• Master's degree in comparative literature, medieval studies, or a degree in literature (Scandinavian, English, or German) which includes knowledge of medieval literature
• Background in archaeology, art history, or museology is optional
• Preference will be given to applicants who can show language skills in Old Norse
• Language skills in other languages associated with the transmission of Chrétien de Troys' works are preferable  

    Special requirements from the grant provider:

• Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Iceland for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.
• The applicants must not yet have been awarded with a doctoral degree.

Wages according to the current collective agreement by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and Félag háskólakennara.
 

Salary 

• The doctoral candidate's salary will be based on the terms of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie salary scheme and is governed by the grant agreement, which specifies the amount of funding.
• The expected grant for the position is EUR 5,570 (living allowance), with an additional amount of EUR 710 (mobility allowance) paid in accordance with the grant agreement and will cover the institution¿s total costs for salaries and salary-related expenses. The total grant is therefore EUR 6,280 per month (estimating monthly salary approx. 5,000 EUR). Where applicable, a family allowance may also be available, for further information read here.
• The salary will be paid in Icelandic króna (ISK) in accordance with the current collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Association of University Teachers and will be subject to Icelandic taxation. The salary will be adjusted in line with exchange rate developments.

The starting date is preferably 24 August 2026 or according to mutual agreement. Recruitment is conditional on the student formally applying for and being accepted into the doctoral programme at the faculty.

The following documents must accompany the application: 

1. Letter of motivation indicating the project preference, accompanied by a description of the relevant work and research experience relevant to the chosen topic
2. Certificates of Master¿s and Bachelor's Degree(s), with an official English translation if issued in a different language
3. Letters of recommendation from at least one main supervisor/programme director who has direct knowledge of the applicant¿s preparation and experience
4. Evidence of fluency in English (IELTS test score of 6.5 or higher, TOEFL equivalent, or experience of studying/working in an English-speaking environment)
5. Evidence of language skills relevant to the project applied for

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. 

As these positions are part of the international EUARTHURS consortium, the recruitment process involves joint selection. By submitting an application, candidates acknowledge and consent that their application materials will be shared with the EUARTHURS Principal Investigator and Project Manager at Bangor University (UK) for the purposes of screening. All data will be handled in accordance with the University of Iceland's GDPR protocols and used solely for the evaluation of these studentships.

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. 

About the University of Iceland 

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Doctoral studies at School of Humanities at the University of Iceland

Job percentage: 100%

Application deadline until end of: 29.04.2026

More info provided by

Sif Ríkharðsdóttir - sifr@hi.is -