PhD Research Fellow in Social Science - Flexibility in Working Life (1-2 positions)

Nord University; Norway; On-site; NOK 800,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Norway seeks a PhD Research Fellow to investigate flexibility in working life. The role is open for temporary full-time positions focusing on innovative research strategies in social sciences. Candidates should possess a Master's degree and demonstrate strong knowledge in relevant theories and methodologies. The position is located in Bodø or Levanger, and active participation is expected during working hours. Applicants should show strong English skills and a compelling project proposal.

Qualifications

• Must have bachelor's and master's degrees (120 ECTS) in social sciences or relevant fields.
• Demonstrate knowledge of relevant theories and methods for the PhD project.
• Must meet grade requirements for PhD admission.

Responsibilities

• Develop a PhD project related to flexibility in working life.
• Engage in teaching research tasks possibly related to the project.

Skills

Knowledge of social science theories

Strong English skills

Education

Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in relevant discipline

Job description

Offer Description

About the position

Nord University’s Faculty of Social Sciences invites applications for 1-2 temporary full-time positions as PhD Research Fellow in Social Science, with a thematic focus on Flexibility in Working Life. The position is affiliated with the Research group for Society, Organization, Leadership, and Working life (SOLA), and linked to the specialization Governance and Democracy in Transition in the PhD programme.

The appointment period is normally three years without teaching duties, but a four-year period with 25 % duties may be considered. Duties may include teaching and/or research-related tasks depending on the candidate’s competence and faculty needs.

Flexibility and flexibilization, such as increasing use of flexible working time arrangements, flexible work organization, and flexible forms of employment, constitute key features of today’s working life. A new trend is the introduction of various flexible working time arrangements and time management strategies to address organizational challenges such as high sickness absence, employee burnout, or as a tool to improve recruitment in vulnerable sectors.

We invite candidates to develop a PhD project related to flexibilization in working life. Potential topics for a PhD project may include:

• Negotiations about time between managers and employees
• Different management strategies used to synchronize time allocation and tasks within organizations
• Challenges arising from new ways of organizing time, including the implementation of new forms of time management in various organizations
• Implications of flexibilization for personnel policies, including mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion in working life

The position is based in Bodø or in Levanger, and physical presence during working hours is expected. If required duties are assigned, tasks may also be carried out at other Nord University campuses.

Qualification requirements

• To be admitted to the PhD programme, applicants must hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree (120 ECTS), or equivalent, in a relevant social science discipline and/or history. Applicants with degrees in the humanities or other relevant fields may be considered on an individual basis.
• Candidates must demonstrate solid knowledge of relevant social science theories and methods necessary to carry out the proposed PhD project.
• Admission to the faculty’s PhD programme is a prerequisite. See admission requirements: PhD in Social Science.
• Applicants must meet the grade requirements for PhD admission (typically a B average in the master’s degree).
• Strong English skills, both written and oral, are required. For applicants from outside the Nordic countries, documentation may be required.
• A final project proposal must be approved and formalized within three months of employment.
• Candidates who already hold a PhD are not eligible.

General information

The person who is appointed must abide by the applicable laws, agreements, and directives. The responsibilities and duties associated with the position may change with future reorganization at Nord University.

The public sector workforce is expected to reflect the diversity of the population in general. Nord University therefore encourages qualified candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, immigrant backgrounds or different life experience to apply.

Further information about the position can be obtained by contacting:
Head of research group, Associate Professor Anne Kamilla Lund – phone [phone], email [e-mail]
Head of specialisation, Professor Frank Jacob – phone [phone], email [e-mail]

Application requirements

Applications must be submitted electronically by January 20, 2026.

The application should include:

• Project proposal (approx. 5‑7 pages) outlining the PhD idea, theoretical framework, methodological approach, and progress plan
• Complete CV (education, work and teaching experience, list of publications if applicable)
• Diplomas and official transcripts from bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and other relevant certificates
• Documentation that all requirements for admission to the PhD programme are met
• Digital version or link to completed master’s thesis and any other academic work
• Names and contact information for 2‑3 references (name, relationship, email, phone number)
• Applicants from countries outside Scandinavia must include a Diploma Supplement in English or in a Scandinavian language
• Other relevant activities to be considered in the evaluation
• Applicants from outside the EU/EEA area may be asked to provide additional documentation of their education

All documents must be uploaded as attachments to the electronic application form.

It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the complete documentation within the deadline.

A public list of applicants will be prepared after the deadline. Please note that information about applicants may be disclosed even if a request for confidentiality has been made. Applicants requesting confidentiality must justify this in the application. They will be notified in advance if disclosure is necessary.

Reference number: 30072569

Nord University