The NTNU PhD Psychology Scholarship is a fully funded doctoral position at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) focused on how attachment develops from childhood into early adulthood. This PhD project is part of the Trondheim Early Secure Study (TESS), using longitudinal data to identify developmental trajectories of attachment and factors predicting them.
NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a dedication to creating knowledge for a better world. The Department of Psychology offers expertise across biological, cognitive, social, personality, and developmental psychology and hosts the TESS research group, which includes 10 researchers, postdoctoral fellows, PhD candidates, and research assistants.
Benefits of NTNU PhD Psychology Scholarship 2026
- An exciting job with an important mission in society
- Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
- Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period
- Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
- Working capital that can be used to implement the project
- Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU
- Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
- Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)
- As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits
Eligibility Criteria for the NTNU PhD Psychology Scholarship 2026
- Professionally relevant educational background in psychology, medicine, or an equivalent field, with documented knowledge in developmental psychology
- Education corresponding to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 ECTS credits at master’s level including a master’s thesis of at least 30 ECTS credits
- Strong academic background with an average grade of B or better from the master’s degree compared with NTNU’s grading scale (or equally good academic basis)
- Master’s students can apply, but the master’s degree must be obtained and documented before taking up the position
- Competence and experience in using quantitative methods in general and multivariate methods in particular
- Very good written and oral proficiency in English
- Must meet the requirements for admission to the PhD programme in social sciences, specialization in Psychology
How to Apply for NTNU PhD Psychology Scholarship 2026
- Submit your application electronically via Jobbnorge.no
- Include transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
- Attach a CV
- Attach a copy of your Master’s thesis (or a draft if recently submitted)
- Include a project outline (maximum 1500 words/4 pages) describing research questions, theoretical perspectives, methodological design, and progress plan
- Provide a short letter of motivation (400 words/1 page)
- Attach publications or other relevant research work
- Include certificates
- Provide names and contact information of three relevant referees
- If education was taken abroad, attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, including Diploma Supplement where applicable
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the NTNU PhD Psychology Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the application deadline for the NTNU PhD Psychology Scholarship?
The application deadline is 14th August 2026. All application materials must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no by this date. Late applications will not be considered.
What does the NTNU PhD Psychology Scholarship cover?
This is a fully funded, salaried PhD position. The gross salary is normally NOK 550,800 per annum. Additionally, PhD candidates benefit from career guidance, working capital for the project, a mentorship programme, pension fund membership, and free basic Norwegian language training.
What are the eligibility requirements for this scholarship?
Applicants must have a relevant background in psychology, medicine, or equivalent, with documented knowledge in developmental psychology. A master’s degree (120 ECTS) including a thesis of at least 30 ECTS, strong grades (B or better), quantitative methods experience, and very good English proficiency are required. You must also meet admission criteria for the PhD programme in social sciences, specialization in Psychology.
Can I apply if I am still completing my master’s degree?
Yes, master’s students can apply, but the master’s degree must be successfully completed and documented before taking up the position. You may submit a draft of your thesis with your application if you have recently submitted it.
What documents are needed for the application?
You must submit transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a CV, a copy of the master’s thesis (or draft), a project outline (max 1500 words), a letter of motivation (max 400 words), publications, certificates, and contact details for three referees. If educated abroad, documentation of educational scope and quality (e.g., Diploma Supplement) is also required.
What is the duration of the PhD position?
The period of employment is 3 years. You must be admitted to the relevant PhD programme within three months of employment and participate in an organized PhD programme throughout.
Where will the PhD work be conducted?
The position is based at NTNU’s Department of Psychology in Trondheim, Norway. The candidate will work with the Trondheim Early Secure Study (TESS) research group and must be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.
Is Norwegian language proficiency required?
Very good written and oral proficiency in English is mandatory. Good proficiency in Norwegian is listed as a preferred selection criterion but is not mandatory. Free basic Norwegian language training (A2 level) is offered to employees.
Who can I contact for more information about the position?
For questions about the academic content of the position, contact Associate Professor Kristine Rensvik Viddal at [email protected]. For questions about the recruitment process, contact HR adviser Ina Grønbech Halvorsen at [email protected].
What is the research focus of this PhD project?
The project focuses on attachment development from childhood into early adulthood, using longitudinal data from the TESS study. It aims to identify developmental trajectories of attachment and examine factors predicting these trajectories, advancing understanding of attachment pathways across childhood and adolescence.
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