Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology

PROMENTA Research Center

Job description

A researcher position (SKO 1109) is available in the PROMENTA Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo. The researcher will join the Neurocognitive Development group, led by Prof. Christian K. Tamnes. The position is funded by two grants by the Research Council of Norway.

The PROMENTA Research Center carries out interdisciplinary research on mental health and well-being in a holistic perspective – from genetics and biology to local communities and policy. We are concerned with examining determinants of good and poor mental health, understanding how social inequalities emerge, and designing and evaluating effective interventions to promote well-being. We strive to provide our candidates with opportunities to develop high-quality research competence, across disciplines, working alongside leading experts in our fields. While working for us, you will be part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary work environment, with ample opportunities for scientific and social input throughout the academic year. The PROMENTA Research Center with more than 50 scientific staff is funded by the Research Council of Norway, and hosted by the Department of Psychology, University of Oslo (UiO). Read more about working at PROMENTA.

More about the position

The goals of the Neurocognitive Development group are to better understand how brain and cognitive development in childhood and adolescence is connected to the development of mental health and well-being, how genetic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors affect our neurocognitive development and lead to increased risk or resilience, how these influences vary as a function of context and development, and the biological basis for sex differences in mental health. The researcher will analyse neuroimaging data from large datasets, perform statistical analyses, and write articles on neurocognitive development in relation to mental health. The researcher is expected to further develop their skills in advanced neuroimaging and statistical methods and finalize three articles within the period. The researcher is also expected to supervise and support projects of other members in the research group, and lead or support work with grant applications. Read more about the Neurocognitive Development group.

The appointment is a fulltime position for a period of two years with the possibility of a extension depending on available funding. The position is planned to begin in the first quarter of 2025.

For more information about the position please see contact information below

Qualification requirements

• The applicant must hold a PhD degree or equivalent in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a related field
• Research focus relevant to the research activities of the Neurocognitive Development group (i.e., human brain development, genetic and environmental factors that influence neurocognitive development, child and adolescent mental health)
• Publication record on human neurocognitive development
• Experience working with and analyzing data from large developmental neuroimaging datasets
• Strong skills in quantitative data analysis, including use of R
• Skills in neuroimaging analysis (FreeSurfer, FSL or similar) 
• Skills in longitudinal statistical methods
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Ambitious research plans, as evidenced by the required cover letter, explaining the motivation for applying and how own qualifications are suitable for the announced position
• Enjoys working within an interdisciplinary team
• Personal suitability

Favourable qualifications (not requirements, but give applicants an advantage):

• Experience with supervision of students and/or PhDs 
• Experience with structural equation modelling
• Experience with open science practices

We offer

• A salary of NOK 635 400– 720 100 per annum depending on qualifications.
• A professionally stimulating work environment.
• Opportunities for extensive collaboration with our national and international collaborators.
• Attractive pension and social welfare benefits
• 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 and summaries of scientific work, research interests, and how own qualifications match the announced position), max. 3 pages
• Complete CV
• A complete list of publications and academic works (including preprints and central scientific talks and posters)
• Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates, including a confirmation of completed PhD
• Names and contact details for at least two references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail, and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. 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 and the motivation and personal suitability of the candidate.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

Please see the rules for the use of Research posts at UiO.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of 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.

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. The Department of Psychology shall work actively for equality, ensure equal opportunities and rights, and prevent discrimination. See the Gender equality initiative at UiO as well as the Action plan for gender equality, diversity and inclusion at the Department of Psychology 2022-2025.

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

• Project leader Professor Christian K. Tamnes, email: c.k.tamnes@psykologi.uio.no 
• Administrative coordinator at Promenta Maria Vinje Dodson, email: m.v.dodson@psykologi.uio.no 

For questions regarding the electronic application: HR officer Ine Røsok Sagelv, email i.r.sagelv@psykologi.uio.no

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