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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.

Wellbeing hub (for staff only).

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.

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