Researcher position at the Department of Government
Deadline: 05.02.2024
Publisert
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.
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?
Researcher position
There is a vacancy for a temporary position as a Researcher at the Department of Government. The position is for 2 years (24 months) and we are looking for ambitious candidates with a keen interest in studying the corporatization of the state from a comparative perspective.
About the project/work tasks:
The researcher position is part of the project “The State as a Corporate Actor: Structural Choices, Historical Legacies, and Organizational Legitimation”. This project studies how and why governments create corporate entities to engage in different sectors and services, ranging from public infrastructure such as energy or telecommunications to welfare services. Our project compares these patterns of corporatization in Norway and Sweden from 1950 until today. We study (1) the formal organizational structure of these entities, (2) the key preferences and motives of actors involved in such structural decisions, and (3) the effects of these structural decisions for organizational legitimation in the views of stakeholders and citizens.
We aim to study the effects of (party) politics and sectoral pathways on the structural patterns of corporatization in both countries and over time. We therefore collect and use a range of quantitative data documenting or assessing these structures and their changes as well as explanatory features. Moreover, we conduct case studies on selected episodes of corporatization to identify preferences and motives but also inform alternative explanations that can be tested. The researcher will primarily be linked to the case study work package.
Your tasks:
To engage in independent scientific research that will result in high-quality, peer-reviewed publications addressing the core themes of the research project.
To participate in the collection and analyses of data, especially related to case studies of corporatization.
To support and work with the principal investigators in carrying out the research project.
To participate in the organization of research activities and events, such as conferences, workshops, joint publications, and web activities.
Qualifications and personal qualities:
Applicants should either hold a PhD degree, have submitted their doctoral thesis for assessment, or be in the final stages of preparation for submission by the application deadline. A PhD in the fields of Public Administration or Political Science will be preferred. Other pertinent fields within the social sciences with a research agenda that fits the main research themes described above may be accepted.
Extensive knowledge and experience with quantitative and/or qualitative methods is required.
A demonstrated interest in engaging in independent research on at least one of the topics related to the project’s main research areas.
A demonstrated ability to work independently and efficiently and cooperate well with others in a research team.
The applicants must be fluent in written and spoken English. A good command of the Norwegian or Swedish language is a clear advantage but not an absolute requirement.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their academic qualifications; their research and fit with the project; their methods skills; interest in the project’s topic; the quality of their publications; and their personal and relational skills.
The selected candidate is expected to live and work in the Bergen region and contribute actively to joint activities at the department.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
We can offer:
Gross annual salary as researcher, code 1109, of NOK 615700, -. For particularly highly qualified applicants, a higher salary may be considered.
A good, vibrant, and professionally challenging working environment.
A position in an inclusive workplace (IA enterprise).
Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
The city of Bergen - a unique mix of vibrant cultural life and extraordinary nature.
Your application must include:
A cover letter including a brief account of your research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
CV.
Diplomas (certified copies).
Complete list of publications.
2 selected scholarly works from the last five years (pdf). It is important that each of the scholarly works on which the committee should place special emphasis is attached in its entirety.
The names and contact information for two reference persons.
The application and any attachments along with certified translations in English or another Scandinavian language must be uploaded electronically at the recruitment portal www.jobbnorge.no (you can follow the link on this page marked “Apply for this job”). The application must include all information to be taken into consideration in the assessment of the academic qualifications.
Closing date: February 5, 2024.
The application must be marked: 2024/ 617.
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.
General information:
Further information about the position is obtainable by contacting Principal Investigator Julia Fleischer – julia.fleischer@uib.no.
Practical questions regarding the application procedures should be directed to HR Adviser Gudrun Horvei - Gudrun.horvei@uib.no.
The state workforce 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.
Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.
The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.
For further information about the recruitment process, click here.
