PhD scholarship

A doctoral research fellowship is available at the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo.

The fellowship is an integral part of the collaboration agreement between the National Museum and the Fredriksen Family Art Company. It is fully financed by the Fredriksen Family Art Company, whereas the National Museum is solely and independently responsible for the process of evaluation of applications.

Applicants interested in the PhD position are asked to submit a project proposal that aims at new readings of and/or new insights to Norway’s history of art broadly defined. The proposed project may thus focus on artworks of all media, time periods, and geographies, and seek to explore the chosen topic from art historical, artistic, conservation, museological and/or educational perspectives. We welcome proposals that critically consider the mobility of objects and actors and place the histories of art and visual culture of Norway in dialogue with global concerns and/or phenomena. Moreover, the proposed project needs to prove beneficial for the National Museum by furthering and diversifying the museum’s recognized practices regarding collecting, exhibiting, educating and/or preserving art. The proposal also needs to comply with the visions in the museum’s Research & Development Strategy. Proposals that include theories related to colonialism, globalism, sustainability, ecology, health and/or well-being are particularly welcome, and an interest and ability to work across disciplinary boundaries will also be considered an advantage. Furthermore, applicants are expected to include a research stay at an institution outside Norway for a period of 2-6 months, which may offer valuable input and research opportunities for the applicant’s proposed project.

Application deadline: April 28, 2024

Evaluation
The National Museum will appoint a scientific committee that will be involved in the evaluation of applications and selection of research project.

The evaluation will be based on the quality of the project; its relevance to the National Museum; the applicants’ estimated academic and personal ability to complete a project of this size and scope within the time frame; and the applicant’s ability to complete research training. Their collaboration skills and their willingness to work across institutions and different research environments will also be evaluated. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

Admission to the University of Oslo
The person appointed will receive a conditional offer of a scholarship, pending admission to the Faculty of Humanities’ PhD-program at the University of Oslo. Admission is required in order for the successful candidate to receive supervision and complete the doctoral program including dissertation and 30 ECTS credit educational component.

The National Museum will assist the person appointed in finalizing the application to the doctoral training in due course. If admission is granted to the PhD program, the successful candidate will be employed by the National Museum.

The appointment is for a duration of three years, devoted to the applicant’s research, the doctoral training, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation for public defense.

The successful candidate is expected to reside in Oslo (or in commutable distance) during the entire period and to actively participate in the National Museum’s R&D activities.

Annual salary 545,000–575,000 NOK.

Qualification requirements
A Master’s degree or equivalent in art history, visual studies, curatorial studies, media studies, museology, conservation science, technical art history or other relevant field.

Oral and written communication skills in English. Oral and written communication skills in a Scandinavian language is an advantage. Personal suitability and motivation for the position. Please note that the Master’s degree must have been obtained by the application deadline.

Application form and details here.