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 we are looking for in this position

The section seeks a dedicated and innovative researcher who meets the required qualifications for an associate professorship. We are in particular looking for active researchers working in geometry and topology (such as the fields of algebraic topology, geometric topology, K-theory, motivic homotopy theory, differential geometry, and symplectic geometry) and preference will be given to applicants in these fields.

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, K-theory, motivic homotopy theory, and symplectic geometry. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and the communication of mathematics. Currently the section has eight full-time academic positions, three postdocs, and six 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.

General information about the position

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.

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 or the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Qualification requirements

• The successful applicant must have completed a PhD in Mathematics and have a strong scientific track record within subjects in geometry and topology.
• Scientific qualifications will play a major role in the evaluation. The department seeks someone with an active research profile, so the main emphasis will be on the candidate’s scientific production from the last 5 years.
• A requirement is considerable scientific production beyond what is required for a doctoral degree.
• 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
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English. Fluent oral and written communication skills in a Scandinavian language is desirable.

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 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 ideal candidate would have research interests in common with the rest of the geometry and topology group at UiO.
• The person appointed will be requested to take on some administrative duties. Hence such experience will be an advantage.

Personal skills

• 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 excellence and fit with the section’s research profile.

We offer

• Salary NOK 630 500 - 726 400 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 Associate Professor will have the opportunity to apply for promotion to a position as Professor at a later date

How to apply

The application must include:

• Application letter.
• A research statement (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
• A complete list of publications and academic merits and awards (if not included in the CV).
• Full text of 3-5 selected scientific publications the applicant wishes to include in the evaluation, including a description of why these were selected.
• A short document discussing the importance, interrelation, and relevance of the selected papers for this position.
• Teaching 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 note that all documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

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.

Formal regulations

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 this link.

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

• John Christian Ottem, phone: +47 22855930, e-mail: johnco@math.uio.no or
• Paul Arne Østvær, phone: +47 22855912, e-mail: paularne@math.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact: HR adviser Nibna Holtan, phone: +47 22854424, e-mail: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no.

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