The Nansen Professorship in Arctic Studies at the University of Akureyri is a tribute to the famous Norwegian polar scientist and humanist Fridtjof Nansen and is awarded for an academic year, with the possibility of an extension up to an additional year, to a person working on issues that bear on the legal, economic, social, political, international or natural circumstances in the Arctic.

The Nansen professor is located at the University of Akureyri and is awarded to individuals (academic or researcher) to conduct their research on Arctic issues of common interest between Iceland and Norway. For the 2019/2020 scholarship the selection committee seeks a candidate interested in contributing a year to focus their research effort on technological, legal, political or social issues related to the Arctic with special emphasis on issues that are shared between Iceland and Norway, with examples such as natural resource management, climate change, resource extraction and governance in the Arctic. Successful candidate for the Nansen Visiting professor will have a proven track record on researching issues related to the Arctic. Candidates who have experience in working with Norwegian research institutions on Arctic matters will be given priority. A successful candidate could also be a young researcher with an exceptionally promising research proposal on the specific topic in each call. A successful candidate is able to demonstrate ability to work independently on their research but also needs to have strong communicative and social/interpersonal skills in order to be able to work with larger interdisciplinary group of scientists. Research experience and a track record of participation in international arctic research or professional networks is required.

Primary responsibilities are:

  • to contribute to research at the University of Akureyri,
  • to work closely with other researchers in furthering the northern research milieu at the University of Akureyri and contribute to the development of the University of the Arctic, 
  • to support and facilitate continuous cooperation between the University of Akureyri and Norwegian research institutions dedicated to Arctic issues,
  • to give public lectures on Arctic issues in local, national and international fora and to participate in the contemporary debate on changes in the Arctic,
  • to disseminate research findings to both governments of Iceland and Norway, and
  • be available to advice public officials on the topics proposed by the candidate. 

The level of compensation will be in line with prevailing salaries for professors at Icelandic state universities. A special fund will be available to facilitate the candidate’s participation in relevant domestic and international networks and conferences. A housing and relocation grant will also be available for candidates with permanent
residence outside Akureyri.

The application deadline is August 7th, 2019. Formal period of employment starts on November 1st, 2019. It is highly recommended that the Nansen Visiting professor resides in Akureyri during the fellowship, but expectations and requirements of physical presence will be tailored to the successful candidate. Applications
should be sent in digital form to nansen@unak.is. A standard application form is not used.

Accompanying documents should include:

  • A detailed account of education and experience in addition to confirmed copies of diplomas. 
  • A detailed account of research and teaching activities.
  • A detailed proposal for research activities during the period, a dissemination plan as well as other planned academic activities (field work, laboratory work or surveys, as an example).
  • Letters of reference.

Applicants should also submit what they consider to be their foremost academic publications (up to ten publications), either by sending the publication documents attached to the application, or through a link to where they can be accessed in digital form.

All applications will be answered by October 15th, 2019. Insufficient applications will not be considered. The selection committee reserves the right to reject all applications.

Enquiries concerning the post should be sent to nansen@unak.is

For more information about the University of Akureyri and the Nansen professorship please visit english.unak.is/nansen.