Job description

The Faculty of Theology at the University of Oslo invites applications for a tenured appointment as Associate Professor in the field of Leadership, Dialogue and Care in Plural Contexts.

The Faculty has a long tradition of excellence in the study of inter-religious relations, encounters, and dialogue. We are currently in the process of expanding our research and teaching in this field to include a focus on leadership, ethics, care, and counselling, set within a larger multicultural and multireligious social and institutional context. The position advertised is part of this undertaking, as we seek to add to our academic staff an expert who works within these fields, with special attention given to social, cultural, and religious encounters in settings where values, religions, and worldviews intersect. The successful candidate is an experienced researcher and teacher in this field.

The position requires experience in empirical and/or hermeneutical methodological research. Relevant research profiles include those with a focus on studies of religious and secular humanist leadership, chaplaincy, philosophical/interreligious dialogue, social encounters in plural societies and spiritual care within Christianity, Buddhism, Islam or Secular Humanism. Preference will be given to candidates with critical and constructive contributions to one or more of these fields. Emphasis will be put on research competence combined with work experience from one or more of the relevant fields as well as experience with teaching students from diverse backgrounds. Knowledge of the Norwegian and/or Nordic context on relevant matters is essential for this position.

The successful candidate is expected to initiate and lead research, supervise PhD candidates, participate in teaching, examination and assessment at all levels, including the Faculty´s courses for religious leaders, and to carry out administrative duties and leadership in accordance with the needs of the faculty. She or he will be expected to serve as the Program Coordinator of our new MA program, Lederskap, etikk og samtalepraksis (“Leadership, Ethics, and Counselling”). This MA program aims at providing students with skills required for chaplaincy and religious/secular humanist leadership. It trains students of various professions to acquire the high level of discernment needed in an increasingly diverse population in a broad range of public and other institutions.

Applicants must provide documentation of their ability and willingness to contribute to the objectives of the University of Oslo’s strategic plan, especially as this relates to «independent, ground-breaking, long-term research» and to «educate students with the knowledge, ability and willingness to create a better world».

Qualification requirements

• PhD or equivalent academic qualifications with a specialization in theology, religious studies, philosophy or other relevant disciplines
• Documented pedagogical skills (a teaching course certificate; a teaching portfolio including teaching statement, examples of courses and student evaluations; documented teaching experience)
• Documented potential for project acquisition and project management
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English and a Scandinavian language

The following qualifications will be important in the assessment of the applicants:

• International peer-reviewed publications, with an emphasis on works published during the last five years (elapsed time on statutory leave will be added)
• Original and innovative research along with the will and ability to cross-disciplinary engagement and cooperation
• Potential to contribute to the Faculty’s long-term development of its academic research environment
• Potential to contribute to pedagogical development
• Experience with research projects, preferably in an international setting
• Proven ability or strong potential to attract external funding
• Experience with and ability to build international networks
• Interest in and ability to take on academic leadership and administration
• Skills in popular dissemination, public outreach and innovation
• Collaborative skills and contribution to a positive working environment

We offer

• Salary NOK 573.100 - 667.200 per annum depending on qualifications related to the position as Associate professor (position code 1011)
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension plan, 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 scholarly work and research interests)
• CV (complete list of education, positions held, pedagogical experience, administrative experience, project acquisition and coordination experience, and other qualifying activities)
• A complete list of publications
• Academic works (up to 7 publications)
• Ph.D. Diploma
• 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. Please note that all documents must be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In the evaluation of the qualified candidates the full range of these criteria will be addressed and assessed.

Interviews will be part of the hiring process, along with a trial lecture.

Formal regulations

The successful candidate who, at the time of appointment, cannot document basic teaching qualifications will be required to obtain such qualifications within a two-year period.

The successful candidate must demonstrate proficiency in both English and one of the Scandinavian languages.

Please see the rules for Appointments to Professorships and Associate Professorships, and Rules for the assessment and weighing of pedagogical skills and experience.

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.

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

The University of Oslo is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for this position, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, or physical disability.

Contactinformation

• Title: Professor Anders Runesson, phone number: +47 2285035, e-mail: anders.runesson@teologi.uio.no
• Title: Senior Adviser Rigmor Smith-Gahrsen, +47 2285031, e-mail: rigmor.smith-gahrsen@teologi.uio.no

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