Energy turbulence, the political response - your new research project?

About the Position

The Department of Political Science is recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow (SKO 1352) with specialisation in European Energy Studies. The successful applicant will be part of the research project” Energy turbulence, the political response”, which is funded by the “Academia agreement” between the University of Oslo and Equinor. The person appointed may be given either a three year-appointment with no teaching requirement, or an appointment for a period of four years with a 25 per cent teaching requirement, depending on how the candidate’s competence fits in with the Department’s teaching portfolio.

More about the position

“Energy turbulence, the political response” is a research project on the relationship between energy transition and energy security in today's turbulent geopolitical situation. The project focuses on how ”energy external” changes such as pandemic, war and climate change, create uncertainty in energy markets and the industrial organization of various energy sectors, and the political response to these challenges in Europe, in particular the implications for the energy politics and policy of the European Union.

The project is headed by Professor Dag Harald Claes. The project will be part of an informal international research network on energy turbulence, including researcher from US, UK, Italy, Germany, Finland and Norway. 

The main purpose of the fellowship is for researchers to qualify for work in higher academic positions. To this end, the main focus of this position is to conduct research, including publication and dissemination. In addition, the fellow is expected to actively contribute to the energy and climate research environment at the department. The postdoctoral fellow is free to define their own research agenda of thematic relevance for “Energy turbulence, the political response”. If the position entails teaching obligations, the appointed postdoctoral fellow is expected to acquire basic pedagogical competency during the fellowship period.

Formal qualifications 

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree (PhD) in Political Science or a closely related discipline before taking up the post. 
• For applicants who have yet to receive their PhD degree, the Doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation before the application deadline. 

Other Qualifications

• Applicants must have a very good command of English (written and oral).
• Previous research into and familiarity within the fields of International Political Economy of Energy, Energy Security Studies or EU Energy Politics is an advantage.

The evaluation of applicants is based on documented, academic qualifications and the research plan. Personal suitability, motivation, and compatibility with the rest of the project team are also considered. The most promising candidates are invited to an interview.

We offer

• Salary according to “SKO 1352 postdoktor”, NOK 594 500-657 300 per year
• Personal research funds that can be used for e.g. travel and research assistance (currently NOK 45,000 per year) 
• A stimulating and international research environment with multiple research groups and seminar series
• A friendly and inclusive workplace allowing for a good work-life balance
• Access to Norway’s excellent public services and welfare schemes, including generous parental leave provisions and affordable and accessible childcare (including the university’s kindergartens)
• Norway’s capital with its rich cultural life and easy access to beautiful nature
• Financial and practical support for international staff moving to Norway (international staff may also benefit from tax cuts in their first years)
• The university’s mentoring programme for female postdocs 

How to apply

The application with attachments must be submitted in our electronic recruiting system. Please follow the link “Apply for this job”. All documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their university’s grading system. 

• A cover letter (max 2 pages), including a statement of motivation
• A research plan (maximum 1,500 words excluding references) that elaborates your own research agenda. The research plan should explain your theoretical approach, methodology, timeline, and a publication plan outlining your expected outputs. The research plan should also clarify how your research plan will contribute to the existing literature within relevant fields.
• A CV summarising education, positions, research and pedagogical experience, administrative experience, and other qualifying activities. Career breaks, including parental leave, that are noted in the CV will be taken into consideration when evaluating applicants’ academic production.
• A complete list of publications
• Copies of educational diplomas and academic transcripts (PhD, MA)
• A copy of what you consider to be your best academic work to date (only one). If this is a co-authored paper/publication, you must additionally submit a declaration of co-authorship specifying your individual contribution and signed by your co-author(s).
• Your PhD dissertation (any language)
• Names and contact details for 2-3 reference persons (name, relationship to candidate, e-mail, and phone number). Reference letters are not needed
• Applicants who have not yet defended their PhD dissertation must include a letter formally confirming that the dissertation has been submitted for evaluation before the application deadline. The exact date it was submitted should be noted in the cover letter

The application deadline is September 10th, 2024. 

The screening and evaluation of candidates will begin immediately. We expect the whole evaluation process, from the application date to an offer being made, to take 12-16 weeks, depending on the number of applications. The expected start date is January 1st, 2025. 

We aim to increase diversity in our staff, and especially encourage women to apply. 

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow 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.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

• Professor Dag Harald Claes 
• Head of Research, Professor Tobias Bach