Vacancies

Field of work

Among the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals is to ,,ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all'' (SDG7). Sierra Leone, which is one of Iceland`s partner countries in development cooperation, faces complex challenges in making progress towards this goal. The PhD project will focus on these challenges, with special emphasis on the practices, needs and expectations of the poorest segments of the population. The candidate will apply methods from geography and social science to gather information in selected communities, to be interpreted with the help of theories and concepts from current energy social science. Close collaboration with academics and other actors in Sierra Leone is envisaged.

The project includes the following tasks:    

• Analysis of energy policy documents relevant to Sierra Leone.
• Gathering of information in selected Sierra Leonean communities, using mixed methods (e.g. mapping, interviews, surveys). 
• Processing and interpretation of the information using academically sound procedures.
• Dissemination of results in international peer-reviewed journals as well as conferences and workshops. 
• Comprehensive final analysis and writing of doctoral dissertation towards the end of the period.

The PhD candidate will use research facilities available at the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Iceland. Supervisor will be dr. Karl Benediktsson, Professor of Geography.

Qualification requirements

• Masters degree in geography, environmental studies, social science or other fields related to the research topic.
• Knowledge and experience of decentralized renewable energy in the context of Africa, preferably in Sierra Leone, is desirable.
• Experience of using geographic and/or social scientific methods for data collection, as well as interpreting such data.
• Skills in using geographical information software (e.g. QGIS) and other software that will be useful for the research (e.g. KoboCollect) are desirable.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
• Knowledge in the Krio language is desirable.
• Ability to work independently as well as with others.
• Experience of communicating academic results orally and in written form.

The selected candidate must send a formal application for PhD studentship at the University of Iceland and the position is contingent on acceptance into the PhD programme.

Application process

Preferred starting time is September 2025.

Applications must be in Icelandic or English and include:

• A Curriculum Vitae
• A motivation letter (max. 1 page) stating why the applicant is interested in the project, what the applicant has to offer in designing and executing the research, and general expectations for the doctoral study.
• Transcripts of diplomas and grades from previous academic degrees, at both the undergraduate and masters levels.
• Two reference letters and contact information for the two referees.

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be notified of the job placement once a decision has been made. Applications can be valid for up to six months from the end of the application deadline.

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equality Action Plan of the University of Iceland.

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.

The University of Iceland is a flourishing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the development of the study programs and research in all fields within the realm of the University. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs ca. 390 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, where currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international, and that number is increasing each year. The school has around 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing is paramount.

Application deadline

For further information contact

Karl Benediktsson

kben@hi.is

Apply now