Center for Multilingualism in Society Across the Lifespan (MultiLing)

Job description

A three-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (SKO 1352), financed by the Research Council of Norway, is available at the Center for Multilingualism in Society across the Lifespan (MultiLing) at the Department of Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies, University of Oslo, starting April 2020.

MultiLing is a Center of Excellence funded by the Research Council of Norway and opened in June 2013. The Center successfully completed the Midterm Evaluation to secure funding for the second period of five years, until May 2023. MultiLing aims to generate scientific knowledge on multilingualism across the lifespan, related to three themes: Theme 1 Multilingual competence, Theme 2 Multilingual practices, and Theme 3 Multilingualism, ideologies and language policies (for more information, see http://www.hf.uio.no/multiling/). MultiLing’s Research Strategy Plan (MRSP) for the Second Five Year Period (2018 – 2023) can be found here.

More about the position

MultiLing seeks to recruit a postdoctoral candidate with excellent research qualifications who will work with MultiLing researchers collaborating on research as addressed in MultiLing’s Research Strategy Plan (MRSP). The announced position is devoted to studies of multilingualism in Norwegian contexts, with a special focus on formal and/or informal language learning and development, in one or more of the following areas:

• Multilingualism in educational and institutional settings (see section 1.1and 2.3 in MRSP)
• Multilingualism and mediated communication (for instance use of minoritized languages and/or non-standard varieties) (see section 2.4 in MRSP)
• Multilingualism in public spaces (see section 3.3 in MRSP).

Applicants are expected to present an independent research project proposal, and must articulate how the proposed project fits in MultiLing’s Research Strategy Plan.

The successful candidate is expected to become part of MultiLing’s research environment and contribute to its development. The successful candidate is expected to strengthen the relevant research areas addressed above, to contribute to and participate in the various workshops, conferences and activities organized by MultiLing, and to be an active member of the MultiLing team in Oslo.

The positions are available for a period of three years, starting April 1, 2020. There is a 10 % component of the position devoted to teaching and administrative duties. The main purpose of postdoctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

We seek strongly motivated, competent and internationally oriented candidates, with high-ranking academic qualifications in the relevant area of research.

• The candidate should have a PhD degree or equivalent in Linguistics, Scandinavian languages, Second Language Acquisition, Rhetoric and Communication, Linguistic anthropology or some other relevant discipline related to MultiLing’s work
• Experience in working on bilingualism or multilingualism
• Excellent written and spoken language skills in English

The doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the application deadline. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.

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

• The project’s scientific merit, research-related relevance and innovation, and relevance for MultiLing’s Research Strategy Plan
• The applicant’s international experience and network
• The applicant’s academic and personal qualifications to carry out the project within the allotted time frame
• Good cooperative skills, and the ability to successfully join in academic collaboration within and across disciplines
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position

Good knowledge of a Scandinavian language will be an advantage.

We offer

• Salary NOK 523 200 – 605 500 per annum depending on qualifications
• A challenging and stimulating working environment
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Attractive welfare benefits

How to apply

The application must include

• Application letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position
• Curriculum Vitae (with a complete list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities)
• List of publications
• Project description (3 - 5 pages). The project description must present a feasible progress plan. It is expected that the applicant will be able to complete the project during the period of appointment.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants must attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language). Diplomas, certificates, doctoral thesis and other academic works may be requested later.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project description and the quality of the project as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

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.

The University of Oslo has an Acquisition of Rights Agreement for the purpose of securing rights to intellectual property created by its employees, including research results.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

For questions about the position:

• Professor and Center Director Elizabeth Lanza, E-mail: elizabeth.lanza@iln.uio.no

For questions on how to apply:

• HR-Officer Steffen Remvik, E-mail: steffen.remvik@hf.uio.no

Apply for position