The Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI) is seeking a PhD Research Fellow for the Research Council of Norway-funded ToppForsk project FEASIBILITY.

Rapid low-carbon electrification of energy systems requires major societal transformations. Fossil fuels must be phased out, energy use must become more efficient, and digital technologies must be integrated into everything from electricity grids to transport and industry.

But such transitions do not happen in a vacuum. They are shaped by places, people, infrastructures, institutions and political priorities.

FEASIBILITY examines what makes climate and energy transitions politically and socially feasible in a time marked by growing uncertainty and changing political conditions. The project works with case studies from Norway, Germany, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

This PhD project will focus in particular on the socio-spatial dimensions of feasibility: How do local conditions, energy infrastructures, institutions and actor relationships influence the possibilities for large-scale transitions? How are transition processes shaped by geographical differences, power relations and evolving forms of collaboration?

The project combines analyses of long-term structural dynamics with studies of actors, institutions and relationships, as well as policy advocacy and engaged research practices.

About the position

The successful candidate will develop an independent PhD project involving analyses of two or more of the project’s case countries. The PhD candidate will also participate actively in the wider activities of the FEASIBILITY project and collaborate closely with researchers and other PhD candidates in the project.

The PhD dissertation will be submitted to a department of human geography or a related discipline at a Norwegian university. FNI will facilitate admission to a relevant PhD programme.

The candidate will join an active and collaborative research environment at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, with close interaction between senior researchers and early career scholars. We aim to provide a supportive environment for professional development, collaboration and independent research.

Qualification requirements

Required qualifications

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in human geography or a closely related discipline.
  • Foreign completed degree (Master’s level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system.
  • Average grades at Master’s level equivalent to B or better in the Norwegian grading system. Justified exceptions may apply.
  • The Master’s degree must be completed, or the Master’s thesis submitted pending final grade, by the application deadline.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. 

  • Experience with qualitative research methods

Desired qualifications

  • Interest in energy, climate or sustainability transitions research
  • Familiarity with socio-spatial or institutional aspects of decision-making in Norway, Germany, Portugal and/or the United Kingdom
  • Proficiency with qualitative research methods and tools, and some understanding of quantitative approaches

  • Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration

English is the primary language for academic work and publication. However, much of the day-to-day working environment at FNI takes place in Norwegian. Interest in learning a Scandinavian language will therefore be considered an advantage.

We offer

  • A four-year PhD position with 75% PhD activity in the FEASIBILITY project and 25% other project work at FNI
  • Salary NOK 594,500–635,400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority
  • Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
  • A leading international research environment within climate and energy policy research
  • Inclusion in interdisciplinary and active research groups at FNI and within the FEASIBILITY project

  • Access to training facilities

Application and required documents

The application must include:

  • Cover letter outlining motivation and research interests (1–2 pages)
  • CV summarising education, positions and academic work, including publications (maximum 4 pages)
  • Project idea sketch (maximum 5 pages)
  • Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and transcripts
  • Documentation of English proficiency, if English is not the applicant’s native language
  • Up to three publications or academic works the applicant wishes to have considered

  • Names and contact details for 2–3 references

The position requires admission to a PhD programme at the University of Oslo or another relevant Norwegian university. The application for admission must be submitted no later than two months after taking up the position.

For more information about admission requirements at UiO, see:University of Oslo – External funding and admission to PhD programmes

How to apply

Applications with attachments should be submitted to:

Claes Lykke Ragner
Head of Administration
claes.ragner@fni.no

All documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Relevant candidates will be invited to interview. Reference and background checks will be conducted after the initial shortlisting process.

The Fridtjof Nansen Institute aims for diversity in its workforce and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

Contact person

Siddharth Sareen
Phone: +47 904 04 155
Email: ssareen@fni.no

Application deadline

18 June 2026

About the Fridtjof Nansen Institute

The Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI) is an independent research institute focusing on international environmental, climate and energy policy, biodiversity, the law of the sea and Arctic issues, with particular expertise on Norwegian governance, the EU, China and Russia.

The institute collaborates extensively with research institutions and scholars in Norway and internationally. Research is published in international journals and books, as well as in FNI’s own report series and policy briefs.