PhD Positions

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No

Offer Description

The University of Akureyri invites applications for up to three funded 4-year doctoral positions across a range of academic disciplines.

We seek motivated and ambitious candidates who wish to contribute to high-quality research in a dynamic and internationally connected academic environment.

The positions are based at the University of Akureyri in North Iceland. UNAK is a vibrant young university, with a growing reputation in international research. Successful applicants will be provided with research facilities in one of our two Schools, with expert supervision from academics in their field.

Research Fields

PhD opportunities are available in the following fields:

• Social Sciences (sociology, law, psychology)
• Health Sciences (nursing)
• Education Sciences (education studies)
• Business and Natural Sciences (natural resource sciences, biotechnology, fisheries and aquaculture science, business administration)

Applicants are expected to develop their own research proposal in collaboration with a prospective supervisor. You can find information about the University’s areas of research expertise and relevant academic staff details and contact information here: https://www.unak.is/english/research/research-collaboration/research-areas

Candidate Profile

Applicants must:

• Hold a relevant master’s degree with excellent academic results
• Demonstrate strong research potential
• Have a clearly defined research project within the listed fields
• Be able to work both independently and collaboratively

Employment Terms

The positions are fully funded and include a salary in accordance with Icelandic collective agreements. Doctoral candidates are employed by the University of Akureyri for the duration of the programme and are expected to be based in Akureyri for the duration of their studies. The positions are based on 75% research and 25% teaching. Teaching will be agreed upon with the relevant academic faculty upon appointment.

Application Procedure

The application process consists of two stages:

Initial application (Stage 1):

Submission of a short application outlining academic background and research interests. Applicants must identify and contact a prospective supervisor themselves. The proposed supervisor must formally agree to undertake the supervision before the application is submitted.

Application deadline (Stage 1): 22 September 2026

Application form: https://forms.gle/86b937EFL9FtXUsNA (Use this form, do not use the portal on UNAK website) Application Guidelines: https://www.unak.is/english/study/education/phd

2. Full application (Stage 2):

All applications will be answered. Successful candidates will be invited to submit a full application, including a detailed research proposal and supporting documents.

Stage 2 deadline will be communicated separately. It is expected that successful applicants will begin their studies in February 2027

About the University of Akureyri

The University of Akureyri is located in North Iceland and offers a vibrant research environment with strong links to industry, public institutions, and international partners. The University emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and research addressing societal challenges: https://www.unak.is/english Doctoral programme information: https://www.unak.is/english/study/education/phd

We welcome applications from candidates worldwide and value diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence.

Where to apply

Website: https://forms.gle/86b937EFL9FtXUsNA

Requirements

Research Field: Other

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Languages: ENGLISH

Level: Excellent

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 4

Company/Institute: University of Akureyri

Country: Iceland

Contact

City: Akureyri

Website: http://www.unak.is/

Street: Nordurslod 2

Postal Code: 600

E-Mail: gudrunth@unak.is