Job description

Applications are invited for a 4-year position in a Research Fellowship as a PhD Candidate in educational sciences to be based at the Department of Education, University of Oslo. The research fellow will be affiliated with the research group “Living and Learning in the Digital Age” (LiDA). Participants in this research group investigate children and young people’s learning, use of technology and socialization in formal and informal learning contexts. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches are used in this research. More information about research projects and topics covered by LiDA can be found on the research group’s website.

Applicants must prepare an independent project proposal within the LIDA group’s target area focusing on how digital technologies transform dialogue and participation in knowledge practices in educational institutions. Dialogic learning processes in formal learning are key in the development of social skills and competencies children and young people need for work and full participation in society in the 21st century, where particularly collaboration, creativity and critical thinking skills (evaluating and integrating information, forming ideas, and justifying and communicating in and across knowledge domains) are needed. This area of research is especially important if schooling and other formal learning arenas are to compensate for the diversity and structural inequalities among children, and is furthermore needed to address the complexity and multiple experiences afforded by digital technologies. Researchers in LiDA have been producing research that is central in helping teachers in schools and curators in museums to create a culture for participation that promotes dialogic learning processes with the use of digital technologies.

While international applicants are certainly welcome, mastery of a Scandinavian language is desirable. We are seeking a highly motivated and competent candidate who is willing and able to participate actively in the research community in the department and in the research group, as well as in the wider international community of scholars in this area of research.

More about the position

The fellowship period is up to 4 years, with 3 years devoted to research education. The position entails a compulsory work load of 25 % that consists of teaching and supervision duties and research assistance.

The research fellow must take part in the Faculty’s approved PhD program and is expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period. The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in education or another relevant academic field (e.g., psychology, special education, media science, or applied linguistics).The grade for the Master’s degree (120 ECTS) must at least be B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent, and the degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS
• Familiarity with the Norwegian school system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English and a Scandinavian language advantage

Emphasis will be put on:

• The quality of the project proposal
• The proposal’s alignment with the target aria described above

Personal skills

In the assessment of applications, emphasis will be put on:

• The applicants’ academic and personal qualifications for completing the research training program
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position
• Good ability to collaborate nationally and internationally

We offer

• Salary NOK 482 200 - 526 000 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow, (position code 1017)
• 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

• Cover letter, including statement of motivation and research interests
• A project description (8-10 pages cf. guidance)
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• Documentation of english proficiency
• A complete list of publications and academic works
• 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 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).

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the project description and the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. Applicants may be called in for an interview.

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.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. We also want to have employees with diverse expertise, combinations of subjects, life experience and perspectives. We will make adjustments for employees who require this.

If there are qualified applicants with special needs, gaps in their CVs or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups to an interview.

Contact information

• Professor Ingvill Rasmussen

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