PhD Fellowship in Biological Psychology

University of Stavanger; Norway; On-site; NOK 522,000 - 638,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Norwegian language courses

Lifekeys mental health support

State Salary Scale pay

Inclusive Workplace

Public transportation discounted (Hjem

Job summary

The University of Stavanger invites applicants for a position as PhD Fellow in Biological Psychology in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology. The fellowship leads to a doctoral degree and offers research experience, courses, and a public defence of the thesis.

The successful candidate will join the PSYENCE programme with mentoring, coursework, and an independent project under the PRIME project led by Professor Bianka Karshikoff.

Qualifications

• Five-year master's degree in psychology, neuroscience, biomedicine, cognitive science, or related field.
• Master's thesis grade and weighted average grade must be B or better.
• If completing autumn 2026, you may apply.

Skills

English proficiency

Quantitative methods

Statistical analysis

Independent work

Collaboration skills

Education

Master's degree in psychology or related field

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Stavanger Department Department of Psychology Research Field Biological sciences » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 26 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Oslo) Country Norway Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The University of Stavanger invites applicantsfor a position as PhDFellow in Biological Psychology at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department ofPsychology. The position is vacant from December 2026.

The PhD fellowship leads to a doctoral degree and gives you the opportunity to develop research expertise in an active and stimulating academic environment. Through the doctoral education, you will acquire knowledge, skills and experience that qualify you for a further career in research, higher education, and other knowledge-intensive sectors.

The successful candidate will be admitted to the PhD programme in Social Sciences, Research School in Psychology (PSYENCE). The programme includes coursework, an independent research project culminating in a doctoral thesis, participation in national and international research communities, dissemination of research, a trial lecture, and a public defence of the thesis. For more information about the PhD education at UiS, please visit our website.

As a PhD Fellow at UiS, you will receive supervision and support for your academic and professional development through mentoring, skills development, and career planning.

The successful candidate will be affiliated with the research project PRIME (Physiological Reactivity in Health and Disease: Mechanisms and Effects) is led by Professor Bianka Karshikoff. PRIME investigates physiological reactivity – the body’s capacity to respond to stress and immunological challenges – along two interconnected lines of research:

• Individual differences in physiological reactivity, and how these are related to health and personality.
• Early chronic pain as a distinct and understudied population, focusing on individuals within the first year of persistent musculoskeletal pain.

The project is interdisciplinary, spanning psychology, endocrinology, and immunology, and uses experimental methods and physiological biomarkers.

We are looking for a candidate with a genuine interest in this area of research or in one or more of the study components. Within the overall framework of the project, there is also scope to further develop the research and design sub-studies with a clear individual focus, in collaboration with Professor Karshikoff.

You must have a strong academic background with a five-year master's degree within a subject that is relevant to the project (psychology, neuroscience, biomedicine, cognitive science, or related fields),or equivalent qualifications that provide a basis for undertaking doctoral studies, preferably obtained recently.

Your master's thesis grade and weighted average grade for the master's degree must both correspond to a grade of B or better.

If you are completing your master's degree in the autumn 2026, you are also welcome to apply.

The assessment emphasizes your potential for research within the field and the personal aptitude to complete the doctoral programme within the employment period.

We will also place emphasis on whether you:

• demonstrate high academic integrity and a strong commitment to quality in your work
• are curious and motivated to carry out the research project and contribute to academic communities and collaboration across disciplines
• have a documented interest in biological psychology, psychophysiology, psychoneuroimmunology, stress and/or pain research
• have experience with quantitative and statistical methods, as well as motivation and potential for research within the field
• are able to work effectively both independently and in collaboration with other researchers
• demonstrate the ability for critical reflection, innovative thinking, and independent problem-solving, and work in a structured and goal-oriented manner
• have good collaboration and communication skills and contribute to a constructive working environment
• have good command of English, both written and spoken

It is an advantage if you:

• have previous laboratory experience
• have proficiency in a Scandinavian language, given the nature of the data collection

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Biological sciences » Other

Additional Information

As a PhD Fellow at UiS, you will receive

• a PhD education at a university with a strong societal mission and ambitious academic goals
• an ambitious and inclusive research environment. We strive to include employees at all levels in strategic decisions and promote an informal atmosphere with a flat organisational structure.
• free Norwegian language courses if you do not have proficiency in Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish at level A2 at the time of employment.
• access to Lifekeys , a digital service that supports mental health and well-being
• salary in accordance with the State Salary Scale, l.pl 17.515, code 1017, NOK 580 000 gross per year with salary development according to seniority in the position. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• employment with an Inclusive Workplace organisation committed to reducing sick leave and promoting and inclusive working life
• access to the Hjem-jobb-hjem programme, offering discounted public transportation to and from work
• access to comprehensive health services, generous parental leave arrangements and a well-developed welfare system.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity is a strength at the University of Stavanger. Different experiences, perspectives and backgrounds contribute to better solutions and a positive working and learning environment. We welcome applicants with diverse qualifications, life experiences and perspectives, and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of gender, age, disability, cultural background, or whether they have experienced periods outside the workforce. UiS is committed to supporting employees in different stages of life and to providing reasonable accommodation for employees with individual needs.

In accordance with applicable regulations, at least one qualified applicant with a disability, a gap in their CV, or an immigrant background will be invited for an interview. If this applies to you, you may indicate this in the application portal. Read more about the scheme here .

The University seeks to improve gender balance in PhD positions within this field and therefore particularly encourages women to apply. In cases where applicants are considered equally qualified, women may be given preference in accordance with applicable regulations.