Working at a Norwegian university or research institute can be a rewarding career move, but competition for the vacancies is tough. Here's what you need to know about working in research.
Norway offers a unique environment for researchers, combining interesting field and cutting-edge facilities with a high quality of life.
Whether you're pursuing an academic career or looking to work in private industry, the country's commitment to innovation and sustainable technologies makes it an attractive destination for researchers across various fields.
From natural sciences to engineering, biotechnology, and social sciences, Norway’s research landscape is diverse and growing, with strong government support and various funding opportunities.
However, navigating the Norwegian job market can be a challenge, especially for international candidates unfamiliar with local expectations, work culture, and the application process. Let's take a look at how to launch or advance your research career in Norway.
Working in Research in Norway
Norway stands out as a global leader in several key research areas, including energy (both petroleum and renewables) and ocean sciences. These sectors are critical to the country's economic future, driving innovation and sustainable development.
As Norway transitions to a greener economy, the need for international talent has never been greater, with research playing a central role in shaping the next phase of the nation's economy.
Energy research, particularly in offshore wind and renewable resources, complements Norway’s expertise in petroleum extraction, creating opportunities for researchers to work on cutting-edge projects.
The nation’s vast coastline and maritime tradition also position it as a hub for ocean sciences, while ICT research supports advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.
One significant advantage for international researchers is that fluency in Norwegian is not strictly required. Many research institutions operate in English, particularly in technical and scientific fields.
Listen: Working as a researcher in Norway. One CO2 storage researcher joins the Life in Norway Show to talk about the experience of working in a research institute in Trondheim
However, learning Norwegian is often encouraged, especially for those in long-term positions, to facilitate integration into Norwegian society and improve collaboration with local teams.
This flexibility makes Norway an accessible destination for researchers from around the world, offering both professional and personal growth in a dynamic, international setting.
Salaries for Researchers in Norway
In many countries, researchers often pursue their work driven by a passion for discovery and innovation rather than financial reward. Low wages and limited funding are common challenges, with scientists dedicating themselves to their fields out of a love for science.
However, in Norway, researchers enjoy a more balanced professional life, with competitive salaries that reflect the value placed on their work. While the cost of living in Norway is relatively high, researcher salaries are correspondingly better than in many other countries.
A postdoctoral position typically offers an annual salary of at least NOK 500,000, while research scientists can expect to earn at least NOK 600,000.
The exact amounts depend on the institution, role, and candidate's experience. Salary for senior researchers often tops NOK 800,000.
One advantage of research positions in Norway is the salary transparency. Unlike many private sector roles, research positions often publish a specific salary or salary range in the job ad, providing clarity for prospective applicants and ensuring fair compensation.
How to Find a Research Job
Recruitment into the industry in Norway follows a similar pattern to other industries. Many jobs are offered through personal contacts, even if they already have been or plan to be advertised.
Personal networking is critical and people within these academic networks are often approached directly about open positions, even when vacancies have to be advertised externally.
So, the best advice I can give you is to build your own academic network and make connections with relevant researchers already working in Norway. If you're able to attend a conference or other event in Norway first, all the better.
That's not to say jobs are never advertised. Check out this list of places to find job vacancies in Norway, and these links to the vacancy pages at some of Norway's leading universities and research institutes:
University of Oslo: Norway's largest and oldest university, it is a hub for research in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and medicine. It leads cutting-edge work in fields such as cancer research, climate studies, and artificial intelligence.
University of Bergen: Known for its focus on marine and environmental sciences, this university is a leader in research on oceanography, fisheries, and climate change, as well as key areas of health sciences like global health and infectious diseases.
NORCE (Norwegian Research Centre): One of Norway’s largest independent research institutes, NORCE conducts applied research across a wide range of fields, including energy, climate, health, and technology, playing a critical role in connecting academia and industry.
University of Stavanger: This university has a strong emphasis on energy research, particularly in petroleum and renewable energy sectors, as well as risk management and offshore technology. The university is also advancing in social sciences and innovation studies.
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU): As a leading institution in engineering, technology, and natural sciences, Trondheim-based NTNU focuses heavily on sustainability, digitalisation, energy systems, and marine technology. It is also highly active in artificial intelligence and robotics research.
SINTEF: One of Europe’s largest independent research organisations, Trondheim-based SINTEF is a key player in applied research, with expertise spanning energy, health, technology, and the environment. Its work supports both industry and public sector innovation.
