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Video: https://youtu.be/i4SDcLir6OcPostdoctoral position in Social Anthropology – ERC Project In/visible women of the sea. Gendering fishery politics and advocacy (GENMAR)
The Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in Social Anthropology. The position is fully funded by the European Research Council (ERC) through the project GENMAR (2026–2031). The successful candidate’s postdoctoral project must therefore make a clear and substantial contribution to the themes and objectives of GENMAR.
Prospective candidates must present a project proposal ethnographically situated in Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda. Further instructions about the project proposal are outlined below.
About the project/work tasks:
The GENMAR-project will advance empirical and theoretical knowledge about why and how women are continuously marginalized in the fishery sector.
Current research shows that fisherwomen’s roles and contributions are not only habitually underrecognized, but they are also often excluded from governance- and management processes and lack social and economic rights. However, we know little about how gender equality policies- and recommendations in fishery are negotiated through political- and advocacy systems. Further, in the face of increased attention to the issue, little is known of where and why it loses momentum in political systems. Moreover, women’s role and agency in fishery politics, advocacy and governance is an understudied field, offering limited knowledge of how and why their struggles are hindered.
GENMAR’s research objective is situated at the intersection of these three knowledge gaps. The project will develop a multi-sited, multi-scalar, comparative and theorized ethnography of gender inequality, gender advocacy and gender policies in fisheries in Spain, Brazil, Thailand and either Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda, and a case study of fishery policy in the EU-commission and the UNs Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Theoretically, the project draws on the existing literature about the gendering of fisheries, in dialogue with gender studies, social science concept analysis, legal anthropology and anthropological approaches to the state, organizations, law and policy. Methodologically, the project draws on ethnographic fieldwork, extended interviews, focus groups, document- and media studies and law- and policy analysis.
The project’s PI is Associate Professor Iselin Åsedotter Strønen. For more information about the project, see here.
Responsibilities
- Pursue a postdoctoral project, having Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda as ethnograpic point of departure, that directly contributes to GENMARs project’s focus on gender and fisheries at the local, regional, national and international level
- Conduct ethnographic field research for approximately one year in the course of the project period
- Actively participate in research, publication, and dissemination activities of GENMAR
- Write and publish at least two articles plus a book chapter
- Present research at departmental seminars, project workshops and conferences, and international conferences
- Assist with organizational tasks in the project (e.g., research administration, events, publication output planning)
- Follow the highest standards of data management and ethical protocols and procedures in alignment with ERC requirements
- Obtaining research permits when/if required, contribute to updating the project website and to communicating research findings to the public when appropriate
- Collaborate actively with the GENMAR project team in developing innovative and ambitious lines of inquiry, joint research questions, literature reviews and theoretical frameworks
Qualifications and personal qualities:
Required qualifications
- The applicant must hold a PhD or an equivalent degree within social or cultural anthropology (dissertation must be submitted by the deadline). It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded.
- A documented research trajectory reflecting the thematic, ethnographic and/or theoretical focus of GENMAR. Documented research experience with the gendering of fisheries is an advantage but is not an absolute requirement.
- In-depth knowledge of qualitative methods and documented experience with long-term, independent ethnographic field research.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to communicate clearly
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
- The place of work for this position is Bergen, and the work requires that you are physically present at the Department of Social Anthropology on a daily basis (excluding fieldwork).
Desired qualifications
- A publication track record beyond the PhD dissertation
- Prior experience in large research projects and/or prior experience from working in academia in educational/institutional/organizational roles
- Experience with research communication to an academic and/or public audience
The applicants will be assessed by an assessment committee, and the highest ranked candidates will be invited for an interview.
About the position of postdoctoral research fellow:
The position of postdoctoral research fellow is a fixed-term appointment with the primary objective of qualifying the appointee for work in top academic positions. The fixed-term period for this position is 4 years. Individuals may not be hired for more than one fixed-term period as a postdoctoral research fellow at the same institution.
Upon appointment, applicants must submit a project proposal for the qualifying work including a work schedule. For postdoctoral research fellow positions associated with externally financed projects, the completion of the project proposal for the qualifying work will take place in consultation with the project/centre manager. It is a requirement that the project is completed in the course of the period of employment.
We can offer:
- A four-year position as a postdoctoral researcher within an ERC-funded project
- Gross annual salary as Postdoctoral research fellow, code 1352, of NOK 685 900. Further increase in salary will depend on seniority.
- Personal funds for fieldwork, books and conference attendance
- Being part of a tightly integrated, ambitious and collegial project group
- A dynamic and internationally recognized departmental research environment, with a strong portfolio on marine- and ocean research
- Bergen as a vibrant academic city with access to spectacular nature
- Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Good welfare benefits
Your application must include:
- Cover letter (max 2 pages), including a brief account of your research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
- Research proposal (5-8 pages excluding references) must clearly demonstrate how the postdoctoral project will make a substantial contribution to the overall scope and ambitions of the GENMAR project. The proposal should situate the project within relevant research literature and outline the research focus and main research questions, ethnographic field site(s) and context, theoretical approach, and proposed methodology.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) including education, positions, research experience, qualitative methods training, and other qualifying activities.
- Relevant certificates
- A list of academic publications
- Two academic writing samples in English (e.g., PhD dissertation chapter or research article)
- Diplomas and transcripts of degrees (BA and MA or equivalent, plus PhD diploma/confirmation of submitted dissertation)
- Contact details of three referees (reference letters not needed at this stage)
The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.
The closing date is September 21, 2026.
Starting date: January 1, 2027, at the latest.
Applications sent by e-mail or without the requested documents will not be evaluated.
General information:
Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting Iselin Åsedotter Strønen, iselin.stronen@uib.no.
Practical questions about the application process should be directed to: Gudrun Horvei, gudrun.horvei@uib.no.
Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.
The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.
Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.
We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.Further information about our employment process can be found here.
Om arbeidsgiveren:
The University of Bergen is a renowned educational and research institution, organised into seven faculties and approximately 54 institutes and academic centres. Campus is located in the centre of Bergen with university areas at Nygårdshøyden, Haukeland, Marineholmen, Møllendalsveien and Årstad.
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