Job description

Applications are invited for a four-year full-time position as a PhD research fellow in educational measurement and assessment to be based at the Centre for Educational Measurement at the University of Oslo (CEMO), Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Oslo.

CEMO provides a stimulating research environment by bringing together internationally renowned experts in methodological and substantive research fields. Research at CEMO combines basic research and applications of advanced measurement techniques to solve core educational problems. CEMO also contributes to the development of measurement competence through teaching and outreach. The centre is part of a broad international network and holds several, external research grants.

More about the position

The position as a PhD research fellow involves the evaluation and application of methodological approaches to address basic educational questions with complex data. These data may include but are not limited to (a) log file data generated from computer-based or ambulatory assessments, (b) data with hierarchical structures (e.g., students within classrooms, classrooms within schools), and (c) meta-data extracted from research studies (e.g., intervention effects).

Possible research areas and examples of topics include but are not limited to:

(1) Technology-based assessments and log file data analysis

• Assessing hard-to-measure skills such as computational thinking and problem solving
• Ambulatory assessments of motivational traits, beliefs, or mindsets
• Statistical approaches to log file data analysis
• Key reference: Greiff, S., Wuestenberg, S., & Avvisati, F. (2015). Computer-generated log-file analyses as a window into students' minds? A showcase study based on the PISA 2012 assessment of problem solving. Computers & Education, 91, 92-105.

(2) Multilevel analysis

• Applications of multilevel modeling in international large-scale assessments (e.g., to examine issues related to equity and diversity, classroom instruction, or school environments)
• Construct representation at multiple levels of analysis (e.g., student, classroom, school, or country level)
• Multilevel structural equation modeling
• Key reference: Stapleton, L. M., Yang, J. S., & Hancock, G. R. (2016). Construct Meaning in Multilevel Settings. Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, 41(5), 481-520.

(3) Meta-analysis and research syntheses

• Synthesizing reliability or validity evidence for test instruments across studies
• Random-effects meta-analysis
• Meta-analytic structural equation modeling
• Key reference: Cheung, M. W.-L., & Cheung, S. F. ( 2016). Random-effects models for meta-analytic structural equation modeling: Review, issues, and illustrations. Research Synthesis Methods, 7, 140-155.

Candidates who link their project proposal to one of these areas will be prioritized. To discuss potential research topics and support the development of the proposal, candidates are encouraged to contact Ronny Scherer in advance.

Within the position, the PhD research fellow will develop skills in quantitative methodology, statistical programming, and scientific communication.

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

• A Master’s degree in a field relevant to educational measurement and assessment (e.g., educational, social, or behavioral sciences, statistics, quantitative research methodology, psychometrics).
• Documented experience with quantitative methodology, especially latent variable models.

By the time of appointment, successful candidates must satisfy the requirements of admission to the Faculty’s PhD candidate program.

These include:

• The successful completion of a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) or an equivalent qualification with sufficient relevance to the fields of educational measurement and assessment.
• The Master’s degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS.
• Minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent on the Master’s degree, and an explicit indication of the grade achieved on the thesis part.

Applicants are required to provide documentation of English language proficiency in the form of an academic degree from an English language university or an approved English proficiency test with a minimum required score. Further information about the admission requirements and an application form can be found on this website.

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

• The applicant’s academic aptitude for completing the research training programme.
• The project description, which must be submitted with the application.
• The applicant’s personal suitability and motivation for the post, including his/her ability to collaborate.
• Other qualifications that meet the objectives of the position.

We offer

• Salary from NOK 479 600–NOK 523 200 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as a PhD research fellow (position code 1017). Research fellows are normally allocated to pay grade 54 (NOK 479 600) on appointment. The position is remunerated according to the Norwegian State salary scale.
• PhD students receive full tuition, a partial fee waiver, and five weeks of paid vacations. PhD candidates are also entitled to apply for subsidized housing through the University of Oslo, subject to availability.
• The University of Oslo offers attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities.

How to apply

The application must be submitted electronically and must include

• A cover letter, including a statement of motivation and research interests
• A project description, including the research questions to be examined within the abovementioned areas, a brief literature review, and the potential methods to be applied (approximately 2-3 pages)
• Completed application form for admission to the doctoral degree programme (see this website)
• A curriculum vitae, including education, positions, and academic work. The CV can be submitted electronically via the application system.
• Master thesis and any other academic work relevant to the application
• Documentation of English proficiency
• Documentation of earlier education (e.g., diplomas, grade transcripts, course descriptions)
• 1-2 references with contact information (e.g., Master thesis supervisor(s))

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).

Incomplete applications will, under normal circumstances, not be assessed. As a rule, interviews will be conducted as part of the application process. Original diplomas and grade transcripts from previous courses of study need to be presented or sent to us from the universities from which the PhD candidate obtained the degrees.

Further information about the application process can be obtained from Senior Adviser Anne-Catherine Lehre.

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 Ronny Scherer

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