University of Bergen PhD Research Fellowships in Climate Dynamics 2026
Apply for the University of Bergen PhD Research Fellowships in Climate Dynamics 2026, offering two fully funded three-year positions to investigate tropical Pacific climate change, model-observation discrepancies, and global climate variability. Earn NOK 593,700 annual salary with pension benefits and join the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, the largest climate research centre in the Nordic countries.
Contribute to the strategic GRADIENT project, examining global responses and drivers of changes in the tropical Pacific sea-surface temperature gradient through climate-model simulations and paleo-reanalysis datasets.
Quick Highlights
Opportunity Name
UiB PhD Research Fellowships in Climate Dynamics 2026
Host Institution
University of Bergen, Norway
Positions
2 PhD Research Fellowships
Research Centre
Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research
Duration
3 Years (+ Possible 4th Year)
Salary
NOK 593,700 Gross/Year
Focus
Tropical Pacific Climate Dynamics
Application Deadline
24 September 2026
Opportunity Overview
Host Institution
University of Bergen (UiB)
Department
Geophysical Institute (GFI)
Research Centre
Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research
Project
GRADIENT Project
Positions
2 PhD Research Fellowships
Duration
3 Years (Fixed-Term)
Potential Extension
4th Year (Teaching/Dissemination)
Salary
NOK 593,700 Gross/Year
Employment Type
Full-Time
Location
Bergen, Norway
Application Deadline
24 September 2026
About the Positions
The University of Bergen is recruiting two PhD Research Fellows to investigate important questions surrounding tropical Pacific climate change and the discrepancy between climate-model simulations and recent observations.
Key Scientific Questions:
Question
Description
SST Gradient
The tropical Pacific zonal sea-surface temperature (SST) gradient plays an important role in global climate variability
Model-Observation Discrepancy
Climate models have consistently struggled to reproduce the historical trend
Why It Matters
Understanding this discrepancy is important because it can influence estimates of climate sensitivity and regional climate projections
Research Approach
The successful candidates will investigate mechanisms connecting tropical Pacific SST trends with external forcing
Research Environment:
Interdisciplinary research environment
Expertise in climate dynamics, paleoclimate, data assimilation, climate modelling, and isotope modelling
Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research (largest climate research centre in the Nordic countries)
Research Focus
What Will the PhD Researchers Study?
The PhD researchers will investigate the mechanisms connecting tropical Pacific SST trends with external forcing and examine how these changes influence climate in other regions.
Research Area
Description
Tropical Pacific SST
Mechanisms connecting tropical Pacific SST trends with external forcing
Global Climate Variability
How changes in the tropical Pacific influence climate in other regions
Regional Connections
Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, East African climate
Rainfall Trends
Regional rainfall trends
Climate-Model Simulations
Climate-model simulations and paleo-reanalysis dataset
Data Assimilation
Advanced data-assimilation system and extensive paleo-proxy records
Targeted Experiments
Design and conduct targeted climate-model experiments to test hypotheses
PhD Fellowship Duration
Aspect
Details
Standard Duration
3 Years (Fixed-Term)
Potential Extension
4th Year possible depending on qualifications and teaching needs
Extension Activities
Teaching, dissemination, research infrastructure, or services
Reduction
Employment period may be reduced where candidate has previously held a qualifying position
Education Requirement
Must participate in an approved doctoral education programme at the University of Bergen
Who Can Apply?
