The University of Bergen (UiB) in Norway is inviting applications for two PhD Research Fellowships in Climate Dynamics, offering an exciting opportunity for researchers interested in climate change, tropical Pacific climate dynamics, oceanography, meteorology, physics and related fields. Based at the Geophysical Institute (GFI), the three-year PhD positions are connected to the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research and the strategic GRADIENT project, which investigates global responses and drivers of changes in the tropical Pacific sea-surface temperature gradient. Successful candidates will receive a gross annual salary of NOK 593,700, together with pension membership and other welfare benefits. The positions are full-time and fixed-term, with the possibility of a fourth year involving career-promoting activities such as teaching, dissemination or research infrastructure work. The application deadline is 24 September 2026. About the University of Bergen PhD 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. The tropical Pacific zonal sea-surface temperature (SST) gradient plays an important role in global climate variability. However, climate models have consistently struggled to reproduce its historical trend. Understanding the reasons behind this model-observation discrepancy is important because it can influence estimates of climate sensitivity and regional climate projections. The successful candidates will become part of an interdisciplinary research environment bringing together expertise in climate dynamics, paleoclimate, data assimilation, climate modelling and isotope modelling. 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. The research may explore connections with areas including the: Atlantic Ocean Indian Ocean East African climate Regional rainfall trends Global climate variability Candidates will work with climate-model simulations and a new paleo-reanalysis dataset developed using an advanced data-assimilation system and extensive paleo-proxy records. They will also have the opportunity to design and conduct targeted climate-model experiments to test hypotheses and better understand the processes driving observed climate trends. This makes the positions particularly attractive to researchers interested in using computational and quantitative approaches to address major questions in climate science. PhD Fellowship Duration Each fellowship is offered for a fixed-term period of three years. There is a possibility of a fourth year, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and the teaching needs of the department. If granted, the additional year involves career-promoting activities associated with teaching, dissemination or research infrastructure and services. The employment period may be reduced where a candidate has previously held a qualifying position, such as a research fellow or research assistant. As part of the appointment, PhD researchers must participate in an approved doctoral education programme at the University of Bergen. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is aimed at candidates with a strong academic background in quantitative climate and physical sciences. Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification in one of the following areas: Climate dynamics Meteorology Oceanography Physics Mathematics A related discipline Candidates who have submitted their master’s thesis before the application deadline may also apply, provided that the master’s degree is awarded as a condition of employment. A solid background in mathematics and physics is required. Applicants must also have experience with scientific programming, such as Python or MATLAB. Preferred Additional Experience While not mandatory, several areas of experience will strengthen an applicant’s profile. Experience in statistical analysis of climate data, including observational datasets or model outputs, is an advantage. Previous experience in climate dynamics is also desirable. The selection process will additionally consider research experience, ambitions and the candidate’s potential. The university is looking for researchers who can work independently and in a structured manner while also demonstrating strong collaboration skills. Good written and spoken English-language skills are required. What Does the University of Bergen Offer? Successful candidates will receive a gross annual salary of NOK 593,700 under the Norwegian state salary scale. Further salary increases may be provided according to length of service. Other benefits include: Full-time PhD employment Three-year fellowship Possible fourth year NOK 593,700 gross annual salary Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund Good welfare benefits Professionally stimulating research environment International academic environment Access to the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research Opportunities for teaching, dissemination and research development The candidates will also be encouraged to participate in the national PhD network Climate-Informed, which focuses on climate-informed innovation and decision-making. 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. The centre provides an international and interdisciplinary environment where researchers work across different areas of climate science. For PhD researchers, this can provide valuable opportunities to interact with scientists working on climate dynamics, observations, modelling, paleoclimate and related disciplines. Documents Required for Application Applicants must submit a complete application through Jobbnorge. The application should include: A brief explanation of research interests and motivation. A detailed justification explaining how the candidate meets the listed qualifications. The names and contact details of two referees. A CV. Bachelor’s and master’s transcripts and diplomas. Evidence confirming submission of a master’s thesis, where applicable. Relevant certificates and references. Approved evidence of English proficiency where required. A list of scientific work or publications, including links where available. Applications and supporting documents requiring translation should be submitted with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language. How to Apply for the Climate Dynamics PhD Interested researchers should prepare their academic documents, CV, motivation statement and referee information before submitting the application through the official Jobbnorge vacancy. The application deadline is 24 September 2026. Applicants should carefully explain how their academic background, programming experience, research interests and quantitative skills relate to the requirements of the position. Candidates with experience analysing climate datasets or working with climate models should clearly highlight this in their application. Final Thoughts The University of Bergen Two PhD Research Fellowships in Climate Dynamics 2026 provide an opportunity for emerging climate scientists to contribute to research into one of the important unresolved questions in modern climate science: why climate models struggle to reproduce observed changes in the tropical Pacific SST gradient. With NOK 593,700 in annual gross salary, a three-year research fellowship, possible fourth-year extension and access to the Bjerknes Centre’s international research environment, the positions offer both financial support and strong opportunities for academic development. Researchers with master’s-level training in climate dynamics, meteorology, oceanography, physics, mathematics or related disciplines are encouraged to review the requirements and apply before the 24 September 2026 deadline. Application deadline: 24 September 2026Location: Bergen, NorwayPosition: Two PhD Research Fellowships in Climate DynamicsDuration: 3 years, with possible 4th yearSalary: NOK 593,700 gross per yearInstitution: University of Bergen VISIT HERE TO APPLY Stay Connected With Global South Opportunities Stay connected with Global South Opportunities for the latest scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, grants, and career opportunities. 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