University of Oslo Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 in Children, Youth and Digital Media | Fully Funded Research Position in Norway

Applications are now open for the University of Oslo Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 in Children, Youth and Digital Media. Hosted by the Department of Media and Communication at the University of Oslo (UiO), this prestigious four-year fully funded postdoctoral position is affiliated with the Centre for Studies of Children, Youth, and Media and the internationally recognized EU Kids Online Norway research network. The fellowship provides early-career researchers with an outstanding opportunity to conduct independent, policy-relevant research on children’s and young people’s digital lives while collaborating with leading international experts.

The successful candidate will develop an original research project focusing on topics such as digital media use, online safety, digital rights, media regulation, wellbeing, or digital skills among children and youth. The position combines independent research with teaching, professional development, and international collaboration.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Country: Norway
• Host University: University of Oslo (UiO)
• Department: Department of Media and Communication
• Research Centre: Centre for Studies of Children, Youth, and Media
• Research Network: EU Kids Online Norway
• Position Type: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
• Duration: 4 Years
• Application Deadline: 15 August 2026
• Application Mode: Online

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Fully funded 4-year postdoctoral appointment.
• Competitive salary and employee benefits according to Norwegian regulations.
• Opportunity to conduct independent research.
• Access to national and international EU Kids Online datasets (where relevant and approved).
• International collaboration with leading researchers.
• Career development plan and academic mentoring.
• Teaching experience and pedagogical training.
• Opportunities to publish internationally and build a strong academic profile.

Research Areas

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects related to:

• Children’s digital media use
• Youth and online wellbeing
• Digital literacy and digital skills
• Online opportunities and risks
• Digital rights
• Media regulation
• Social media and young people
• Comparative international studies
• Digital technologies and childhood
• Media and communication research

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in Media and Communication, Sociology, Psychology, Education, Childhood Studies, or another relevant discipline.
• A research proposal closely connected to the EU Kids Online Norway project.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong motivation and suitability for independent academic research.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience researching children, youth, and digital technologies.
• Expertise in qualitative, quantitative, mixed, or digital research methods.
• International or interdisciplinary research collaboration experience.
• Teaching experience.

Required Application Documents

Applicants are generally required to submit:

• Online application
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research proposal
• List of publications
• Copies of academic certificates and transcripts
• PhD dissertation (or documentation of submission)
• Other supporting documents requested by the university.

Fellowship Responsibilities

The selected fellow will:

• Conduct an independent research project.
• Participate in the EU Kids Online research network.
• Publish high-quality academic research.
• Contribute to seminars and collaborative activities.
• Undertake teaching and administrative duties (25% of the appointment).
• Support the development of the department’s interdisciplinary research environment.

Why Apply?

This fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to:

• Work at one of Scandinavia’s leading universities.
• Join a globally recognized research network.
• Access unique international research datasets.
• Build an international academic profile.
• Gain teaching experience alongside research.
• Develop a competitive portfolio for future academic positions such as Associate Professor.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official University of Oslo job portal.
2. Carefully review the eligibility requirements.
3. Prepare a research proposal aligned with EU Kids Online Norway.
4. Upload all required documents.
5. Submit your application before 15 August 2026.

The University of Oslo Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers interested in children’s digital lives, media studies, education, psychology, sociology, and communication research. Through the internationally renowned EU Kids Online Norway network, fellows will conduct impactful research, collaborate with leading scholars, and strengthen their academic careers in one of Europe’s most respected research environments. Researchers with innovative ideas on children’s and young people’s digital experiences are strongly encouraged to apply before the 15 August 2026 deadline.