NUPI is a leading research institute on international politics and global governance. We conduct independent, cutting-edge research and communicate research-based knowledge to academics, policy practitioners, and the general public.

NUPI’s activities are funded by Norwegian and international organisations, including the Research Council of Norway, the European Union, and various government ministries. Established by the Norwegian Parliament in 1959, NUPI operates as a government agency with special authorisation under the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.

The Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) is seeking a senior researcher with expertise on major regional powers, China and India in particular, and political developments in Southeast Asia, East Asia and South Asia. The position is permanent and will be part of NUPI’s goal to strengthen research competence on Asia and geopolitical developments.

The successful candidate will be part of NUPI’s ongoing research on Asia and geopolitical developments and is expected to contribute to projects funded by the Research Council of Norway, such as The Center for Geopolitics, CHIMULTI and ROADS. Specifically, we are looking for candidates with strong country expertise on one or more of the leading regional powers and/or excellent knowledge about the region, combined with strong analytical skills. 

The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening NUPI’s research by conducting basic and policy-oriented research, publishing in top academic journals, engaging in dissemination of research to the public. The candidate is expected to initiate and collaborate with colleagues to develop and apply for funding for new research projects.

We offer a dynamic and collaborative research environment, where scholars engage across disciplines and different areas of expertise. NUPI supports high-quality publications, provides opportunities for international collaboration and policy engagement and seek to foster a collegial and ambitious research community in Oslo.

We will consider applications from both established researchers with a track record of academic publication and competitive project grant acquisition and promising early career researchers. The position is equivalent to an assistant/associate professor in the university sector. Exceptionally qualified and experienced candidates, can after being hired apply for a Research Professor position.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field, such as political science, area studies or cognate disciplines with a specialization in the political developments in Asia
• Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed, top-ranked academic journals (with consideration to career stage)
•  Strong analytical and methodological skills
• Professional fluency in English, both written and oral

Additional Skills and Experience

• Language competency in one or more Asian languages is preferable
• Experience with project acquisition is strongly preferable
• Fluency in a Scandinavian language is preferable
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

 Personal suitability will be emphasized.

 We offer

• Salary based on qualifications, reflecting NUPI’s pay scale. Senior Researcher SKO 1109, from NOK 648 700
• Good pension, insurance and loan schemes through membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Highly skilled and motivated colleagues
• Excellent career development opportunities
• Bonus scheme for publications
• Financial support for conference attendance
• Support for Norwegian language training
• Mobile phone agreement
• Training during working hours
• A flexible working culture with a good work-life balance
• Modern offices in downtown Oslo 

How to apply

• Applications should contain the following documents:
• Cover letter with statement of motivation, including a short 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)

Questions concerning the position may be directed to Senior Research Fellow Hans Jørgen Gåsemyr (hg@nupi.no) with Senior Research Fellow Wrenn Yennie Lindgren (wyl@nupi.no) in copy.

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 15 May 2025. 

Expected start date is fall 2025. 

Hiring Process

The applications will undergo an initial screening, where promising candidates will be invited to submit 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.

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. 

Apply for position

Questions about the position

• Hans Jørgen Gåsemyr (Senior Researcher), hg@nupi.no