Post-doctoral Research Fellow in Psychology University of Agder (UiA) in Norway

The University of Agder (UiA) invites applications for a three-year fixed-term Post-doctoral Research Fellow in Psychology, affiliated with the Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences and the Department of Psychology. The position is based at Campus Kristiansand and is connected to the PULSE project (Psychology University students’ Longitudinal Study of Emergence), a multi-cohort longitudinal study examining psychology students’ personal, academic, and professional development throughout their studies and into their transition to working life.

The postdoctoral fellow will join a vibrant research environment and contribute to the further development of the PULS project. The research focus includes core disciplines such as personality psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, biological psychology, and cognitive psychology, as well as profession-related themes concerning education, learning, and development within professional psychology training. The fellow will be involved in one or more subprojects, with thematic areas including well-being, quality of life, learning and academic functioning, personal goals and self-regulation, identity development, empathy, relationships, morality, values, life narratives, and transitional phases.

Applicants are required to submit a project proposal (maximum six pages, including references) that aligns with the framework and aims of the PULS project. The proposal should present relevant research questions, methodological approaches, and a plan for implementation, situating the project within the relevant research field and literature. The postdoctoral fellow will actively participate in data collection, analysis, and publication, and contribute to teaching activities (including supervision and assessment) within the department.

Required qualifications include a Cand.Psych., Master’s degree, or equivalent in psychology or a closely related field, and a PhD in psychology or a related discipline with the doctoral thesis approved by the application deadline. Proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language (written and oral level A2) and good knowledge of English are mandatory. Desired qualifications include experience with empirical psychological research, longitudinal research designs, scientific publishing, and an interest in mental health and psychosocial development. Applicants should ideally have presented their thesis within the last five years. Personal qualities such as independence, collaboration skills, scientific communication, and motivation to contribute to the research environment are highly valued.

The position offers professional development in a large, socially influential organization, a positive and inclusive working environment, modern facilities, and comprehensive welfare benefits. The gross salary ranges from NOK 690,000 to 750,000 per year according to the State Salary Scale, with compulsory pension contributions to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Higher salary grades may be considered for particularly well-qualified applicants.

UiA is committed to diversity and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, age, cultural background, disability, or an incomplete CV. The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with current regulations, and organizational changes may affect duties and responsibilities. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions, and a background check may be conducted with the applicant’s consent.

To apply, submit your application electronically via the provided link. Upload certificates with grades, list of publications, doctoral thesis, up to 10 academic articles and R&D projects, a description of research interests, and a project proposal of maximum six pages including references. Ensure all documentation is available in a Scandinavian language or English and submit before the closing date. The application deadline is 1 September 2026.

For questions about the position, contact Head of Department Bård Bertelsen (bard.bertelsen@uia.no). For questions about the application process, contact Senior Advisor Siri Ohrvik (siri.ohrvik@uia.no).