PhD Research Fellow in Training and Education for Female Genital Schistosomiasis
Deadline: 16.12.2022
University of Agder
The University of Agder has more than 1500 employees and almost 14 000 students. This makes us one of the largest workplaces in Southern Norway. Our staff research, teach and disseminate knowledge from a variety of academic fields. Co-creation of knowledge is our common vision. We offer a broad range of study programmes in many fields. We are situated at two modern campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad respectively.
We are an open and inclusive university marked by a culture of cooperation. The aim of the university is to further develop education and research at a high international level.
About the position
A 100% position is available at the University of Agder, Centre for E-health, as a Research Fellow with the topic: “Neglected tropical disease, Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), education and training for health professionals”. The position is available for a period of three years, or four years with 25% with required duty. The start date is negotiable. The position is located at Campus Grimstad, Norway but most of the work will be done in, and directed towards, health professionals in South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique.
The faculty has 4 departments: Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Department of Health and Nursing Science, Department of Sport Science and Physical Education and Department of Psychosocial Health. This position will be connected to Department of Health and Nursing Science.
The PhD position is part of a Horizon Europe Project named “DUAL SAVE-FGS: Dual screening by Spectral Artificial Visual Examination for Female Genital Schistosomiasis and cervical cancer” (reference number 101057853).
The objectives of the PhD include:
Design a scalable online/app-based training course for frontline, mostly rural, African, primary health care professionals and gynaecologists
Evaluate and certify their investigation techniques and diagnostic skills
Evaluate the e-learning training course.
The PhD research will address the three objectives, with special emphasis on user-centred approach in the design and evaluation of an eLearning platform using the ADDIE model for e-learning (Fernandes et al 2020, BMC Med Educ) for clinicians (doctors/nurses) in areas endemic for FGS. The PhD position is an opportunity for the candidate to contribute to a team of interdisciplinary world-class experts, to provide evidence for Cervical Cancer Screening and HIV Prevention Programmes in Norway, South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique; and to participate in the revision of healthcare policies and improved clinical guidelines for UNAIDS and the World Health Organization.
Responsibilities
The PhD research will address the three objectives, with special emphasis on user-centred approach in the design and evaluation of an eLearning platform using the ADDIE model for e-learning (Fernandes et al 2020, BMC Med Educ) for clinicians (doctors/nurses) in areas endemic for FGS. The PhD position is an opportunity for the candidate to contribute to a team of interdisciplinary world-class experts, to provide evidence for Cervical Cancer Screening and HIV Prevention Programmes in Norway, South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique; and to participate in the revision of healthcare policies and improved clinical guidelines for UNAIDS and the World Health Organization.
The applicants must qualify for admission to the PhD Programme in the Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, with a specialization within eLearning/digital health/female-genital schistosomiasis and must hold a master’s degree in health informatics or equivalent, with an average grade of “B” or better. Applicants who are in the process of finishing their master’s thesis are also welcomed to apply for this position. More details to be found here.
Applicants must submit a project proposal with a scope within the above-mentioned areas of study. The project proposal should comprise a maximum of five (5) pages in length, including the reference list in a selected citations type format. The proposal must contain a detailed research plan. The plan must include the problem statement, theoretical foundation, methodological approach, potential peer-reviewed scientific publications in high-ranked/Open Access journals/conferences, together with the planned progression for the doctoral project. The quality of the project proposal will receive a high level of consideration during the application assessment process. Fluency in written and oral English is a prerequisite.
The University is committed to securing a multidisciplinary supervisory team for the successful applicant.
Desired qualifications
Master in digital health (health in technology settings or technology in health settings) and/or health (medicine, nursing) with sound knowledge of digital platforms.
Fluency in English is a prerogative
Knowledge of the Norwegian, or a Scandinavian language, is desirable.
Knowledge of the Portuguese language would be positively considered.
Personal qualities
The appointee must have the ability to work in a team and be goal-oriented, organized, focused and work in an independent manner. During the assessment process, emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s examination results as well as any previous research and development work, especially in the Global South. Relevant practical experience, personal suitability and good teamwork skills will also be emphasized. Applicants with knowledge about Neglected Tropical Diseases and reproductive health and who have experience with or know important stakeholders will be prioritized. Project management skills and management of project resources will be an advantage, especially if performed in multicultural environments.
Personal qualities and suitability for the position will be emphasized.
We offer
Professional development in a large, exciting and socially influential organization
A positive, inclusive and diverse working environment
Modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers
The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, NOK 501 200 gross salary per year. A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions.
General information
UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability, or an incomplete CV.
The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions.
Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process.
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.
Application
The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) need to be sent electronically. Please, use the link “Apply for the position”.
The following documentation must be uploaded electronically:
PhD research project description (maximum 5 pages), including an abstract, research background, problem statement, research question/s, methodology, data collection and expected results, and a list with references formatted in a selected citation style.
Referees: the name and contact details of at least 2 people with whom the candidate has closely worked/researched/being supervised.
A copy of the Master’s thesis.
Bachelor and Master Certificates with grades.
Curriculum vitae with proof of language proficiency, academic work, participation and contribution in research and/or development projects and publications (when it applies).
The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in English.
Application deadline: 16 December 2022.
Contact
For questions about the position:
Assoc. Prof. Santiago Martinez, Health and Nursing Science department, Norway, phone +47 37 23 34 72, email: santiago.martinez@uia.no
Prof. Eyrun Kjetland, Oslo University Hospital, Norway, phone +47 97 00 85 79, email: e.f.kjetland@medisin.uio.no
Prof. Saloshni Naidoo, UKZN, South Africa, phone +27 (0)31 260 4383 email: naidoos4@ukzn.ac.za
