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The University of Iceland is one of the country's largest employers. We rely on a diverse team of employees to provide quality education and conduct impactful academic research. We aim to foster a vibrant community, enhancing our position as a leading educational institution.

Surveys indicate that UI employees enjoy high levels of job satisfaction, good morale and opportunities for advancement.

Benefits include professional development, social events, sabbaticals and health services such as annual flu vaccinations and UI wellbeing hub.

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Applications are submitted online on the Icelandic State Recruitment (ISR) website. You can switch the language to English by clicking the flag at the top right corner. If you haven't registered yet, start by creating an account before signing in.

PhD position at the University of Iceland

A PhD position is open for applications to work on TGF-beta signal transduction in trophoblasts in human placental development and preeclampsia at the Biomedical center within the Faculty of Medicine of University of Iceland. The project is supported by the Icelandic Research Council for three years. The project will be carried out under the supervision of Dr. Gudrun Valdimarsdottir, associate professor at the University of Iceland. The aim of the project is to determine, on a molecular basis, how differences in TGF-beta/SMAD transcriptional activity underlie the normal differentiation and migration of trophoblast cells, and what goes wrong in preeclampsia, so that diagnosis and intervention can take place earlier in pregnancy in such cases.Despite its clinical significance, the underlying mechanisms of preeclampsia remain poorly understood. A successful pregnancy depends on the regulated differentiation and invasion of trophoblast cells, which invade maternal spiral arteries and adopt pseudo-endothelial cell phenotype to ensure a proper placental development and perfusion. The TGFß signaling pathway has emerged as a critical regulator of trophoblast function, yet its role remains unclear (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32183218/ & https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.21.665880v1). 

Field of work

  • Using CRISPR/Cas9 to generate SMAD knockout hTSCs and perform single-cell RNA-seq 
  • CUT&RUN mapping of SMAD signaling target genes in the trophoblast trajectory and track transcriptional activation downstream of the dynamic TGF-beta/SMAD pathway during EVT differentiation using real-time reporter system.
  • Classical molecular- and cell biology techniques.

Qualification requirements

  • MSc degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, (stem) cell biology or related fields.
  • Laboratory experience in cellular and molecular biology.
  • Experience in working with stem cells, molecular cloning, CRISPR and RNA sequencing is an advantage.
  • Good computer and data analysis skills.
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English.
  • Independence and good communication skills. 

Appointment to a doctoral student position is subject to the approval of the applicant¿s admission to the PhD Studies, see PhD Studies | The Icelandic Health Science Institute

Application process

The project is expected to begin in September 2026, and no later than January 2027.

The studentship is in the Biomedical Center (BMC) and is associated with the Graduate Program in Molecular Life Sciences (GPMLS) a joint program between research groups at the University of Iceland and other research organizations and will therefore belong to a stimulating interdisciplinary educational program in the field of molecular life sciences.

Salaries are in accordance with the current collective agreement between the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Association of University Teachers.

The following documents must accompany the application:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Cover letter (max. 2 pages) describing how the applicant meets the qualification requirements stated in the advertisement and what they consider they can contribute to the position
  • Certified copies of diplomas
  • Contact information for referees
  • List of publications
  • Applicants are also invited to submit a PDF version of their master¿s thesis (in any language), as well as other relevant publications (maximum of five documents).

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed of the outcome once a decision has been made. Applications may remain valid for six months after the application deadline.

In hiring for positions at the University of Iceland, the University¿s equality policy is taken into account. Attention is also drawn to the University of Iceland¿s language policy.

Since 1911, the University of Iceland has been a leading institution for business and societal progress in Iceland. It is a forward-looking research university and an active participant in international scientific collaboration.

The University of Iceland is the largest university in the country, offering nearly 400 programs at the undergraduate, master¿s, and doctoral levels. Approximately 14,000 students are enrolled, including over 2,000 international students.

More than 1,800 staff members work at the University of Iceland. The university emphasizes attracting a diverse community of employees and students to an international academic environment, where academic freedom, professionalism, equality, diversity, and inclusion are prioritized.

