The University of Agder has more than 1500 employees and almost 14 000 students, making us one of Southern Norway's largest workplaces. Our dedicated staff engage in research, teaching and dissemination across a diverse range of fields.
The university is located on two modern campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad.
About the position
The University of Agder invites applications for one full-time permanent position as Professor in Mathematics Education at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science. The position is located in Kristiansand, Norway. The starting date is negotiable.
Responsibilities
The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers bachelor’s and master’s programmes in mathematics, and a master's programme and PhD in mathematics education. The department also contributes comprehensively to the University’s teacher education programmes. The department has a large and active research group in mathematics education, MERGA, with about 15 fellows on its PhD programme, and with five full-time professors, two 20 % professors and a number of associate and assistant professors in Mathematics Education. Currently the percentage of women in the research group is around 40 %.
MERGA pursues a variety of research interests in mathematics education from kindergarten to university level focusing on six areas of expertise:
(1) Emergent technologies in mathematics teaching and learning
(2) Mathematics in non-mathematical practices
(3) Mathematics teaching and learning in kindergarten and early school years
(4) Mathematical thinking processes in school
(5) Mathematics teaching and learning in Teacher Education and Professional Development
(6) Teaching and learning mathematics in higher education
MERGA has substantial and ongoing experience of leading and contributing to large research projects funded by the EU, the Research Council of Norway, Nordforsk, the Competence Development Fund of Southern Norway, and others. In 2018 MERGA, as a recognition of its excellence, was assigned as one of six research priority centres within University of Agder.
The Centre for Research, Innovation and Coordination of Mathematics Teaching (MatRIC), a national Centre for Excellence in Higher Education, established 1 January 2014, was led by the Department of Mathematical Sciences for 10 years. We envisage that the persons appointed will contribute to the work and development of this expertise area, MERGA and the new graduate school.
The responsibilities of the position include teaching, supervision and research in the fields of mathematics education.
Requirements for the position is a PhD in either Mathematics Education or Mathematics. Applicants with a PhD in Mathematics should be able to demonstrate academic work at least equivalent to doctoral research in Mathematics Education. Applicants with a PhD in Mathematics Education should demonstrate knowledge of Mathematics up to at least bachelor’s level.
For appointment as Professor applicants must be able to document relevant practical teaching competence based on education or teaching and supervision (see Criteria for educational competence for appointment as Professor at UiA.). Applicants who are unable to document such basic competence at the time of their appointment, will be required to obtain it within a period of two years, possibly by completing UiA’s basis course in university education. The successful applicant must have experience with the successful supervision of at least one doctoral candidate in Mathematics Education.
The working language at the University of Agder is Norwegian, but the language of instruction can in some courses be Norwegian or English. The University of Agder will facilitate the completion of courses in Norwegian. Permanently employed staff is expected to be proficient in Norwegian within three years.
Desired qualifications
A strong record of scientific publications in mathematics education at an international level is expected.
In addition, it will be an advantage if applicants can give evidence of:
Experience in creation and management of externally funded research projects.
Leadership and/or administrative experience such as having led a research or developmental project, editor experience, conference organising experience, consultancy work, etc.
Applicants must have a broad expertise in mathematics education aiming at growth and innovation of the field.
Particularly relevant areas include:
Classroom research and design research
Assessment
Learning and teaching mathematics with digital technology
Methodology of qualitative and/or quantitative research
Mathematics teaching and learning in schools and higher education
Mathematics teaching and learning in non-mathematical disciplines and in out-of-school settings
Development of theoretical foundations
Research on mathematics teacher education
Appropriate leadership and administrative experience which includes, for example, the leading of research projects.
Personal qualities
Personal suitability, good teamwork skills, written and oral communication skills and relevant teaching experience from school or universities will also be evaluated.
We offer
flexible working hours, five weeks of vacation per year
a variety of responsibilities in a large, exciting and socially influential organisation
a position with opportunities for personal development in a diverse environment
modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers
a kindergarten is located on campus, and our staff has advantages when applying for childcare. Children have the right of kindergarten from the age of one year.
The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.510, code 1013 Professor, NOK 850 000 - 970 000. Higher salary grades may be considered for particularly well-qualified applicants. 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.
Women are encouraged to apply for the position. All applications will be evaluated on the basis of experience, publications and other usual measures of scientific endeavour.
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. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions.
Short-listed applicants may be invited for interviews and a demonstration of their teaching qualifications, usually in the form of a trial lecture. With permission from the applicant the university also will conduct a reference check before appointment. The final recommendation will be an overall assessment based on the expert assessment, the trial lecture, the interview(s) and references. 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) are to be sent electronically. Use the link “Apply for this job”.
The following documentation must be uploaded electronically:
CV
Diplomas and certificates
Complete list of publications
Abstract of doctoral thesis
Copies or official link to published selected scientific publications (no more than 10)
Possible documentation of educational competence
List of ongoing research (incl. work in progress)
One page summary of teaching philosophy and approach
List of previously taught courses
The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English.
Closing date: 31.03.24
Contact
For questions about the position:
Head of Department Associate Professor Ingvald Erfjord, tel.: +47 38 14 15 47, email: ingvald.erfjord@uia.no
