Job description

A temporary Researcher Position (SKO 1109) is available at the Department of Media and Communication (IMK), University of Oslo.

More about the position

The researcher position is associated with the research project "Preparedness for Society in Health Crises and Disasters" (PREPSHIELD), financed by the EU Horizon program. The researcher will work with task leader Professor Øyvind Ihlen on three tasks: 1) Conduct a literature review and expert interviews to deduce best practices for communication in health crises. 2) Conduct survey experiments on different communication strategies that will feed into a communication pilot for the improvement of health crisis communication strategies. 3) Develop recommendations for inclusive communication, based on the above and observation of tabletop exercises and crisis simulations conducted by other partners in the project.

The PREPSHIELD project involves 13 partners from countries such as Italy, Germany, Romania, and France. Ihlen can be contacted for more information on the project.

The position is available for a period of 2 years, and the contract’s starting date can be negotiated, ideally as soon as possible, depending on the candidate.

The position is based in Oslo. It is expected that the successful candidate participates actively in the PREPSHIELD project’s activities. It is also expected that the candidate will contribute to the high standard of collegiality and working environment of the Department.

Qualification requirements

• PhD or equivalent academic qualifications with a specialization in media and communication studies, preferably within crisis communication or health communication. Candidates with degrees in political science or sociology are also eligible if they can demonstrate relevance for the mentioned tasks. The doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. A prerequisite for taking up the position is the successful completion of a doctoral degree.
• Robust background in quantitative methods, preferably with experience in conducting survey experiments
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position

In the evaluation of the applications, emphasis will be placed on:

• Experience in conducting expert interviews
• Experience in survey methodology, including survey experiments
• Familiarity with crisis communication and health communication literature
• Fluency in German, Romanian, or Italian is advantageous, as fieldwork will be conducted in these countries
• Demonstrated cooperative skills, and the ability to successfully join in academic collaboration within and across disciplines

We offer

• Salary NOK 575 400 – 657 300 per annum depending on qualifications
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Attractive welfare benefits
• Help with questions regarding moving to Norway from our International Staff Mobilty Office (ISMO)

How to apply

The application must include:

• Application letter describing the applicant's motivation for the position, intellectual background and qualifications, indicating the main theoretical approaches, empirical tools, practical work and publishing achievements to date
• Curriculum Vitae with grades listed (with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities)
• List of publications
• Copies of educational certificates and diplomas
• A list of 2-3 reference persons (name, relationship to the candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, jobbnorge.no. Applicants with education from a foreign university must attach an explanation of their university’s grading system.

The short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

Formal regulations

See Rules for the use of research posts at UiO.

Following the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) § 25, Chapter 2, information about the applicant may be used in the public list of applicants even if the applicant opts out from the entry in the public application list.

The University of Oslo has an Acquisition of Rights Agreement for the purpose of securing rights to intellectual property created by its employees, including research results.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

For questions regarding the position:

• Professor Øyvind Ihlen

For questions regarding the recruitment process and how to apply:

• HR Adviser Karoline Farbrot

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