Job description

There is a vacant position at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography for a postdoctoral fellow (SKO 1352) in sociology. The position is for a period of three years without compulsory work or four years with 25 % compulsory work (primarily teaching).

The department is ranked as the premier academic research institute in sociology in Norway, conducting top international research while offering high quality education for students. The department is renowned both for the breadth of topics and methodologies employed and for its highly qualified researchers.

Desired qualification and personal skills

We seek candidates with the potential to contribute to the development of sociology as a discipline in the department. The fellow is expected to pursue independent research, as outlined in their submitted project proposals. We value the contribution of young scholars to the academic environment and study programmes in the department and encourage candidates with a desire to participate actively in departmental life to apply.

Applicants should have research interests that resonate with ongoing research in the department. We currently have strong research activities in the fields of social inequality, migration, integration and diversity, cultural and political participation, urban studies, sustainable transformations, population dynamics, and work, organisations and politics. The call is not thematically limited to these topics, but preference can be given to candidates with a potential to contribute to the ongoing academic dialogue in the department.

Applicants interested in teaching duties must be able to teach in Norwegian or a Scandinavian language in order to meet current teaching needs. Applicants interested in teaching duties must acquire basic formal teaching competence by completing a mandatory pedagogical course provided by UiO unless they can document prior competence.

Residence in Norway is expected, but postdoctoral fellows are also encouraged to spend time abroad during the fellowship period.

Assessment criteria

Applicants will be assessed on the quality of the project proposal, their academic grades, the quality of the PhD dissertation and publications and the applicant’s personal prerequisites and motivation to carry out the project in the department. The hiring process will include an interview

• Applicants must have a PhD degree in sociology or equivalent. Only candidates who have submitted their doctoral thesis prior to the application closing date may apply for the position. Only candidates who received their PhD within the last five years will be considered. This requirement will take into account family leave etc, which should be accounted for in the CV.
• Applicants are expected to demonstrate through their application letter and project proposal how they will contribute to the development of sociology at the department. Applicants from other disciplinary backgrounds who wish to apply must demonstrate in their application letter that their educational background, scientific production and project proposal fall within the scope of sociology.
• The applicant must provide a tentative description (5-10 pages) of the research project that she or he plans to carry out during the fellowship period.
• Applicants are expected to be able to complete the project during the appointment period.
• Applicants must have native or near-native competence in English or a Scandinavian language.

The final hiring decision is the responsibility of the department’s board and will be based on an evaluation of the overall qualifications of the shortlisted candidates as well as the department’s needs.

We offer

• Salary NOK 544 400 – 626 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow
• An academically stimulating working environment
• 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

• A letter for application (statement of motivation and research interests).
• A project proposal (5-10 pages). The proposal must include the topic, relevant theory and methods and time-line. If the project requires field work/data collection, costs must be calculated and presented in a tentative budget.
• CV with full summary of education, practice and academic work.
• Copies of educational transcripts (academic transcripts only).
• A complete list of publications, please identify the 2-3 best publications.
• Up to five academic works (a doctoral dissertation or a monograph will count as three publications).
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number).

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

• Head of Department: Anniken Hagelund
• Head of Office: Inger-Lise Schwab

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