Job description

A full-time position as Associate Professor is available in the Section for Algebra, Geometry and Topology at the Department of Mathematics.

About the Department and what they are looking for in this position:

The section is seeking a highly dedicated and innovative researcher with the necessary qualifications for an associate professorship, specifically in the fields of geometry and topology (including algebraic topology, geometric topology, algebraic K-theory, motivic homotopy theory, differential geometry, and Floer homology).

The Section for Algebra, Geometry and Topology at the University of Oslo is recognised for its broad research activities. Our research expertise includes algebraic geometry, algebraic topology, Floer homology, geometric topology, algebraic K-theory, and motivic homotopy theory. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and the communication of mathematics. Currently the section has eight full-time academic positions, four postdocs, and five PhD students. The section aims at maintaining and strengthening collaborations with leading research groups, nationally and internationally. These involvements represent opportunities for seminar series, visitor programs, travel funding, and research activities in general.

The Associate Professor is expected to actively take part in the Section for Algebra, Geometry and Topology and the Department of Mathematics at the University of Oslo.

General information about the position:

Applicants must document academic qualifications in their field, equivalent to an Associate professor position. The successful applicant must be able to teach at all levels and to supervise Master and PhD students.

The successful applicant may furthermore be required to take on other teaching duties and administrative tasks, by request from the Department of Mathematics.

Qualification requirements

• The successful applicant must have completed a PhD Mathematics and have a strong scientific track record within the area of geometry and topology. Expertise in the aforementioned subfields of geometry and topology is preferred, but is not required.
• A requirement is considerable scientific production beyond what is required for a doctoral degree.
• Scientific qualifications will play a major role, and the main emphasis will be on the candidate’s scientific production from the last five years.
• Pedagogical qualifications and teaching and supervision experience at all levels will be an important factor in the evaluation process and should be well documented in a teaching portfolio. The applicant should describe her/his qualifications in view of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) framework which includes:
  • Focus on student learning
  • A clear development over time
  • A researching approach
  • A collegial attitude and practice
• The successful applicant must have fluent oral and written communication skills in both in a Scandinavian language and in English.

The successful candidate who at the time of appointment cannot document sufficient teaching qualifications (minimum formal requirement is a 200 hrs pedagogical programme) will be required to obtain such qualifications within a two-year period.

The successful candidate must demonstrate mastery of both English and one of the Scandinavian languages as working languages. If an appointee is not fluent in a Scandinavian language, the appointee will be required to learn sufficient Norwegian within a two-year period, to be able to participate actively in all functions the position may involve.

Desirable qualifications:

• Candidates should be able to establish, lead and conduct research projects, also as a collaborator. A track record in scientific and administrative leadership is an advantage, as well as participation in the acquisition of research grants.
• International network, outreach activities, collegiality, and the ability to create a good working environment will be part of the evaluation.
• The person appointed will be requested to take on some administrative duties. Hence such experience will be an advantage.

Personal qualities:

• Ability to create and contribute to a well-functioning, inclusive and productive research environment
• Networking skills, ability to collaborate and conduct scientific leadership
• Ability to cooperate and communicate well with other members of staff
• The successful candidate should have an international profile with respect to the above criteria. The candidate for this position will be selected based on scientific excellence and fit with the section’s research profile, and with significant emphasis on their educational qualifications and potential for teaching.

We offer

• Salary NOK 661 400 - 728 100 depending on qualifications, in the position of Associate Professor (position code 1011)
• A professionally stimulating work 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.
• The Associate Professor will have the opportunity to apply for promotion to a full professorship at a later stage.

How to apply

The application must include:

• Application letter.
• A research position paper (1–4 pages) describing the applicant’s vision and scientific ambitions for the nearest future.
• A detailed CV, including a complete list of education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience, project acquisition and coordination experience, and other qualifying activities.
• Copies of educational certificates, PhD diploma, transcript of records and letters of recommendation.
• A complete list of publications and academic merits and awards (if not included in the CV).
• Full text of up to 10 selected scientific publications the applicant wishes to include in the evaluation.
• A document discussing the importance, interrelation, and relevance of the selected papers for this position.
• Educational portfolio of 3–6 pages documenting educational competence and experience, including a reflection note in which your own teaching practice and view of learning is anchored in the SoTL framework (focus on student learning, development over time, a researching approach and a collegial attitude and practice).
• List of reference persons: 2–3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number).

Application with attachments must be submitted via our online recruitment system, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. Please note that all documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Formal regulations

As a general rule an interview will be used in the appointment process, usually supplemented with a trial teaching session. The basis for assessment will be the scientific production of the applicant, the teaching portfolio, pedagogical and educational qualifications, the applicant’s qualifications within leadership and administration, other qualifications as well as general personal suitability for the position. In ranking the competent applicants, the full range of qualifications will be considered and explicitly assessed.

Rules for appointments to associate professorships, here.

Rules for the assessment and weighting of pedagogical competence for appointments to permanent academic posts which include teaching duties, here.

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

Pursuant to section 25(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, information concerning the applicant may be made public, even if the applicant has requested not to appear on the list of applicants.

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.

In addition, the University of Oslo aims for its employees to reflect the diversity of the population to the greatest degree possible. We therefore encourage qualified applicants with disabilities or gaps in their CV to apply for the position. The University of Oslo will adapt the workplace to suit employees with disabilities. Applicants who indicate that they have disabilities or gaps in their CV are made aware that this information may be used for statistical purposes.

Contact information

• Professor John Christian Ottem. Phone: +47 22855930; e-mail: johnco@math.uio.no or
• Professor John Rognes. Phone: +47 22855845; email: rognes@math.uio.no

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Ole Rustad, e-mail: ole.rustad@mn.uio.no.

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