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About the position

Nord University’s Faculty of Social Sciences invites applications for 1-2 temporary full-time positions as PhD Research Fellow in Social
Science, with a thematic focus on Anti-gendermovements and their impact on gender and diversity studies. The position is affiliated with the Research Group for Gender, Ethnicity and Equality (KEL), and linked to the specialization Governance and Democracy in Transition in the PhD programme.

The appointment period is normally three years without teaching duties, but a four-year period with 25 % duties may be considered. Duties may include teaching and/or research-related tasks depending on the candidate’s competence and faculty needs.

KEL is an interdisciplinary research group with a focus on gender, ethnicity and inclusion. Among our research interests you will find migration, Sami and indigenous studies, feminist theory of knowledge, leadership,intersectionality and gender equality politics. We will contribute research-based knowledge in a highly politicized field, which requires a solid focus on scientific theory and method development. We work interdisciplinarily, with members from all five faculty divisions.

Universities across the world appear to be joining forces to eliminate gender and diversity studies from their programs and courses. Studies and approaches that once were supported and praised as valuable contributionto all disciplines are increasingly met with ridicule or suspicion. The attack on gender and diversity studies is often attributed to the rise of right-wing movements, whose prejudices, misconceptions and stigmas are effectively spread through social media and interactive platforms. Internationalization, decreasing financial support, an increasing influence of external stakeholders and pressure to offer useful, practical studies have left universities more vulnerable to changes in public opinion.

Does the weakening of academic freedom affect the universities' resilience to external pressure? The background is that the universities are in a financial crisis and that they are fighting for students, research funding, and prestige (cf. the ranking system) in a larger international context. It also makes them more vulnerable to criticism in the form of (right) political accusations or populist prejudices.

The aim is to investigate anti-gender movements and how universities respond to this. Are gender and diversity studies put under pressure, and how? We invite projects that address anti-gender and the contested status of gender and diversity studies in various ways. This can, for example be:  

• Is there an anti-gender movement in Europe, and what are the driving forces in this? How are the state and the public universities responding to this?
• What is the role of religion in anti-gender discourses?
• How are anti-gender discourses spreading through social media and in international networks?
• What is the content of the discourses on gender and diversity studies in politics and the funding of universities?
• What are the conflicts and tensions that surround this research field?
• Are Nordic universities protected from the anti-gender movement due to the close ties with welfare policies, or are they too influenced by anti-gender discourses from other parts of the world, such as for example the US?

The position is based in Bodø and physical presence during working hours is expected. If required duties are assigned, tasks may also be
carried out at other Nord University campuses.


Qualification requirements

• To be admitted to the PhD programme, applicants must hold a bachelor’s and 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 social science 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 (typically 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 may be
  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 hold a PhD are not eligible.

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Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria

• Submitted project proposal
• Knowledge about theoretical perspectives on gender
• Academic background and grades from master’s studies
• Research experience
• Relevant academic background
• Personal suitability
• Motivation and feasibility of the proposed PhD project

‍
We offer

Salary according to the Norwegian government’s pay scale, position code 1017, currently NOK 550,800 per year. Statutory contributions to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

• Excellent loan, insurance, and pension schemes
• A creative and collegial work environment
• A workplace in continuous development
• Flexible working hours
• Active university sports teams

‍
General information

The person who is appointed must abide by the applicable laws, agreements, and directives. The responsibilities and duties associated with the position may change with future reorganization at Nord University.
The public sector workforce is expected to reflect the diversity of the population in general. Nord University therefore encourages qualified
candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, immigrant backgrounds or different life experience to apply.
If applicants indicate they have disabilities or gaps in their CV, their details may be used anonymously for the purposes of governmental annual review.


Contact information

Further information about the position can be obtained by contacting:

• Head of research group and Head of specialisation, Professor Astri Dankertsen, phone +47 75 51 72 26, email astri.dankertsen@nord.no
• Head of study programme, Professor Christian Lo, phone +47 75 51 72 26, email christian.lo@nord.no
• Administrative questions: Senior Advisor Anneli M. Watterud, phone +47 75 51 75 72, email anneli.m.watterud@nord.no

Application process

Applications will be assessed by an expert committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

The faculty reserves the right not to appoint candidates who are academically qualified but for whom adequate supervision cannot be provided.

Application requirements

Applications must be submitted electronically by January 20, 2026.

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
• Documentation that all requirements for admission to the PhD programme are met
• Digital version or link to completed master’s thesis and any other academic work
• 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
• Other relevant activities to be considered in the evaluation
• Applicants from outside the EU/EEA area may be asked to provide additional documentation of their education

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

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

A public list of applicants will be prepared after the deadline. Please note that information about applicants may be disclosed even if a request for confidentiality has been made. Applicants requesting confidentiality must justify this in the application. They will be notified in advance if disclosure is necessary.

Reference number: 30073707