Essential Qualifications
Criterion
Requirement
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in Climate Dynamics, Meteorology, Oceanography, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
Thesis Submission
Candidates who have submitted their master's thesis before the application deadline may apply (degree must be awarded as a condition of employment)
Quantitative Background
Solid background in mathematics and physics
Programming
Experience with scientific programming (Python or MATLAB)
Preferred Additional Experience
Experience
Advantage
Climate Data Analysis
Statistical analysis of climate data, including observational datasets or model outputs
Climate Dynamics
Previous experience in climate dynamics
Research Potential
Research experience, ambitions, and potential
Collaboration Skills
Strong collaboration skills
Independence
Ability to work independently and in a structured manner
Language
Good written and spoken English-language skills
What the University Offers
Benefit
Details
Salary
NOK 593,700 gross per year (Norwegian state salary scale)
Salary Progression
Further salary increases may be provided according to length of service
Employment
Full-time PhD employment
Duration
Three-year fellowship (possible fourth year)
Pension
Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
Welfare
Good welfare benefits
Research Environment
Professionally stimulating research environment
International
International academic environment
Research Centre
Access to the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research
Professional Development
Opportunities for teaching, dissemination, and research development
Network
Participation in the national PhD network Climate-Informed
Research Environment at the Bjerknes Centre
The fellows will be affiliated with the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research (BCCR) , described by UiB as the largest climate research centre in the Nordic countries.
Benefits for PhD Researchers:
Benefit
Description
International Environment
Interdisciplinary research environment
Expertise
Access to researchers working across climate dynamics, observations, modelling, paleoclimate, and related disciplines
Collaboration
Opportunities to interact with scientists across different areas of climate science
Network
Valuable professional network for academic development
Required Documents
Document
Requirement
Motivation Statement
Brief explanation of research interests and motivation
Qualification Justification
Detailed explanation of how the candidate meets the listed qualifications
Referees
Names and contact details of two referees
CV
Curriculum Vitae
Transcripts
Bachelor's and master's transcripts and diplomas
Thesis Evidence
Evidence confirming submission of a master's thesis (where applicable)
Certificates
Relevant certificates and references
English Proficiency
Approved evidence of English proficiency where required
Publications
List of scientific work or publications, including links where available
Translation Requirements:
Applications and supporting documents requiring translation should be submitted with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language
Application Process
Step
Action
1
Prepare academic documents, CV, motivation statement, and referee information
2
Submit application through the official Jobbnorge vacancy
3
Explain how academic background, programming experience, research interests, and quantitative skills relate to the position
4
Highlight experience analysing climate datasets or working with climate models
5
Ensure submission before the 24 September 2026 deadline
Master's in Climate Dynamics, Meteorology, Oceanography, Physics, Mathematics, or related
What programming skills are needed?
Experience with Python or MATLAB
What is the application deadline?
24 September 2026
Where is the position based?
Bergen, Norway
What is the research centre?
Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research
What benefits are offered?
Salary, pension, welfare benefits, research environment
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The University of Bergen PhD Research Fellowships in Climate Dynamics offer an exceptional opportunity for emerging climate scientists to contribute to research addressing one of the important unresolved questions in modern climate science: why climate models struggle to reproduce observed changes in the tropical Pacific SST gradient.
The positions provide comprehensive financial support with a competitive salary of NOK 593,700 per year, full-time employment, and access to the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research—the largest climate research centre in the Nordic countries. The international and interdisciplinary research environment offers valuable opportunities for academic development and professional networking.
For researchers with master's-level training in climate dynamics, meteorology, oceanography, physics, or mathematics, these fellowships provide an excellent pathway to contribute to cutting-edge climate research while developing skills in climate modelling, data assimilation, and paleoclimate analysis.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
Climate Dynamics Graduates
✓
Meteorology Graduates
✓
Oceanography Graduates
✓
Physics Graduates
✓
Mathematics Graduates
✓
International Applicants
✓
Climate Modelling Aspirants
✓
Competition Level
Category
Level
Overall Competition
High
Selection Difficulty
High
Application Complexity
High
CareerFlora Recommendation
Recommendation Area
Details
Overall Rating
★★★★★
Funding Value
Excellent
Career Impact
Excellent
Networking
Excellent
Application Difficulty
High
Research Environment
Excellent
This opportunity is highly recommended for emerging climate scientists with strong quantitative backgrounds and programming skills. The competitive salary, prestigious research centre, and opportunity to address fundamental questions in climate science make this an exceptional PhD opportunity.
Final Call-to-Action
Visit the official Jobbnorge portal to review the complete position details and submit your application. Prepare your academic documents, CV, motivation statement, and referee information. Apply before the 24 September 2026 deadline.
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