciences, Nord University, Norway, invites applications from outstanding candidates for 1-2 temporary 100 % PhD positions in Social Science, with a specializing in Housing Segregation and Gentrification in Scandinavian Cities. The position will be affiliated with the research group Urban Research in small and medium sized urbanities (URBINN) and with the specialization Social Policy and Welfare within the PhD programme.

Applicants are expected to develop an independent project proposal within the thematic framework of housing segregation and gentrification in Scandinavian cities. Housing segregation and gentrification affect social inequality, access to resources, and interactions between different social groups. Increased knowledge of the causes and dynamics of these processes is important for developing policies that can reduce social inequality and strengthen social integration.

This PhD position focuses on research examining how differences in housing search behaviour among social groups may contribute to maintaining or reinforcing housing segregation and gentrification. Particular attention will be given to how class- and ethnicity-based differences are reflected in residential mobility, housing search practices, and neighbourhood choice. A central question concerns how different groups evaluate, approach, or avoid particular areas. Contemporary theories suggest that such “blind spots” vary across social groups, and that understanding these patterns is important for explaining housing segregation.

Relevant research topics may include:

• class and ethnic differences in residential mobility and housing search patterns
• how knowledge and perceptions of different neighbourhoods are formed and influence housing choices
• the relationship between housing choices and other arenas of everyday life, such as work, education, and leisure activities
• variations in housing search behaviour, segregation, and gentrification across cities and regions

As URBINN and the Faculty of Social Sciences aim to strengthen their expertise in quantitative methods, the project is expected to adopt a quantitative approach. Mixed-methods designs combining statistical analyses with interviews or document studies are also encouraged.

The PhD candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary research environment and will have opportunities for international collaboration through URBINN’s partnership with the SNAPP research project at Uppsala University, Sweden.

The period of employment is, in principle, three years without career-promoting activities. However, there is also the possibility of a four-year period of employment with 25 % career-promoting activities. Such activities may include teaching and/or research-related duties at the faculty, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and the faculty’s needs.

The position is based in Bodø. Bodø is the gateway to Northern Norway and is located near the spectacular Lofoten Islands. With good flight connections to the rest of Europe, the city is easily accessible, while also being close to some of the Nordic region’s most unique natural experiences. As the European Capital of Culture in 2024, Bodø also boasts a vibrant cultural scene with festivals, concerts, art, and gastronomy year-round. Here, you get the best of both worlds: magnificent nature and a dynamic urban life.

Presence at the workplace during working hours is expected as a general rule. In the case of career-promoting activities, the position may also involve duties at Nord University’s other campuses.

The appointment applies from 01.09.2027, or from another agreed start date.

Qualification requirements

• To be admitted to the PhD programme, applicants must hold a bachelor’s and a completed master’s degree (120 ECTS), or equivalent, in a relevant social science discipline and/or history. Applicants with degrees in the humanities or other relevant fields may be considered on an individual basis.
• Knowledge of quantitative research methods equivalent to a methods course at the master’s level in a social science discipline.
• Proficiency in a programming language used for advanced data analysis (e.g. R, Python, or Stata), or an interest in and ability to acquire such skills during the course of the project.
• Candidates must demonstrate solid knowledge of relevant theories and methods necessary to carry out the proposed PhD project.
• Admission to the faculty’s PhD programme is a prerequisite. See admission requirements: PhD in Social Science.
• Applicants must meet the grade requirements for PhD admission (normally a B average in the master’s degree).
• Strong English skills, both written and oral, are required. For applicants from outside the Nordic countries, documentation is

required (see PhD regulations, section 6-1). The dissertation may be written in English or Norwegian (or another Scandinavian
language).

• A final project proposal must be approved and formalized within three months of employment.
• Candidates who already have a PhD degree will not be considered for the position.

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

• Submitted project proposal
• Proficiency in quantitative methods and experience with advanced data analysis
• Expertise in and/or interest in urban studies, segregation research, or other knowledge relevant to the project
• Academic background and grades from master’s studies
• Research experience (if any)
• Relevant academic background
• Personal suitability
• Motivation and feasibility of the proposed PhD project

A demonstrated interest in engaging with the international research community in urban studies and segregation research is desirable.

We offer

The annual salary for doctoral researchers (code 1017) is NOK 565 000,-.

• Advantages within the Government Pension Fund for loans, insurance and pension
• 5 weeks of vacation
• Flexible working hours
• Creative and collegial working environment both in the URBINN research group and in other research groups at the faculty
• A workplace with progressive development
• Access to an international research network on segregation with contacts in Sweden (Uppsala University, UmeåUniversity, Stockholm University, Linköping University) and the U.S. (University of Washington and University of Illinois at Chicago).
• Active university sports team
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

General information

The state workforce should reflect the diversity of the population. Nord University therefore encourages qualified candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, an immigrant background, and otherwise diverse life experiences to apply.

Information regarding disabilities or gaps in a CV may be used for anonymized statistical purposes.

The person appointed must comply with the applicable laws, agreements, and directives. The responsibilities and duties associated with the position may change with future reorganization at Nord University.

Nord University is subject to the Security Act, which imposes requirements for the handling of protected and sensitive information. To enhance the security of recruitment processes, Nord may conduct background checks of relevant candidates.
Security suitability will be considered.

Contact information

Further information about the position can be obtained by contacting:

• Associate Professor Guilherme Chihaya da Silva, guilherme.k.silva@nord.no, +47 74112299
• Head of specialisation: Professor Christian Lo, christian.lo@nord.no, +47 75517226
• Administrative questions: Senior Advisor Anneli Maria Watterud, anneli.m.watterud@nord.no, +47 75517572

Application process

Applicants will be evaluated by an internal expert committee. Relevant applicants will be invited for an interview. For more information, see Nord`s website.

The Faculty reserve the right not to hire applicants who may be scientifically qualified but who do not meet other criteria such as language or personal characteristics

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically by 4 January 2027.

The application should include:

• Project proposal (approx. 5-7 pages) outlining the PhD idea, theoretical framework, methodological approach, and progress plan.
• Cover letter describing your motivation for applying.
• Complete CV (education, work and teaching experience, list of publications if applicable).
• Diplomas and official transcripts from bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and other relevant certificates.
• Applicants are responsible for documenting that all requirements for admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences are fulfilled.
• Digital version or link to the completed master’s thesis and any other academic work. Applicants who have written their master's thesis in a language other than English or a Scandinavian language must attach an English summary that clearly describes the topic, methodology, and main findings (maximum 2 pages).
• Names and contact information for 2-3 references (name, relationship, email, phone number).
• Applicants from countries outside Scandinavia must include a Diploma Supplement in English or in a Scandinavian language.
• Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must submit HK-dir approval of their master´s degree. Applicants without a recognition of foreign higher education must apply for Automatic recognition.
• Applicants from outside the EU/EEA area may be asked to provide additional documentation of their education.
• Other relevant activities to be considered in the evaluation.

Use of AI tools:

Any use of AI tools in the preparation of the application letter or project proposal must be declared, with a brief explanation of how the tool was used. This is to ensure transparency and accountability

All documents must be uploaded as PDF attachments to the electronic application form.

It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the complete documentation within the deadline.

After the application period has expired a list of applicants will be published. Note that, in special cases, the identity of particular applicants to a position may be made public even when that applicant has requested that their application be processed confidentially. Applicants requesting an exemption from publication of their identity must explain their reasons for doing so in their application. In this case, advance notice will be given in the event of a decision to make any information about the applicant public.

Refnr. 30263119