Job description

A permanent full-time position as an associate professorship in security in renewable energy systems / cyber physical systems is available at the Department of Technology Systems (ITS).

The Department invites potential candidates to apply for the open position addressing security in the tight integration between the digital and physical world.

We are seeking a candidate with clear scientific and technological visions, interest in developing an emerging field, applying an experimental approach, good educational and interpersonal skills, abilities to establish and lead research projects, and an interest in sustainability.

UiO is in the position to establish the emerging field of security in cyber-physical systems, where renewable energy systems is central. The successful candidate will have a vital role in defining both the research and accompanying educational activities.

The ongoing digitalization of industrial processes and society imply a tight integration between ICT and operational technologies. It also implies a substantial integration and usage of sensors. This increases the overall attack surface and raises issues on governance and control. Security mechanisms aimed at the ICT system will not be sufficient to address the overall system security. There also need to be security measures and mechanisms that reflect both the physical features and the digital aspects of the system. Overall system security cannot solely be addressed by applying security measures in the ICT systems.

The research at ITS has a system focus. Given the capabilities of technology systems to contribute to sustainability, research that aligns with UN development goals is in focus.

General information about the position

We seek an enthusiastic and dedicated person who meets the required qualifications for an associate professorship, with a scientific profile that fits and complements the activities of the research group. The applicant must have a Ph.D. that is relevant to research on security in cyber-physical systems in general or the more specialized security in renewable energy systems. These are emerging fields that can be filled with candidates from different backgrounds. A successful candidate therefore does not necessarily have a long track record within the area, instead she/he needs to have a clear vision of how the area can be developed. It is an advantage with post-graduate research experience, with relevant research and project activities.

The ideal candidate has an excellent research record and has made important theoretical and methodological contributions, has the pedagogical experience, capability of attracting external funding, and is interested in being an active and participating member of the research group. Research on security in renewable energy/ cyber-physical system implies a strong interest in cross-discipline collaboration, foremost with ITS existing research groups on autonomous systems and renewable energy systems, but also the research group on digital security at the Department of Informatics (IFI), UiO.

Applicants must document academic qualifications in their field, equivalent to Associate professor position. The successful applicant must be able to teach at all levels and supervise Master and PhD students. The department wants to foster close cooperation with industry, and the successful candidate is expected to develop master topics from research institutes and industry.

The successful applicant may furthermore be required to take on other teaching duties and administrative tasks, at the request of the Department or the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

The research area for the position can include technologies referred to in the Ministry's export control regulations, and the candidate must be eligible to obtain a security clearance.

Main tasks

The main tasks of the position are teaching and research. In detail, this includes:

• Develop both teaching and research activities aimed at security in renewable energy/cyber-physical systems. The area needs to be developed and promoted substantially compared to the existing activity
• Collaborate and coordinate with existing research groups
• Initiate and lead research activities and attract external funding for new research relevant projects
• Initiate and participate in teaching, development, and improvement of courses and study programs at the department
• Establish collaboration across the department, university, and with external partners including industry, government, and academia
• Academic administration

Qualification requirements

• The successful applicant must have completed a PhD that is relevant to research on security in cyber-physical systems in general or the more specialized security in renewable energy systems, i.e a Ph.D. in either computer science, electrical engineering, renewable energy, electric energy, or cybernetics/control theory
• 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 candidate who at the time of appointment cannot document sufficient teaching qualifications (minimum formal requirement is a 200 hours 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, in order to be able to teach and otherwise be able to participate in all functions the position may involve. If the successful candidate does not have sufficient mastery of a Scandinavian language, the candidate will be required to learn sufficient Norwegian within a two-year period.

Desired 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, and experience in attracting external research funding from e.g. the Norwegian Research Council, the EU and other will be emphasized

Experience within one or more of the following areas is an advantage:

• A good understanding of general security mechanisms
• Good understanding of the security implication digitalization has on renewable energy systems or cyber-physical systems
• Research experience addressing security in renewable energy systems or in cyber-physical system
• A good understanding of the impact and governance of digitalization
• Sensors and sensor networks
• Interdisciplinary collaboration, industrial collaboration, and collaboration with regulatory/policymakers
• International networking, outreach activities, collegiality, and the ability to create a good working environment

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

In ranking of the applicants, the following personal qualifications will be considered and given significant weight (the list is not in order of priority):

• Interest in developing cooperation between the department, the research institutes at Kjeller, other departments at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and with the private and public sector and other universities both in Norway and internationally
• Ability to cooperate and communicate well with other members of the staff
• Ability to create and contribute to a well-functioning, inclusive, and productive research and teaching environment
• Networking skills and ability to initiate collaborative project
• Motivation for a focus on achieving the SDGs

The successful candidate should have an international profile with respect to the above criteria. The candidate for this position will be selected based on excellence and fit with the section’s research profile.

We offer:

• Salary 692 400 - 821 100 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as 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 opportunity to apply for promotion to 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)

The application with attachments must be submitted in our electronic recruiting system; please follow the link “Apply for this job”. Please note that all documents should 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. 

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

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

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

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

For further information please contact:

• Head of the Department Cecilie Rolstad Denby, e-mail: c.r.denby@its.uio.no, phone +47 22842221

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Olga Holmlund, email: olga.holmlund@mn.uio.no

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