About the University of Iceland

Schools, faculties and interdisciplinary studies

International Staff Services

Application deadline

Application deadline is 15.06.2026

For further information contact

Guðrún Valdimarsdóttir

gudrunva@hi.is

Apply now

Ph.D. position for the research project Good Life within Planetary Boundaries

Applications are open for a full time Ph.D. student position for the research project Good Life within Planetary Boundaries. The project is funded by the Icelandic Research Council (RANNIS) for three years and is within the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering or the interdisciplinary programme in Environment and Natural Resources (with the option to be in the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences or the School of Social Sciences).The doctoral candidate will be a part of an interdisciplinary research team working at the intersection of sustainability science, ecological economics, policy research, and socio-technical systems analysis. The position provides an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: ensuring human well-being within planetary limits.Provisioning systems represent the socio-technical processes through which societies transform natural resources into services that meet human needs. While research has traditionally examined environmental or social outcomes separately, this project integrates both perspectives through a strong sustainability lens, combining planetary boundary frameworks with social thresholds to identify pathways toward equitable and sustainable futures.This research project explores how provisioning systems, such as mobility, housing, food, health, ICT, and education, can deliver high levels of human well-being while remaining within environmental boundaries. The research builds upon prior work developing safe and just sustainability frameworks and advances this work by integrating qualitative socio-technical analysis with quantitative system modelling.

Field of work

  • Participation in a international and interdisciplinary research project that aims to realize how to meet basic needs but stay within planetary boundaries.
  • Use qualitative research methods to analyze socio-economic and socio-technical dynamics shaping sustainability transitions as well as to Identify leverage points and systemic barriers influencing social and environmental outcomes.
  • Conduct policy analysis, review and assess existing national and sectoral policies affecting selected provisioning systems.
  • Organize and participate in stakeholder workshops, interviews, and policy dialogues.
  • Develop policy scenarios and recommendations for integration into system dynamics models.
  • Contribute to academic publications and conference presentations.
  • Support dissemination activities including policy briefs and stakeholder communication to support more robust decision-making in the context of sustainability, wellbeing, just transition and planetary boundaries.

Qualification requirements

  • A master's degree in engineering, economics, environment and natural resources, policy assessment or other social sciences, or from another relevant field. The applicant must have completed the degree by the time the position begins.
  • Knowledge of qualitative research methods as well as systems analysis is an advantage.
  • Independence and the ability to collaborate with the research team, as well as collaborate with research partners in Spain and Kenya.
  • Strong communication and writing skills.
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Employment is contingent upon the applicant formally applying for PhD studies in Environmental Studies within the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering or the interdisciplinary PhD programme in Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Iceland and having the application approved by the relevant faculty.

Application process

The expected starting date is 01.09.2026 or by agreement.

The following documents must accompany the application in English:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Cover letter describing how the applicant meets the qualification requirements stated in the advertisement and what they consider they can contribute to the position
  • Certified copies of diplomas (BS and MS)
  • Contact information for referees

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed of the outcome once a decision has been made. Applications may remain valid for six months after the application deadline.

In hiring for positions at the University of Iceland, the University's equality policy is taken into account. Attention is also drawn to the University of Iceland's language policy.

Since 1911, the University of Iceland has been a leading institution for business and societal progress in Iceland. It is a forward-looking research university and an active participant in international scientific collaboration.

The University of Iceland is the largest university in the country, offering nearly 400 programs at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. Approximately 14,000 students are enrolled, including over 2,000 international students.

More than 1,800 staff members work at the University of Iceland. The university emphasizes attracting a diverse community of employees and students to an international academic environment, where academic freedom, professionalism, equality, diversity, and inclusion are prioritized.

About the University of Iceland

Schools, faculties and interdisciplinary studies

International Staff Services

Application deadline

Application deadline is 26.05.2026

For further information contact

Brynhildur Davíðsdóttir

bdavids@hi.is

Jukka Taneli Heinonen

heinonen@hi.is

Apply now

PhD Student in Sociology

A full-time PhD position is available at the Sociology Programme at the University of Iceland. The position is within the research project DIGICE: Digital Societies, Technology and Artificial Intelligence, funded for three years by the Icelandic Research Fund (Rannís). The project focuses on public attitudes toward digital development, technology, and artificial intelligence. Special emphasis is placed on how digital transformations may reduce, increase, or sustain inequality and political polarization within and between societies.The project examines the use and capacities of various technological solutions, ranging from computers and the internet to artificial intelligence. The foundation of the project is the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP), which in 2024 focused on digital societies. To gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter, qualitative data will be collected in Iceland.The research will be led by the PhD student's principal supervisor, Dr. Sigrún Ólafsdóttir, Professor of Sociology. The PhD student will be part of a larger research team comprising both Icelandic and international scholars.

