PhD Research Fellow in Social Science - Indigenous History

Phd Research Fellow in Social Science - Indigenous History

We are seeking a PhD candidate in Social Science to conduct research on indigenous history and revitalisation

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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 indigenous history. The position will be affiliated with the research group Historical
Studies@Nord (NORDHIST) and with the specialization Arctic Vulnerabilities within the PhD programme.

The PhD project “Indigenous Minorities and Historical Revitalisation of Identity in Small Nation States” will examine how Indigenous and minority communities have been affected by nation‑building and assimilation policies, particularly from the nineteenth century to the present day. The project will investigate how these communities have negotiated the management of identity, rights, claims and politics. Accordingly, the relationship between assimilation and revitalisation will be central. How have Indigenous and minority communities responded to political and cultural processes of integration? How has language, culture, and historical experience been used as foundations for mobilisation, identity formation, and claims for recognition? Applications addressing Lule, Pite, Ume, Inari or South Sámi history will be prioritised. The project also welcomes studies of the uses of history, memory culture, and institution‑building in the context of shifting national and regional conditions.

Possible themes and perspectives include, but are not limited to:

• Lule, Pite, Ume, Inari, and South Sámi history
• The uses of history and memory culture in Indigenous contexts
• State formation, minority policy, and Indigenous peoples
• Processes of Norwegianisation and assimilation
• Revitalisation of language, culture, and identity
• Sámi organisations or institutions and political mobilisation
• Indigenous peoples and nation‑building in a comparative perspective
• Transregional and transnational networks in Sápmi
• Gender, class, and social differentiation in Indigenous communities
• Postcolonial perspectives on historical processes of change

A key aim is to strengthen knowledge of areas of Sámi history that have so far received limited scholarly attention. Projects focusing on Lule, Pite, Ume, Inari or South Sámi communities and regions are therefore particularly encouraged. Comparative projects that combine Sámi and other Indigenous perspectives are also relevant. We welcome project proposals employing quantitative or qualitative methods. Projects demonstrating sensitivity to linguistic diversity and regional variation within Sámi communities will be especially valued.

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, 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 1 September 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.
• 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).

• It is required that the applicant masters a Scandinavian language both written and oral at the time of appointment.
• 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

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 Miriam Jensen Tveit, miriam.tveit@nord.no, +47 75517568
• Head of specialisation: Professor Astri Dankertsen, astri.dankertsen@nord.no, +47 75517923
• 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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