About the position

The Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) is seeking a Senior Researcher with expertise on the contemporary Middle East, defined as the Arab world, Turkey, Iran and/or Israel. The successful candidate will join NUPI’s research group on Peace, Conflict and Development. The position is initially for a two-year period. Subject to project funding the position may be extended. While the position is advertised as a Senior Researcher, the successful candidate can apply for personal promotion to Research Professor.

The successful candidate will form part of NUPI’s on-going research on states, societies and international politics of the Middle East. The candidate will initiate and collaborate with colleagues to develop and apply for funding for new research projects, conduct basic and policy-oriented research and publish in top peer reviewed academic journals. You will also be expected to engage in dissemination of research to the public. 

Specifically, we are looking for candidates with deep knowledge of the contemporary politics of two or more countries in the Middle East, combined with interest for the geopolitics of the region. The research interest of the successful candidate may include state, politics, state formation and foreign policy; international politics and geopolitics of the Middle East; cooperation and conflict in the region; social, labour and political movements; cultural and youth movements; judicial politics and religion; and issues related to migration, humanitarian action and development aid. 

We seek candidates with an understanding of local perspectives in the Middle East and the ability to identify evolving trends. Fluency in Arabic, Persian, or Turkish is valuable for sourcing information and conducting research fieldwork. A strong grasp of political and societal changes is essential for writing original research project applications and articles. 

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in a relevant field, such as area studies, political science, International Relations, anthropology, or sociology 
• Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed, academic journals and/or published books with respected publishing houses (with consideration to career stage)
• Strong analytical and methodological skills 
• Professional fluency in English, both written and oral 
• Interest in research dissemination
• Ability to work independently and in teams

Additional Skills and Experience

• The ability to use Arabic, Persian or Turkish as a working language is preferable 
• Experience with project acquisition is preferrable 
• Fluency in a Scandinavian language (and thus ability to participate in Norwegian public debates) is preferrable. 

• Personal qualifications: Flexible, adaptable to funding requirements, proactive in networking, capable of producing quality research under pressure, collegial, and supportive of peers and junior researchers.

  Personal suitability will be emphasized.

We offer

• A large interdisciplinary research community with strong international networks 
• Excellent career development opportunities 
• A vibrant work environment with frequent invited speakers and events 
• A flexible working culture with a good work-life balance 
• Opportunities for professional skills development 
• Modern office facilities in downtown Oslo 
• Bonus system for scientific publishing 
• Mobile phone subscription 
• Time for physical training during working hours 
• Financial support for conference and workshop attendance. 
• Provision of Norwegian language courses  
• Good pension, insurance and loan schemes through membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund 
• Salary based on qualifications and career stage, reflecting NUPI’s pay scale. Senior Researcher SKO 1109, from NOK 648 700

How to apply

Applications should contain the following documents:

• Cover letter with statement of motivation, including a description of research interests and ambitions, and how they fit with NUPI’s research (max 2 pages)
• A detailed CV, including a full list of publications
• Transcripts of educational degrees (BA, MA and PhD completion)

Do not send publications as part of the job application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit up to five publications for assessment by a scientific committee. 

Questions concerning the position may be directed to group leader Jon Harald Sande Lie, jon.lie@nupi.no or +47 913 16 061. 

Please submit your application electronically. Click on the button marked “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” on this page to begin the application process.

The application deadline is 25.6.2025. Expected start date: as soon as possible.

Hiring Process

The applications will undergo an initial screening, where promising candidates will be invited to submit 5 publications for assessment of a scientific committee. Top ranked candidates from the scientific committee will then be called for an interview. Candidates will be assessed according to documented research competence, other key qualifications listed above, as well as personal suitability. We will also consider the career stage of the applicants when assessing track record, as well as whether the PhD consisted of an article-based or monograph dissertation. Research at NUPI is highly collaborative and personal suitability to work in teams to conduct research and develop new proposals will be accorded weight. Candidates are encouraged to familiarise themselves with NUPI´s research projects prior to applying. 

All candidates selected for interview will be notified as soon as the final decision is taken, and unsuccessful shortlisted candidates will be provided with feedback on their application within one month of the decision.

Generally

Candidates are expected to openly offer all relevant information about themselves during the recruitment process to ensure compliance with Norwegian law and regulations.

NUPI uses increased transparency in the recruitment process for academic positions. Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to be listed as a candidate. If the request is not followed, the applicant shall be notified of this.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, cultural background, age, disability, or previous periods of leave from the workforce. We strive to have a workforce that reflects societal diversity to the greatest extent possible. NUPI will accommodate specific disability needs for new hires and during the interview process.