Fully Funded PhD Position in African Migrant Health at University of Oslo

The University of Oslo has opened applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on African migrant health. This role is part of the Health and Migration (HEMI) project, which studies how migration affects health among African sexual and gender minority men. If you have a background in public health or related fields, this three-year position in Norway could launch your research career.

About the HEMI Project

The HEMI project receives funding from the Research Council of Norway. It works with universities in Africa and Europe, plus civil society groups. The project links to the Africa-Europe Cluster of Research Excellence in Health, Gender and Sexualities (CoRE HGS), a network of eight universities.

Key areas of study include migration paths from home countries to new places, health issues migrants face, ways they cope, access to care, and stories of risk and strength. Four PhD students will join, covering work in Norway, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The goal is to understand health challenges for African male migrants, especially sexual and gender minorities.

Research Focus and Methods

For this PhD, the focus stays on African migrants in Norway. You will explore their health, well-being, and daily lives. Methods include in-depth interviews, group talks, watching daily activities, and working with migrant groups.

The work involves teaming up with community organizations, health workers, and officials. You will use participatory methods where migrants help shape the research. This also covers reviewing Norway’s policies on migrant health. Fieldwork happens mainly in Norway, with links to partners abroad.

Academic Setting

The position sits at the Institute of Health and Society (Helsam) in the Faculty of Medicine. It falls under the Section for Transdisciplinary Research for Sustainable Health (TRUST). This group mixes skills from medicine, health sciences, and social sciences.

You will join a global team with chances for workshops, supervision, and shared papers across countries. The environment supports fresh ideas on health and society.

Main Duties

As the PhD candidate, your tasks will cover:

• Helping design the Norway study, pick methods, and get ethics approval.
• Gathering data through fieldwork like interviews and observations.
• Analyzing findings and building new theories.
• Writing about three papers for your thesis, plus group publications.
• Sharing results at conferences, talks, and policy events.
• Joining project meetings and workshops.

These steps build skills in research and teamwork.

Who Can Apply: Requirements

You need a master’s degree in public health, sociology, social anthropology, gender studies, or similar. A medical background with social science interest works too. Your grades should average B or better (C cases reviewed one by one).

Strong English skills in speaking and writing are a must. Show good research and writing ability, plus the power to work alone and explain tough ideas.

Helpful Skills and Experience

Extra points go to those with:

• Work in migration studies or programs.
• Contact with sexual and gender minority groups.
• Practice in qualitative methods like interviews.
• Knowledge of Norway’s health or welfare systems.
• Norwegian language skills.
• Cross-cultural research background.

Personal Qualities Needed

Look for candidates who stay driven for real-world impact. They work well alone or in groups, share updates openly, and show curiosity and organization. A positive attitude helps the team.

Benefits from the University

The University of Oslo offers a top research space with a focus on society. You get salary from NOK 550,800 to 610,000 per year, pension in the State Pension Fund, insurance, welfare perks, and good loan options.

Travel for collaborations across Africa and Europe comes with the job. Build networks through international events.

How to Apply

Submit online via the official system. Include:

• CV up to two pages.
• Transcripts.
• Three references.
• Writing sample of 4,000 to 10,000 words.
• Personal statement up to three pages on your drive, skills, interests, and plans.
• Note on any AI use in your application.

The university welcomes diverse applicants, including those with disabilities or immigrant roots. Names may go public per Norwegian rules unless exempted. Shortlisted people face interviews.

This PhD on African migrant health at University of Oslo gives a chance to shape global health knowledge.

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