A PhD position is now available at MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society.

The position

MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society announces a PhD fellowship within the research project JUSTHIS - History education for reconciliation and Justice: Difficult history in divided societies. The starting date for the PhD fellowship will be as soon as possible after March 1st. 2026.

A PhD position should lead to a completed PhD degree. The position is a fully funded, fulltime, fixed term position over 3 years. 

The position is open to applicants with projects relevant to one or several of the work packages in the JUSTHIS project. The work packages are described in detail here (https://mf.no/en/research/research-projects/justhis). Please contact the Project leader for any questions about the development of the proposal or queries about the alignment within the project. 

About the project 

JUSTHIS explores how history is taught in classrooms across the Middle Nile Valley - Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Sudan - where conflict and division have shaped both past and present. The researchers behind JUSTHIS are working closely with teachers across the Nile Valley to understand what actually happens in classrooms when they teach “difficult history" - topics like war, colonization, and ethnic conflict. They're analyzing curricula and textbooks, and observing history teaching to see how history is presented and what challenges teachers face.

While research often highlights the importance of teaching history from multiple perspectives, many teachers and accessible textbooks rely on single narratives that can reinforce stereotypes and deepen divides. JUSTHIS puts teachers at the center, recognizing their crucial role in shaping how young people understand the past and imagine the future. Through curriculum and textbook analysis, classroom observation, and collaboration with educators, JUSTHIS investigates how multiperspectivity can support reconciliation and justice. The goal is to develop shared, sustainable teaching methods that help teachers navigate complex histories and promote peace - both regionally and globally.

The PhD candidate will contribute to the JUSTIS-project and be a central member of the core research team. Added to the formal requirements, we are looking for a candidate with the following competencies: 

• advanced Arabic language skills
• knowledge of the field of education studies, broadly defined
• knowledge of Ethiopian history 

Residency in Oslo is a requirement. Hiring is dependent on admission to MF's PhD program. Completion of this program and satisfactory progression throughout the employment period are conditions that have to be fulfilled. MF expects that project progress and writing production are satisfactory throughout the employment period. There will be a mid-way evaluation of the project.

The successful candidate is expected to work in accordance with MF's aims and profile.

Qualifications

A prerequisite for appointment is:

• Completed master's degree (dissertation minimum 30 credits) at the time of application and in a relevant subject area, or other equivalent education.
• Written and oral presentation skills in a Scandinavian language and / or English.
• Motivation, good collaboration skills, creativity and academic independence.
• Ability to set clear aims, to plan and to complete a doctoral project within the agreed time frame.

Conditions

Location: MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, Oslo / Norway (presence required). 

Contract duration: 3 years, starting in the period March - May 2026, depending on the approval of a valid residence and work permit.

Salary and funding: 

• Starting salary for scholarship holders at the announcement date is NOK 550 800 per year, with 3% annual increase for up to four years. 
• Research fellows will receive an annual allowance of up to NOK 20,000, amounting to a total of NOK 60,000 over the course of the project period. This funding is intended to cover expenses directly related to the project. The allowance is primarily designated for academic travel, but it may also be used for literature, ICT equipment, and similar needs. Access to this funding requires a justified application.
• A compulsory 2 % contribution to the State Pension Fund (Statens pensjonskasse) will be deducted from gross salary. MF also has membership of collective Group Life - and Occupational Injuries Insurance Premium.

Further information on the position by contacting project manager Merethe Skårås, merethe.skaras@mf.no. Further information on the PhD programme at: https://mf.no/en/Research/PhD (https://mf.no/en/Research/PhD)

The application

The applicants must use the online application form in the portal Jobbnorge.no. Applications must include

1. A presentation of the proposed project (5-10 pages), see guide: https://mf.no/en/studies/programmes/doctoral-degree-programme

2. Preliminary outline of the thesis

3. A progress plan for the entire project period

4. An overview of expected operating expenses for the project (any field work, especially equipment etc.)

5. CV, incl. list of publications

6. List of 2-3 references

The following documents form the basis for the assessment of applicants for research fellow positions:

• Regulations for the degree philosophiae doctor (PhD) at MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society
• Appointment regulations for MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society
• Announcement text

Applications will first be subject to an administrative screening by a sorting committee. Only applications meeting the formal criteria in the announcement will be subject to a scholarly evaluation by an expert committee. Reasons for rejection can be insufficient documentation of qualifications, insufficient or irrelevant education or insufficient project description. MF will make use of interviews in the nomination process.

Application, project description, CV, certificate and certified attachments must be sent via www.jobbnorge.no by the 10th of December 2025.

The final decision on the appointments is planned to take place by February 2026.

MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society is an accredited Specialized University located in Oslo. MF conducts research in the areas of theology, religion and society.

MF offers a number of study programs at PhD, Master's and Bachelor's level. The students are educated for professions within church, school and society.