PhD Research Fellow in Social Science - Critical Perspectives on Polarization

PhD Research Fellow in Social Science - Critical Perspectives on Polarization

Interested in researching polarization and inequality through a critical lens? Join Nord University as a PhD candidate!

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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 critical perspectives on polarization. The position will be affiliated with the Research Group for Gender, Ethnicity and Equality (KEL) and with the specialization Governance and Democracy in Transition within the PhD programme.

In recent years, “polarization” has become a dominant frame for understanding social and political tensions. Frequently depicted as a problem of divided publics or antagonistic identity groups, polarization is often described as a threat to social cohesion and democratic stability. However, polarization is also a neoliberal governance concept that can obscure underlying power relations such as social, political, and material inequalities. By shifting attention toward “conflicts between groups,” the polarization framework may itself contribute to further polarization while drawing attention away from structural injustices related to gender, ethnicity, class, coloniality and marginalization.

We invite candidates from various disciplines that are interested in creating projects that critically examine polarization through empirical studies that explore how the term “polarization” is mobilized, reproduced and contested within debates on gender, ethnicity and equality. Candidates are free to define and develop their own project within these broad thematic areas. We welcome project proposals employing quantitative or qualitative methods.

The appointment period is normally three years, without mandatory work duties beyond the PhD project. However, there is also the possibility of a four-year appointment, including 25 % career-promoting duties. Such duties may involve teaching and/or research-related tasks at the faculty, depending on the candidate's qualifications and the faculty's needs.

The position is based in Bodø, and 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 01.09.27, 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.
• 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
• 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

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
• Creative and collegial working environment
• A workplace with progressive development
• Flexible working hours
• 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:

• Research group leader: Professor Astri Dankertsen, astri.dankertsen@nord.no, +47 75517923
• Head of specialisation: Professor Frank Jacob, frank.jacob@nord.no, +47 75517032
• 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.

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