PhD in Music in NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology – Norway

Summary

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology is offering a full-time, temporary PhD Research Fellow position in Music, starting on August 1, 2027. The position is linked to the PhD programme in Humanities and the Arts, excluding artistic research. Applicants must develop an independent research project connected to one of the Department of Music's R&D groups and secure a main supervisor from the department. The role requires a relevant Master's degree with a minimum 30 ECTS independent project and an average grade of B or better, along with strong English presentation skills. The gross annual salary is NOK 580,000, with an additional NOK 100,000 in operating funds for the project. The contract duration is 3 years. The application deadline is December 1, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Music
Position Type	PhD Research Fellow
Discipline	Music
Research Area	Music as a health resource and therapy, The Portfolio Musician, LiM – Læring i musikkutdanning, Estetikk og økologi, Musicology Research Group, Music Society Culture
Degree Required	Master's degree with a major independent project (minimum 30 ECTS) and an average grade of B or better
Salary	NOK 580,000 per annum
Funding	Operating funds up to NOK 100,000 for the research project
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-12-01
Employer Contact	Elin Angelo ([email protected]) for position questions; Martin Jakobsen ([email protected]) for hiring process questions

About the Project

The successful candidate will develop an independent research project within the field of music, which must be associated with one of the Department of Music's R&D groups. These groups include "Music as a health resource and therapy," "The Portfolio Musician," "LiM – Læring i musikkutdanning," "Estetikk og økologi," "Musicology Research Group," and "Music Society Culture." The project description is a crucial assessment basis, focusing on scientific quality, originality, relevance to the department's activities and strategy, and feasibility within the three-year PhD period. Applicants must secure a main supervisor from the Department of Music prior to application.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop an independent research project associated with one of the department's R&D groups
• Complete the research project within the employment period
• Complete the doctoral degree within the nominal time
• Be physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis

Required Skills

• Strong and relevant academic background from previous studies
• Average grade from Master's degree study or equivalent education equal to B or better
• Good oral and written presentation skills in English
• Ability to implement work in a structured, independent, and goal-oriented manner
• Strong motivation for the research project
• Ability to collaborate well and communicate clearly
• Ability to handle challenges constructively
• Desire to contribute to a good academic and social environment

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for highly motivated individuals with a strong academic background in music, holding a relevant Master's degree with a significant independent project (minimum 30 ECTS) and an average grade of B or better. Applicants should have excellent oral and written English skills and be able to develop an independent research project aligned with one of NTNU's Department of Music R&D groups. Candidates must be structured, independent, goal-oriented, collaborative, and constructive in handling challenges. Those who already hold a PhD or were former PhD research fellows at NTNU are not eligible.

Benefits

• Exciting job with an important mission in society
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Working capital (up to NOK 100,000) for project implementation
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
• Access to employee benefits
• Valuable research expertise for further careers both in and outside academia

About the Employer

NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus on professional education. It is located in three cities, with its headquarters in Trondheim. The university employs 9,000 staff and educates 43,000 students, working to create knowledge for a better world. NTNU values diversity and aims to be an employer that reflects society's diversity, striving for an equal, diverse, and gender-balanced organization. It recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and adheres to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment and CoARA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the start date for this PhD position?

The position is scheduled to start on August 1, 2027.

What is the required academic background for applicants?

Applicants must have a relevant Master's degree including a major independent project (minimum 30 ECTS) and an average grade equivalent to B or better on NTNU's grading scale.

Is prior supervisory confirmation required for the application?

Yes, applicants must contact the relevant R&D group and obtain confirmation from a potential main supervisor employed at the Department of Music well in advance of the application deadline.

What is the duration of the employment contract?

The employment period for this position is 3 years.

Are there any operating funds available for the research project?

Yes, research fellows at the Faculty of Humanities are awarded up to NOK 100,000 in operating funds for the implementation of the research project.

Can individuals who already hold a PhD apply for this position?

No, applicants who already have an approved doctoral degree from any institution will not be considered for the position.