About the position

A Postdoctoral Research Fellow (SKO 1352) is available at the Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History (IAKH), University of Oslo.

The position is for a fixed term of three years within the scope of the project POLYCHROME ‒ “The Survival of Damaged Medieval Polychromed Heritage in the Nordics”. POLYCHROME is funded by the European Research Council between 2024 and 2029 (Grant Agreement number 101125383). 

The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary research team, with primary responsibilities related to imaging and examination of medieval polychromed objects in museums and churches across Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Duties include extensive travel in a mobile laboratory, data treatment, data interpretation and publication. Data gathering must adhere to the strict timeframe for POLYCHROME that has been agreed between the European Research Council and the University of Oslo. 

Duties also include administration and teaching (10%) and can include training for basic teaching qualifications. 

The successful candidate should take up the position between October 1st 2025 and January 15th 2026.

Requirements

Qualification requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Heritage Science or related discipline
• Documented experience with non-invasive imaging techniques applied to heritage objects
• High degree of IT literacy
• Fluent oral and written English-language skills
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position
• Potential to contribute to the aims of POLYCHROME within the allotted timeframe
• Defence and approval of the doctoral dissertation before the closing date for applications

Qualifications that count in the assessment of applicants

• Documented experience with digital X-radiography, 3D microscopy, portable XRF and FTIR spectroscopies
• Hands-on experience in a museum or heritage organisation
• Documented success with inter- and cross-disciplinary collaborations
• Documented success of working within deadlines
• Communication skills and enthusiasm for popular dissemination, public outreach and innovation
• Driving licence (Class B) valid for Scandinavia
• Competence in a Scandinavian language

The aforementioned criteria and qualifications will be evaluated in relation to the career stage of individual applicants. Candidates with relevant experience with medieval polychromed objects and paintings will be prioritised. 

We offer

• A professionally stimulating work environment
• Good welfare schemes.
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.
• Salary in position as Postdoctoral Fellow, position code 1352 in salary range NOK from 579 700 to 661 600, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.

Read more about the benefits of working in the public sector at Employer Portal.

Inclusive worklife and diversity at UiO

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.

We hope that you will apply for the position. 

More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here.

How to apply

The application must include:

• Application letter, describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position
• Curriculum Vitae, including education history with grades, work experience and relevant activities, including teaching
• List of publications
• Copies of diplomas and degree certificates

All documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Applicants with education from a foreign university must attach an explanation of their university’s grading system. 

The candidate’s doctoral dissertation and academic works may be requested during evaluation. 

The application with attachments must be delivered in the electronic recruiting system, jobbnorge.no. Short-listed candidates will be invited to interview.

General information

The best qualified candidates will invited for interviews. 

Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we cannot, you will hear from us.

Please refer to Regulations for the Act on universities and colleges chapter 3 (Norwegian) and Guidelines concerning appointment to post doctoral and research posts at UiO (Norwegian).

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.

Apply for position

Questions about the position

• Noëlle L. W. Streeton (Professor), +47 22859323, n.l.w.streeton@iakh.uio.no
• Hilde Kristine Sletner (HR Senior Adviser), h.k.sletner@hf.uio.no
• Eirinn Larsen (Head of Department), + 47 92226993, eirinn.larsen@iakh.uio.no