Research Focus: Climate and Labor Market Dynamics
The Frisch Centre is pleased to announce an open PhD Fellowship Position within the field of climate and labor market research. The position is part of the project «Transforming the Norwegian Continental Shelf on the Pathway Towards Net-Zero Global Emissions (TraCES)», a collaborative initiative between the Frisch Centre and SINTEF Energy, funded by the Research Council of Norway.
About the Project
The TraCES project aims to explore how Norway can achieve its ambitious climate target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90–95% by 2050. This transition will necessitate a fundamental restructuring of Norwegian industry—from reliance on fossil fuel production and consumption to a sustainable system based on renewable energy.
A central focus of the project is understanding and overcoming key transition barriers, such as limited electricity supply and labor market constraints. The research will examine how to facilitate the shift in labor from fossil fuel industries to emerging, climate-friendly sectors, while simultaneously upholding key societal objectives: low unemployment, robust public service delivery, and the achievement of national energy, climate, and environmental goals.
This transition can be facilitated through the use of policy instruments, labor market interventions,
and skills development initiatives. The research agenda will be developed in collaboration with
the supervisors. The work will have a strong empirical component.
Position Details
- Duration: Four years, including one year of required institutional work.
- Start date: No later than August 1, 2026 (an earlier start may be negotiated).
- Cooperation: The fellow will be fully integrated into the TraCES research team and work closely with researchers at the Frisch Centre.
- International Opportunities: The position includes good opportunities for a research stay abroad.
Qualifications
- A completed Master’s degree in Economics or an equivalent qualification is required before the position begins.
- Admission to the PhD program at the Department of Economics, University of Oslo (UiO) is a condition of employment. The program starts in the fall of 2026. For details, see: UiO PhD Admission Information.
- Fluency in a Scandinavian language and relevant experience are preferable.
Salary and Benefits
- Annual salary: NOK 575,000 (as of January 1, 2026), with annual adjustment.
- Benefits: Enrollment in the Frisch Centre’s collective pension insurance scheme.
Application Process
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Official transcript of grades
- List of publications (if applicable)
- Copies of any academic works to be considered in the evaluation, including the master’s thesis
- For co-authored work, please clearly indicate your individual contribution
Application deadline: 12 January 2026. Please send your application by post to: Frisch Centre, Gaustadalleen 21, 0349 Oslo or by email to: gry.nystrom@frisch.uio.no
Contact
For further information, please contact: Senior Researcher Rolf Golombek
Email: rolf.golombek@frisch.uio.no