UiB - Knowledge that shapes society

Through robust and close interaction with the world around us – globally, nationally and locally – we shall be instrumental in building a society based on knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Do you want to take part in shaping the future?

University of Bergen

The University of Bergen is a renowned educational and research institution, organised into seven faculties and approximately 54 institutes and academic centres. Campus is located in the centre of Bergen with university areas at Nygårdshøyden, Haukeland, Marineholmen, Møllendalsveien and Årstad.

There are seven departments and three centres at Faculty of Social Sciences. Read more about the faculty and departments.

Researcher

Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism at the Department of Administration and Organization Theory is looking for a researcher, and we are especially interested in a candidate with good methodological qualifications and a keen interest in comparative research.

The position offers a chance to take part in scientific work at the international research frontier. The successful applicant will be offered active support to become an independent researcher and to develop his/her academic competences and skills.

The position is externally funded. The first three years the position is financed by the European Research Council project “Discretion and the Child’s Best Interest in Child Protection”. The researcher position is 100% committed to the research project for the three years period.

About the project/work tasks:

The researcher will work as part of the Discretion project funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant, and is based at the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism at the University of Bergen, Norway. Professor Marit Skivenes is the principal investigator for the project. For more information: http://www.discretion.uib.no/

The main objectives for the ongoing research activity at the Centre are to reveal the mechanisms for exercising discretion, and improve the understanding of paternalism and principles of best interests and welfare. These objectives will be reached by systematically examining the role of institutional, organisational and individual factors including regulations of best interest principles; professions involved; type of courts; type of child protection system; demographic factors and individual values; and the populations’ view on children and paternalism. The research design is set out to employ innovative methodological approaches, with multilevel and cross- country studies. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the principal investigator for further details (marit.skivenes@uib.no).

Your tasks

• To engage in independent scientific research that will result in a high quality research, as well as partaking in high quality publications addressing core themes of the research project 

• To participate in the collection, pooling, and analysis of data 

• To support and work with the principal investigator in carrying out the research project
• To participate in the organisation of research activities and events, such as conferences, workshops, joint publications, and web activities 

• To actively contribute to the academic life of the Centre

Your profile: qualifications and personal qualities:

• A Ph.D. in political science, sociology, economics, or equivalent. Other educational background will be considered if clearly related to the project topic, or if the applicant can document relevant research experience after his/her PhD degree.

• Knowledge and experience with quantitative methods, text analysis and qualitative methods. The successful applicant must commit to training if this criterion has not been met prior to employment.
• A demonstrated interest in engaging in independent research on topics related to the research project 

• Ability to work independently and to cooperate with others 

• Fluency in written and spoken English is a requirement. It is preferable with fluency in written and spoken Norwegian, Spanish and/ or German, but not a condition.
• An interest in interdisciplinary research is a requirement, and experience with interdisciplinary work is an advantage.
• Willingness to initiate externally funded research projects

The applicant must have submitted his/her Ph.D’s thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the Ph.D degree has been awarded at the start of employment.

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of their research and it’s fit with the project; the candidate’s methods skills; the candidate’s interest in the project’s topic; plans for future research, and the quality of the publications.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.

About the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism

The research at the Centre is comparative - between nations, systems and individuals, and includes researchers across the world. We are an interdisciplinary group including political science, sociology, law and phycology. In Bergen, the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism is a part of the Centre on Law and Social Transformation (UiB/CMI), and is involved in research collaboration at the Center for excellence, FAIR, at the Norwegian Business School as well as with the research group Law, Democracy and Welfare at Western Norway University of Applied Science.

We can offer:

• Salary at pay grade 59-67/ NOK 523.200 - 605.500 (code 1109) on the government salary scale upon appointment. Further promotions are made according to length of service in the position.
• A good, vibrant, and professionally challenging working environment
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Good welfare benefits
• The city of Bergen - a unique mix of vibrant cultural life and extraordinary nature
The successful candidate is expected to live and work in Bergen during the project period and participate in common activities at the 
Centre.

Your application must include:

• Cover-letter 

• Max 1-page summary of planned research initiatives 

• CV 

• Diplomas (certified copies) 

• Two references with names and contact details 

• Complete list of publications 

• A list of selected scholarly works from the last five years

• Any documentation of pedagogical qualifications

The application and any attachments along with certified translations in English or another Scandinavian language must be uploaded to JobbNorge. The application must include all information to be taken into consideration in the assessment of the academic qualifications. 


The application has to be marked: 2019/7940

Applications submitted without required information or applications sent as e-mails will not be considered. Only submitted documents will be subjected to an expert assessment.

The following premise forms the basis for the post as research scientist:

• The research scientist should be a member of the research group in his/her field
• Salary costs should as far as possible be 100% remotely funded
• The research scientist should actively assist in acquiring external project funding for the academic environment, for
• both his-/herself and others, from The Norwegian Research Council, the European Union, and other sources
• The research scientist must expect to have his/her research activity funded by the project that the research scientist and
• its research group are working on
• The Head of Department can instruct the research scientist to work towards a specific research project
• The research scientist may hold positions of trust, participate in committees, boards etc. within UiB.
• The research scientist does not have a teaching obligation, but must expect to supervise Master- and PhD students to the extent that this forms a natural part of the research activities in the research group.
• The research scientist may apply for promotion based on competence according to the regulations for promotion
• The basis of the post is discontinued if project funding comes to an end, and the new lawon Government employees etc. regarding termination of employment and preferential rights will be applied.

General information:

Additional information about the position is obtainable by contacting:

• Project leader Marit Skivenes, e-mail: marit.skivenes@uib.no, phone: +47 95924979

Practical questions regarding the application procedures should be directed to Adviser HR Anita Helen Spurkeland, e-mail: anita.spurkeland@uib.no, phone +4755589058.

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. Age and gender balance among employees is therefore a goal. It is also a goal to recruit people with immigrant backgrounds. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

For further information about the recruitment process, click here.

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.

Apply for position