Job description

Applications are invited for a 4 year position in a Research Fellowship as PhD Candidate related to the research areas covered by the research group "Text comprehension: Development, Instruction, and Multiple texts" (TextDIM) to be based at the Department of Education, University of Oslo.

The TextDIM research group investigates oral language and discourse in relation to reading literacy in both language minority and language majority students across the age span. Ongoing projects research short- and long-term effects of promoting oral language development in the preschool and early school years, as well as understanding and promoting critical reading and learning skills among secondary and post-secondary students. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches are used in this research.

Applicants must prepare a project proposal that can be positioned within one of the following thematic research areas within the TextDIM research group : "Teaching for text comprehension", which examines ways of supporting young dual language learners’ language development and text comprehension in early childhood education, or "Multiple document literacy", which concerns students' critical reading of and learning from multiple information sources, as well as the roles of individual and contextual factors in such critical reading and learning. Of note is that some TextDIM projects may require mastery of a Scandinavian language. 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.

More information about research topics and projects covered by TextDIM can be found on the research group’s website.

More about the position

The fellowship period is 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. The Master’s degree (120 ECTS) must have a minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent. The Master’s degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Some TextDIM projects may require mastery of a Scandinavian language

Personal skills

In the assessment of applications, emphasis will be put on

• The quality of the project proposal
• The proposal’s alignment with one of the research group’s projects
• 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 479 600 – 523 200 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as Research Fellow (position code 1017). Research Fellows are normally allocated pay grade 54 on appointment.
• 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 statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• Project description (8-10 pages) (see guidelines for project descriptions)
• Completed application form for admission to the doctoral degree programme (see this page)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• 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.

Further information on admission requirements and an application form can be found at this website.

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

• Professor Vibeke Grøver (leader TextDIM), phone: + 47 22 85 76 01
• Head of Department Ola Erstad, phone: +47 22 85 52 16

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