Job description

Applications are invited for a 3-year Research Fellowship as a PhD Candidate (SKO 1017) in Science and Technology Studies (STS). The position will be based at the TIK Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture (UiO) and will be part of the RCN project ResBod – “Resisting Bodies: The politics and practices of the immune system”.

TIK Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture is a cross disciplinary unit at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Oslo. TIK is home to 50 staff members working in research, education and research communication in innovation and science and technology studies (STS). A major part of TIK’s activity is externally funded research. TIK also offers postgraduate education; a PhD-programme and two master programmes.

More about the position

The PhD project is part of the RCN project ResBod – “Resisting Bodies: The politics and practices of the immune system”. ResBod is an interdisciplinary project that aims to provide empirically grounded insights into how scientific knowledge about the immune system is constructed, and how science informs the management of political and societal challenges related to humans, animals and ecological health and safety.

The announced PhD position is connected to a study of current innovations in vaccine development aimed at developing a sustainable aquaculture, and social controversies around vaccine development and gene technology (connected to work package 2 and 3 in ResBod).

The PhD project will focus on 1) investigating and analysing innovations of DNA vaccines in a Norwegian context, and 2) mapping and analysing how scientific advancements related to the immune system affects social and legal understandings of human-nature relations. The goal is to develop new knowledge on current scientific practices in the life sciences related to the bioeconomy, and to identify the values at stake in the development of new gene technologies in a contemporary cultural and political context.

The PhD candidate is expected to actively contribute to the activities of ResBod, and can also draw on resources and plan research visits in ResBod’s partner institutions (University of Copenhagen, DK or University of Exeter, UK).

The candidate will be part of TIK’s PhD programme track and the wider programme at the Faculty of Social Science at the University of Oslo, but can take relevant approved PhD courses anywhere. The candidate is expected to complete the PhD project within the set fellowship period. Research training and the successful completion of a PhD degree are the main goals of a fellowship. For general information on the PhD program, please see the Faculty of Social Sciences’ web site.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must hold a two years Master’s degree or equivalent and meet the formal requirements to be enrolled in the PhD programme.

ResBod is interdisciplinary in nature, which means that the PhD can come from a range of fields in social sciences and humanities, including but not limited to science and technology studies (STS), cultural studies, sustainability studies, history of ideas, social anthropology, medical anthropology, human geography, and sociology.

In addition, the PhD candidate must have

• Demonstrated research capabilities and experience is an advantage.
• Knowledge of and experience with ethnographic methods and/or document analysis is an advantage.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English is necessary.
• Good knowledge of a Scandinavian language, preferably Norwegian, is a requirement.
• An interest in and prior knowledge of the field of science and technology studies (STS) is an advantage.

We offer

• salary NOK 479 600 - 523 200 per annum depending on qualifications.
• An academically stimulating work environment at TIK.
• Opportunity to be part of an international and interdisciplinary research group.
• Opportunity to participate at international conferences and workshops.
• 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.

How to apply

The application must include

• Application letter (including statement of motivation for the position, max 2 pages).
• Project description (demonstrating the candidate’s research interests and how they relate to the topic and requirements of the PhD project, max 3 pages). A short version of the ResBod project application is available on request.
• CV (summarising education, positions and academic work, including scientific publications).
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only).
• List of publications and academic work (if applicable).
• Names and contact details of 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 follow the link “Apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

Evaluation of the applicants

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the candidate’s potential to perform high quality academic research, the match between the candidate’s research interest (as indicated in the cover letter and the project description) and the wider research approach in ResBod, as well as the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project.

Short-listed applicants will be invited to an interview. The interview will be conducted in Norwegian/Nordic language.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

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 appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

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

Contact information

• Associate Professor Tone Druglitrø
• Fulvio Castellacci, Centre Director

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