The Mineral Extraction Scholarship 2026 offers a fully funded 3-year postdoctoral position at NTNU in Norway, focusing on fair transition in mineral extraction through the JUST-MAP project. Norway’s mines are being revived to supply critical minerals for green energy, defence, and security, but this sparks tensions between national interests, local communities, and Sami rights. This scholarship engages with those tensions by combining science and technology studies with geography to develop a socio-technical framework for just transitions.
NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology is a broad-based university with a strong profile in technical and natural sciences, located in Trondheim. The Department of Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies (KULT) hosts the JUST-MAP research project, which collaborates closely with municipalities and indigenous communities. NTNU’s research groups Center for Climate, Energy and Environment (CLEEN) and Spatial and Temporal Analytics anchor this work, offering a vibrant interdisciplinary environment.
Benefits of Mineral Extraction Scholarship 2026
- Exciting job with an important societal mission
- Developing tasks in a strong and international academic environment, with close collaboration with municipalities and indigenous communities
- Career guidance through the postdoctoral period and development of a career plan
- Open and inclusive working environment with engaged colleagues
- Mentoring scheme as a new employee at NTNU
- Favorable conditions in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Employee benefits as a postdoctoral fellow at NTNU
- Gross salary of approximately NOK 633,400 per year
Eligibility Criteria for the Mineral Extraction Scholarship 2026
- Completed PhD in STS, geography, sociology, social anthropology or a related field relevant to the project (or thesis submitted/defense date confirmed)
- Experience with qualitative methods, such as interviews and/or participatory/map-based methods
- Good oral and written communication skills in English
- Good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian/Scandinavian
How to Apply for the Mineral Extraction Scholarship 2026
- Prepare the application documents: grade transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and completed PhD; if PhD not finished, confirmation of thesis submission or planned defense date; CV; copy of doctoral thesis or draft; research plan (max 2 pages) reflecting on how your competence and interests can contribute to JUST-MAP’s fieldwork, method and theory development; publications or other relevant research work (max 3 works); any certificates; name and contact information of three relevant references.
- If education taken abroad, attach documentation of scope and quality of your entire educational pathway, in addition to possibly an assessment from HK-dir.
- Submit the application electronically via Jobbnorge.no before the application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Mineral Extraction Scholarship 2026 at NTNU, a fully funded postdoctoral position exploring fair transition in mineral extraction.
What does the Mineral Extraction Scholarship 2026 cover?
The scholarship is a fully funded 3-year postdoctoral employment at NTNU, offering a gross annual salary of approximately NOK 633,400, membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, career development support, and a range of employee benefits. It includes funding for fieldwork in three Norwegian municipalities.
Who can apply for this scholarship?
Applicants must hold (or be about to complete) a PhD in STS, geography, sociology, social anthropology, or a related field. They need experience with qualitative methods, strong English and Norwegian/Scandinavian communication skills, and a research plan aligned with the JUST-MAP project.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is August 15, 2026. All documents must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no by that date. Late applications will not be considered.
What is the JUST-MAP project?
JUST-MAP is a three-year interdisciplinary research project exploring just transitions in reopening Norwegian mines. It combines science and technology studies (STS) with geography to create participatory counter‑mapping methodologies that highlight local and Sami knowledge.
Where will I be working?
The position is based at the Department of Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies, NTNU, in Trondheim, Norway. Extensive fieldwork will take place in the municipalities of Røyrvik, Fauske and Sør-Varanger.
Can I apply if my PhD is not yet defended?
Yes, if you can document that your doctoral thesis has been submitted or a defense date has been confirmed. You must present proof of a completed PhD before taking up the position.
What documents are required?
Required documents include: transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD (or submission confirmation), CV, copy of doctoral thesis or draft, a research plan (max 2 pages), up to three relevant publications, certificates, and contact details of three references.
Is knowledge of Norwegian mandatory?
Yes, good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian/Scandinavian are required because fieldwork involves local and Sami communities in Norway.
What kind of fieldwork will I do?
You will lead and conduct fieldwork in three case municipalities, including stakeholder mapping, qualitative in-depth interviews, and workshops with local and Sami community stakeholders.
What career support does NTNU provide?
NTNU offers career guidance and will work with you to create a personalized career plan. You will also have opportunities to apply for external funding, participate in research groups, and contribute to policy briefs and popular science dissemination.
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