UiT The Arctic University of Norway: Located in Tromsø, UiT is known for its research on Arctic issues, including climate change, marine biology, and indigenous studies, making it a hub for environmental and sustainability sciences.
Norwegian University of Life Sciences: Specialising in life sciences, Ås-based NMBU conducts advanced research in fields such as biotechnology, agriculture, climate science, and environmental sustainability, contributing to global efforts in food security and ecological preservation.
BI Norwegian Business School : Focused on research in economics, business management, and finance, the privately-operated BI also explores leadership, digitalisation, and corporate governance, contributing to Norway's forward-thinking business landscape.
It's also worth registering with EURES, which is the European job mobility portal. While not specific to Norway or to research jobs, many are listed there.
It should also be noted that preference is often given to candidates from EEA-member countries, given the relative ease of employing someone compared to a non-EEA citizen.
If you're from a non-EEA country it is still possible to get a research job, but you will need to offer something unique. Check out Norway's immigration requirements to understand more.
Research in the Private Sector
In addition to academia, many research opportunities exist within Norway's private sector. Companies involved in energy, maritime, biotechnology, and information technology are particularly active in research and development.
Norway’s growing focus on renewable energy and sustainability has also led to increased demand for researchers in the clean energy sector.
Large companies such as Equinor, a leader in energy, are involved in research projects related to offshore wind, carbon capture, and sustainable energy solutions.
Kongsberg Gruppen, specializing in maritime, defense, and aerospace technologies, offers research roles in cutting-edge engineering and innovation.
Similarly, the pharmaceutical and biotech industries are expanding in the Nordics, with companies investing in medical research and new drug development.
Collaborating with the private sector offers the chance to work on applied research projects with real-world impact, often in partnership with academic institutions or government bodies.
This blend of industry and research creates a dynamic job market for scientists and engineers looking to make a difference in both academia and industry.
Depending on the company, Norwegian language skills might be required. For this reason, along with familiarity with the culture and research areas, recruitment from within the research environment within Norway is common.
The Role of the Research Council
The Research Council of Norway (Forskningsrådet) promotes an integrated R&D system that supplies high-quality research, develops knowledge for dealing with key challenges to society and the business sector, fosters dynamic interaction within the R&D system nationally and internationally, and creates a framework for learning, application and innovation.
In short, the Council funds many major projects and is a vital driver for Norwegian research. Its large-scale funding programmes give a good indication of where its – and Norway's – research priorities lie:
- Biotechnology for Innovation
- AQUACULTURE – An Industry in Growth
- Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials
- The Large-scale Programme on Climate Research
- Large-scale Programme for Petroleum Research
- Large-scale Programme for Energy Research
- Large-scale Programme in ICT
In case anyone is wondering, the Research Council does employ a fair number of people directly. However, their working language is of course Norwegian, and so fluency is a requirement.
Next Steps
We are not a research recruitment agency and cannot provide personal help. However, you can find out more information and suggestions on how to proceed by grabbing a copy of our book, How to Find a Job in Norway.
I am major researcher holding Master in human genetics and Bachelor of Medicine, looking for any kind of job in norway.
H. A. Salman
Hi David,
our experience with jobs in academia in Norway are, that salaries are not matching international levels at all. It might be valid for PhD or regular scientists but on a associate/full professor level the salary can not compete with for example Germany(take low cost of of living in to account) or Switzerland. I think thats why Norway is not able to hire international acknowledged scientists in certain fields. The positions are often taken by scandinavian people who know what they get. Our experience is, that you can hardly live from one income even outside Oslo. This is kind of devaluating the person as well, since it is not reflecting career. And for the partner coming along it might not be so easy to find a job right away. Norway has here a certain disadvantage compared to other countries. The job market is very limited in variety as well. And besides of fewer working hours there is not really a advantage being in Norway. Plus it is very hard to start a life here, when you have to buy a apartment/house and the salary doesn´t really reflect that. So, for us it is a major downside that you definitly loose life quality and you feel kind of poor even though you having a position as a professor. To finalize, if you saying the science sector is one of keys for Norway´s future economy, then they should really adjust salaries and conditions there to be able to compete with other countries.
And there are some strange rules as well: Have you written about feriepenger? This is so strange, you have contract stating a certain amount of vacation days but you are not getting them paid in the first year. Since the salary is so low, you can not compensate for not getting paid and spending money on vacation, means you have to work through the first year…. thats kind of our experience.
I got a lot of useful information about Norway from your side. Thank you very much.