Field of work

  • Participation in research activities in collaboration with the principal supervisor and research team.
  • Analysis of quantitative data from the International Social Survey Programme.
  • Collection and analysis of qualitative data.
  • Dissemination of research results, primarily through the PhD dissertation (three articles in recognized peer reviewed academic journals), as well as through participation in the academic community and the doctoral student community at the University of Iceland, presentations at international conferences, and dissemination to the general public.

Qualification requirements

  • A Master's degree in sociology or a related field with at least a first-class grade. Applicants must have completed the degree by the time the position begins.
  • Completed university level coursework in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
  • Experience in conducting and/or analyzing quantitative and/or qualitative research data is desirable, for example through BA and/or MA theses.
  • Good command of English.
  • Initiative, independence in working methods, and strong organizational skills.
  • Good interpersonal communication skills.

Application process

Terms and conditions of employment:

Employment is contingent upon the applicant formally applying for PhD studies at the Faculty of Sociology, Anthropology and Folkloristics at the University of Iceland and having the application approved by the faculty.

Further information

The following documents must accompany the application:

  • A cover letter (approximately 2 pages) in English, outlining the applicant's interest in the project and what they can contribute to its development and implementation.
  • A curriculum vitae (1-2 pages) in English, including information on work experience, skills relevant to the project, and a list of publications where applicable.
  • Certified copies of degree certificates (BA/BSc and MA/MSc) and academic transcripts.
  • A copy of the Master's thesis or research articles, where applicable.
  • Two letters of recommendation and information on how to contact the referees.

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed of the outcome once a decision has been made. Applications may remain valid for six months after the application deadline.

In hiring for positions at the University of Iceland, the University's equality policy is taken into account. Attention is also drawn to the University of Iceland's language policy.

Since 1911, the University of Iceland has been a leading institution for business and societal progress in Iceland. It is a forward-looking research university and an active participant in international scientific collaboration.

The University of Iceland is the largest university in the country, offering nearly 400 programs at the undergraduate, master¿s, and doctoral levels. Approximately 14,000 students are enrolled, including over 2,000 international students.

More than 1,000 staff members work at the University of Iceland. The university emphasizes attracting a diverse community of employees and students to an international academic environment, where academic freedom, professionalism, equality, diversity, and inclusion are prioritized.

About the University of Iceland

Schools, faculties and interdisciplinary studies

International Staff Services

Application deadline

Application deadline is 11.06.2026

For further information contact

Sigrún Ólafsdóttir

sigruno@hi.is

Halldóra F Sigurgeirsdóttir

halldoraf@hi.is

Apply now

PhD Student Position in Autophagy and Lipid Metabolic Research

A full PhD student position is open for applications to conduct research on the balance of autophagy and lipid metabolism at the University of Iceland.The project is funded for three years by the PhD grant fund of University of Iceland and will be carried out at the Life Sciences Center within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Iceland. Margrét Helga Ögmundsdóttir, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, will supervise the project.Autophagy is a degradation process in cells that is important for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Genes required for autophagy also participate in cellular processes independent of autophagy, such as cell death, regulation of cell division, and immune responses. It is important to define the role of autophagy-related genes in these biological processes to understand their impact on health and disease. In this project, we will use mouse models to distinguish between canonical and non-canonical roles of autophagy genes in health and mammalian diseases. The project will mainly involve working with mouse models and include various molecular analyses.

Field of work

  • Work with mouse models and include various molecular biology analyses.
  • Responsibility for conducting experiments and analysing the resulting data.
  • Design and carry out experiments in collaboration with the supervisor and interpret the results in the context of previously published data.

Qualification requirements

  • Masters degree in biochemistry, molecular life sciences, or a related field. The applicant must have completed the degree by the time the position begins.
  • Experience in independent scientific work in a laboratory using biochemical, molecular biology, and cell biology methods.
  • Experience working with mouse models and FELASA ABD certification is an advantage.
  • Good computer skills are desirable.
  • Good English proficiency, both spoken and written.
  • Ability to work independently and good communication skills.

Employment is contingent upon the applicant formally applying for PhD studies at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Iceland and having the application approved by the faculty, see PhD Studies | The Icelandic Health Science Institute

Application process

The project is expected to start no later than August 2026.

Salaries are in accordance with the current collective agreement between the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Association of University Teachers.

The following documents must accompany the application:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Cover letter (max. two pages) describing how the applicant meets the qualification requirements stated in the advertisement and what they consider they can contribute to the position
  • Certified copies of diplomas
  • Contact information for referees
  • List of publications
  • Applicants are also invited to submit a PDF version of their master's thesis (in any language), as well as other relevant publications (maximum of five documents).

