Researcher - Pathwise

Job description

Applications are invited for a 1 ½ year position as Researcher (position code 1109) in the research project "PATHWISE: A Learning Analytics Approach to Enhance Academic Integration and Curriculum Development for First-Year Students" (Norwegian title: ‘Bra start! Førsteårsstudenters akademisk integrering og gjennomføring’). The position is affiliated to the research group “Knowledge, Learning and Governance in Higher Education and Work’ (HEDWORK) at the Department of Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Oslo.

The PATHWISE project is a two-year research project funded by the University of Oslo. The project is part of a broader effort at UiO to exploit the potential of digital data (learning analytics) for student guidance and curriculum development in higher education. The project aims to contribute new knowledge to creating institutional and pedagogical measures that can support students' academic integration, completion, and positive study experiences during the study year. The project will employ a longitudinal design, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods, to collect and analyze digital traces, background variables, curriculum offers and guidance structures, as well as participation in study and other activities in the study context. Digital traces will be collected based on activities of first-year students from the central digital platforms at UiO, including the Study Administration System, the Student web, and the LMS used at UiO (Canvas). For more information, visit the PATHWISE project Norwegian and English website.

The researcher is expected to contribute to the PATHWISE project by designing and implementing the mixed-methods, longitudinal research study, by crafting a robust methodology/selection process. Students' academic integration during the first semester will be explored, focusing on both their campus-based activities and activities on digital platforms. In the final phase, data will be analyzed to generate knowledge and recommendations that can contribute to the development of guidance structures and educational programs to support students' academic integration. The researcher is expected to design an appropriate methodology to deliver the project; design or adapt survey questionnaires; apply a range of research techniques to gather relevant information; gather information by directing or carrying out fieldwork; conduct a review of relevant literature and evidence; analyse and evaluate research and interpret data using a range of analysis packages, and prepare, present and disseminate results. The researcher is expected to collaborate with other members of the project team and to coordinate the analytical work. 

The announced researcher position will be connected to the research group HEDWORK. The group comprises researchers with different interdisciplinary backgrounds and offers an internationally oriented and stimulating research environment, with a connection to research communities in learning sciences and educational technology, and educational research worldwide. 

More about the position

The appointment is a full-time position for a period of up to 1 1/2 years.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a PhD degree or equivalent in education or another field with relevance to higher education research (e.g., educational sciences, educational psychology, social or behavioral sciences, educational technology, educational measurement, professional degrees with relevance to the project).
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English or Norwegian/Scandinavian language

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

• Knowledge and experience with designing and implementing empirical studies in educational contexts
• Knowledge and experience with analysing large quantitative data sets
• Knowledge of R or Python and natural language processing can be an advantage

Personal skills

In the assessment of applicants, emphasis will be put on:

•  Strong collaborative and communication skills
• High personal motivation for research
• A commitment to work towards- the project’s common goals
• Ability to work focused and independently

We offer

• salary NOK 667.700-759.100 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• A text of maximum 2 pages where the applicant reflects on how their research interests aligns with the overall project. Particular focus should be given to the envisioned approaches of analysing and integrating multiple data types to examine students’ activities and experiences with the study and academic environment, over time. 
• CV (summarizing education, positions, research experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• PhD-thesis 
• a complete list of publications
• full text of research publications that the applicant wishes to be considered (maximum 5)
• list of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented academic qualifications, the alignment of expressed interest with the project’s goals, as well as the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. Interviews will be organized with the best qualified candidates. 

Formal regulations

Please see Rules for the use of research posts at UiO

No one can be appointed for more than one specified period at the same institution. According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

For questions about the position, please contact:

• Professor Crina Damsa, e-mail: crinad@uio.no 

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