Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity in Political Science at the University of Oslo (UiO), Norway (2026)

The University of Oslo (UiO), Norway’s oldest and highest-ranked university, is inviting applications for an exciting Postdoctoral Fellow position in Political Science. This fully funded, full-time opportunity offers early-career researchers the chance to engage in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of public policy, climate governance, and renewable energy transitions, while building a strong academic career profile in one of Europe’s most dynamic research environments.

About the Opportunity

The position is based at the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, and is linked to the large interdisciplinary research project titled “Renewable energy-driven recycling of CO₂ and H₂O to consumer products and fuels (CH-CYCLE)”. The fellowship is initially offered for three years, with the possibility of extension to four years depending on teaching needs and the candidate’s qualifications.

The postdoctoral role is designed to help scholars strengthen their research profile, expand their publication record, and acquire teaching and pedagogical competencies required for a permanent academic position. Alongside independent research, the fellow will actively contribute to the broader CH-CYCLE project and the department’s vibrant intellectual community.

Research Focus: CH-CYCLE Project

The CH-CYCLE project seeks to address major technological, environmental, and political barriers to recycling carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) into consumer products and fuels using renewable energy. Within this interdisciplinary framework, the political science component examines how policies, institutions, and governance structures shape the development and deployment of Carbon Capture and Usage (CCU) and broader Carbon Removal strategies.

Three key political science themes are central to the project:

1. Europeanization of CCU Policies – analyzing interactions between national and EU-level policy developments, with particular attention to countries such as Germany and Norway.

2. Science–Policy Interfaces – exploring how expert communities, scientific modeling, and policy actors frame the role of CCU in climate transitions.

3. National-Level Policy Development – investigating CCU-related policies through methods such as process tracing and large-scale text analysis.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to cross-disciplinary publications and collaborate closely with researchers from chemistry, technology systems, and political science.

Academic Environment and Supervision

The CH-CYCLE project is led by Professor Unni Olsbye (Department of Chemistry) and co-organized by Sabrina Sartory (Department of Technology Systems) and Professor Elin Lerum Boasson (Department of Political Science). The political science work is anchored in the department’s Policy, Bureaucracy, and Organisation (PBO) research group, offering strong mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and access to high-level seminar series.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in Political Science or a closely related discipline. Candidates awaiting formal PhD conferral may apply provided their dissertation has been submitted or is scheduled for submission before the application deadline.

Key requirements include:

• Excellent command of written and spoken English

• Strong empirical research skills (qualitative and/or quantitative methods)

• Demonstrated ability to develop research ideas into high-quality academic publications

While prior experience with carbon removal or CCU policy is not mandatory, a background in climate governance, EU studies, or public policy is considered an advantage. UiO evaluates candidates holistically, taking into account career stage, academic trajectory, career breaks, motivation, and suitability for the research team.

Salary and Benefits

UiO offers a highly competitive and attractive package, including:

• Annual salary of NOK 610,000–690,000 (SKO 1352 postdoctoral level)

• Personal research funds of approximately NOK 45,000 per year

• A friendly, inclusive, and international work environment

• Excellent work–life balance and UiO welfare benefits

• Access to Norway’s public healthcare, parental leave schemes, and childcare services

• Financial and practical relocation support for international staff, including potential tax benefits

• Individual mentoring, annual career development reviews, and access to professional development courses

UiO is located in Oslo, a city known for its high quality of life, strong research infrastructure, vibrant cultural scene, and easy access to nature.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Oslo is deeply committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or career gaps, are strongly encouraged to apply. UiO actively works to ensure fair recruitment processes and supportive working conditions for all staff.

Application Process and Deadline

Applications must be submitted electronically via UiO’s recruitment system. Required documents include a cover letter, CV, research memo outlining contributions to CH-CYCLE, publications list, academic transcripts, selected academic work, PhD dissertation, and referee details.

APPLY HERE

Application Deadline: 6 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
Expected Start Date: 1 September 2026 (earlier start possible)

Why Apply?

This postdoctoral fellowship offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of climate policy and political science research, within a world-class university and a well-funded international project. For scholars aiming to build a long-term academic career in Europe, this role provides exceptional research support, mentorship, and professional development.

If you are passionate about public policy, climate governance, and interdisciplinary research, the University of Oslo invites you to apply and become part of a community shaping solutions for a sustainable future.

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