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed of the outcome once a decision has been made. Applications may remain valid for six months after the application deadline.

In hiring for positions at the University of Iceland, the University's equality policy is taken into account. Attention is also drawn to the University of Iceland's language policy.

Since 1911, the University of Iceland has been a leading institution for business and societal progress in Iceland. It is a forward-looking research university and an active participant in international scientific collaboration.

The University of Iceland is the largest university in the country, offering nearly 400 programs at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. Approximately 14,000 students are enrolled, including over 2,000 international students.

More than 1,800 staff members work at the University of Iceland. The university emphasizes attracting a diverse community of employees and students to an international academic environment, where academic freedom, professionalism, equality, diversity, and inclusion are prioritized.

About the University of Iceland

Schools, faculties and interdisciplinary studies

International Staff Services

Application deadline

Application deadline is 01.06.2026

For further information contact

Margrét Helga Ögmundsdóttir

mho@hi.is

Apply now

PhD student position in Engineering Seismology and Earthquake Engineering

A full time Ph.D. position in engineering seismology and earthquake engineering at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland is open for applications. The research project has received a funding from the Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNIS) for three years.The project is called New Earthquake Hazard Maps for Southwest Iceland: A Framework for Quantifying and Propagating Uncertainties (EQSIGMA). The EQSIGMA is a collaboration between the Icelandic Meteorological Office and the University of Iceland. The working facilities will be at the Faculty of Environmental and Civil Engineering, University of Iceland and at the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The successful doctoral candidate will be a part of a dynamic and active research environment of the Icelandic Meteorological Office and the University of Iceland, respectively, linking basic and applied research with operational earthquake hazard assessment and dissemination of results with the public and stakeholders. Additional training opportunities will be possible through research visits to collaborators such as the University of Granada, Spain, focusing on machine learning, and GFZ, the German Research Centre for Geosciences, focusing on earthquake ground motion modeling and probabilistic seismic hazard assessment.The project leader and academic advisor of this project is Dr. Milad Kowsari, Research scientist, Icelandic Meteorological Office & University of Iceland. Dr. Benedikt Halldórsson, Coordinator of seismic hazard, Icelandic Meteorological Office & Research Professor, University of Iceland, will be the administrative advisor.

Field of work

The PhD student will carry out original research on topics within the fields of engineering seismology and earthquake engineering:

  • Carrying out probabilistic seismic hazard assessment, quantifying and modeling its uncertainties.
  • Advanced machine learning techniques for physics-based seismic ground motion modeling.

Qualification requirements

  • A master's degree in seismology, civil engineering, geophysics or related fields. The applicant must have completed the degree by the time the position begins.
  • Experience in seismic hazard assessment, ground motion modeling, machine learning, Bayesian statistics and uncertainty quantification is preferred.
  • Strong analytical skills and programming skills.
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English.
  • Good cooperative and communication skills.
  • Independence, initiative and ability to work in a team.

Employment is contingent upon the applicant formally applying for PhD studies at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Iceland and having the application approved by the faculty.

Application process

The applicant is expected to start 1 September 2026, or according to further agreement.

The following documents must accompany the application:

  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Cover letter describing how the applicant meets the qualification requirements stated in the advertisement and what they consider they can contribute to the position (max 2 pages).
  • Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts with grades (B.S. and M.S. diplomas, or equivalent, or a letter from supervisor stating the date of planned M.S. defense).
  • Applicants may also provide their theses (M.S., and B.S., if applicable) and publications as PDF files.
  • Contact information for two referees

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed of the outcome once a decision has been made. Applications may remain valid for six months after the application deadline.

In hiring for positions at the University of Iceland, the University's equality policy is taken into account. Attention is also drawn to the University of Iceland's language policy.

Since 1911, the University of Iceland has been a leading institution for business and societal progress in Iceland. It is a forward-looking research university and an active participant in international scientific collaboration.

The University of Iceland is the largest university in the country, offering nearly 400 programs at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. Approximately 14,000 students are enrolled, including over 2,000 international students.

More than 1,800 staff members work at the University of Iceland. The university emphasizes attracting a diverse community of employees and students to an international academic environment, where academic freedom, professionalism, equality, diversity, and inclusion are prioritized.

About the University of Iceland 

Schools, faculties and interdisciplinary studies 

International Staff Services

Application deadline

Application deadline is 22.06.2026

For further information contact

Benedikt Halldórsson

skykkur@hi.is

Milad Kowsari

milad@hi.is

Apply now
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