PhD Research Fellow in Political Science - Norway and the EU

About the position  ARENA Centre for European Studies at the University of Oslo invites applications for a position as PhD Research Fellow (SKO 1017) in political science or another relevant social science discipline. The position is for a period of three years, with no teaching or other required duties.  The place of work is ARENA Centre for European Studies, University of Oslo. ARENA is an interdisciplinary research centre at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo. Since 1994, the centre has studied political, security, economic, legal and social integration, transformation and cooperation in Europe. ARENA has extensive experience in coordinating international research projects and networks funded by European and Norwegian institutions.  The centre has around 30 academic and four administrative staff. More information about ARENA is available here. More about the position  Europe is being reshaped by war, geopolitical rivalry and a renewed enlargement agenda. As the EU's rules and decisions reach further beyond its borders, Norway faces key questions about alignment, influence and democratic control. Norway is one of the most closely integrated non-member states. That makes it an important case for understanding what it means to be part of European integration without being a member of the Union. ARENA is looking for a PhD Research Fellow who wants to write a dissertation on Norway's relationship with the EU. The successful candidate will develop and carry out their own doctoral project in a research environment with long experience of studying European integration and its consequences for countries both inside and outside the Union. We expect theoretically informed empirical studies and particularly welcome projects that take a comparative approach, but single-case studies of Norway are also welcome. Examples of comparisons could include comparing and contrasting Norway with other associated or third countries (such as Iceland, Switzerland or the United Kingdom), EU member states or candidate countries. Comparisons across policy areas are also welcome. We are open to a range of theoretical and methodological approaches. Relevant research areas could include, but are not limited to: • Norway's association model: Projects could for example address how the EEA Agreement and Norway's many other agreements with the EU shape Norwegian politics, public administration and regulation, or how they compare with those of comparable EU member or affiliated states. Projects could look at Norway's room for manoeuvre and influence vis-à-vis the EU, at questions of democratic legitimacy and control, or at how the association model is evolving as the EU changes.  • Justice and home affairs: Projects could for example address Norway's participation in Schengen, European migration and asylum policy, border management, or police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters. Projects could study how EU developments in these fields affect Norwegian policies, institutions and societal security, possibly compared with other associated or member countries. We are looking for candidates with interesting and relevant research ideas, strong theoretical and analytical skills, and solid methodological competence. The project proposal should combine clear theoretical and empirical ambitions with a realistic and feasible research design. Responsibilities The appointment as a PhD Research Fellow at ARENA is for a period of three years, with no compulsory duties. As a fellow, you will be based at ARENA Centre for European Studies’ premises in Gaustadalléen, Oslo. Presence at the unit is a requirement.  You will be admitted to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo. This is a full-time position commencing in the winter or spring of 2027. You will have access to office space, equipment, and services, as well as resources for fieldwork and conference participation as needed. What skills are important in this role? Required selection criteria  • The position requires a completed master's degree equivalent to a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) within the social sciences, approved by the faculty as a basis for admission. • Grades placing the candidate in the top tier of the field (this also applies to the master's thesis) • The master's degree must include relevant training in research design and methodology • The master's thesis must correspond to a minimum workload of six months, i.e., 30 ECTS credits • Excellent oral and written English proficiency is required ARENA’s working language is English, and therefore, fluency in oral and written English is required. As Norway’s relationship with the EU is central to the position, Norwegian sources will be important, making good proficiency in Norwegian (or another Scandinavian language) an advantage. Personal suitability • You must be able to work independently and in a structured manner. • You should possess good collaborative skills and demonstrate the ability, willingness, and commitment to contribute to the development of the research field. • You should be able to take initiative and wish to participate actively in an international and interdisciplinary research team. Appointment as a research fellow requires admission to a doctoral programme, or a binding agreement regarding admission.  Application for admission to a PhD programme must normally be submitted within three months of the start of the research project leading to the PhD degree. Basis for assessment In the assessment of candidates, particular emphasis will be placed on: (1) the quality and relevance of the project proposal (2) academic qualifications (transcripts must be attached) (3) the master's thesis and any other published work (4) references. Personal qualities and motivation will be taken into consideration. Potential candidates will be invited to an interview. We need different perspectives in our work  UiO is an open and internationally