Apply Now: PhD on African Migrant Health at University of Oslo (HEMI Project)

The University of Oslo is offering a fully funded PhD position at the Institute of Health and Society within its Faculty of Medicine. This opportunity is part of the research project “Health and Migration (HEMI): A Multi-country Study of African Male Migrants.”

The successful candidate will join an international, multidisciplinary team exploring how migration influences health, vulnerability, and resilience among African sexual and gender minority men. The position is a three-year fixed-term doctoral appointment based in Norway.

About the HEMI Project

The HEMI project is funded by the Research Council of Norway and implemented in collaboration with partner universities in Africa and Europe, as well as civil society organizations.

It is affiliated with the Africa-Europe Cluster of Research Excellence in Health, Gender and Sexualities (CoRE HGS)—a network of eight universities across Africa and Europe.

The project focuses on:

• Migration journeys from origin to destination
• Health challenges and coping strategies among migrants
• Access to healthcare and support systems
• Experiences of vulnerability and resilience

Four PhD candidates will contribute to this multi-country study, with research spanning Norway, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

Research Focus and Methodology

The selected PhD candidate will focus primarily on African migrants living in Norway, examining their health, well-being, and lived experiences.

The research will involve:

• Qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation
• Collaboration with community organizations and stakeholders
• Participatory and co-research approaches involving migrant communities
• Analysis of national policies affecting migrant health

The project includes extensive fieldwork in Norway and collaboration with healthcare providers, public service workers, and civil society actors.

Academic Environment

The position is based at the Institute of Health and Society (Helsam), within the Section for Transdisciplinary Research for Sustainable Health (TRUST).

This department provides a globally oriented research environment integrating expertise from:

• Medicine
• Health sciences
• Social sciences

The PhD candidate will also engage in cross-national collaboration through workshops, supervision meetings, and joint research outputs.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Contribute to the design of the Norwegian sub-study, including methodology and ethical approvals
• Conduct qualitative fieldwork and data collection
• Analyze data and contribute to theoretical development
• Publish approximately three academic articles forming the PhD thesis
• Participate in joint publications and international collaborations
• Present findings at conferences, seminars, and policy forums
• Engage actively in project workshops and meetings

Eligibility Criteria

Required Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in public health, sociology, social anthropology, gender studies, or a related field
• Alternatively, have a background in medicine or health sciences with an interest in social science research
• Have an average grade of B or higher (C may be considered individually)
• Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English
• Possess strong academic writing and research skills
• Be able to manage research independently and communicate complex ideas effectively

Desired Qualifications

It is advantageous to have:

• Experience in migration research or programming
• Experience working with sexual and gender minority populations
• Knowledge of qualitative research methods
• Familiarity with the Norwegian health or welfare system
• Proficiency in Norwegian
• Experience in international or cross-cultural research

Personal Attributes

Ideal candidates will:

• Be motivated to conduct impactful and meaningful research
• Work effectively both independently and in teams
• Contribute positively to a collaborative research environment
• Communicate openly about research progress and challenges
• Demonstrate curiosity, engagement, and strong organizational skills

What the University Offers

The University of Oslo provides:

• A stimulating research environment with a strong societal mission
• Opportunities to collaborate across Africa and Europe
• Access to an international academic network
• Competitive salary (NOK 550,800–610,000 annually)
• Membership in Norway’s State Pension Fund
• Welfare benefits, insurance, and favorable mortgage schemes

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• A CV (maximum two pages)
• Academic transcripts
• Three academic references
• A writing sample (4,000–10,000 words)
• A personal statement (up to three pages) addressing motivation, experience, research interests, and career goals
• A declaration of any AI tools used in preparing the application

Applications must be submitted through the official recruitment system.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Oslo is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, including those with disabilities or immigrant backgrounds, are encouraged to apply.

The institution actively promotes equal opportunities and aims to reflect a wide range of perspectives in its research community.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. Applicants should be aware that, in accordance with Norwegian law, their names may appear on a public applicant list unless an exemption is granted.

This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful global health research while building a strong academic career within an international network.