Job description

Applications are invited for a 4 year position in a Research Fellowship as a PhD Candidate in educational sciences to be based at the Department of Education, University of Oslo. The research fellow will be affiliated with the research group “Living and Learning in the Digital Age” (LiDA). Participants in this research group investigates children and young people’s learning, use of technology and socialization in formal and informal learning contexts. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches are used in this research. More information about research projects and topics covered by LiDA can be found on the research group’s website.

For this position, applicants must prepare an independent project proposal within the LIDA groups target area focusing on dialogic learning and teaching. Dialogic learning is key in the development of oracy skills, social skills and competencies children and young people need for work and participation in society. Dialogic teaching is central to support different students’ learning of basic skills as well as disciplinary learning in ways that are sensitive to the entanglements of cognitive, social, and emotional development. Research in this area is important if the school and other formal learning settings are to compensate for the diversity and structural inequalities among children and young people. We also need more knowledge about how dialogic teaching can support students’ diverse experiences from participating across settings, both online and offline. Researchers in LiDA have been producing research that is central in helping teachers in schools and curators in museums to create a culture for participation that promotes dialogic learning processes with the use of digital technologies. Please see our guidelines for more information about the project outline.

More about the position

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

• applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in education or another relevant academic field (e.g., teacher education, psychology, special education, media science, or applied linguistics). The grade for the Master’s degree (120 ECTS) must at least be B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent, and the degree must include athesis of at least 30 ECTS
• familiarity with the Norwegian school system
• fluent oral and written communication skills in English and a Scandinavian language

When assessing applications, emphasis is placed on the project description and the applicant's academic orientation and personal suitability. It would be an advantage, but not a requirement, if the candidate also has knowledge of how the Norwegian school system. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

While international applicants are certainly welcome, mastery of a Scandinavian language is needed in order to collect and analyse data.

Personal skills

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

• the quality of the project proposal 
• the proposal’s alignment with the target aria described above 
• 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 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, as well as in the wider international community of scholars in this area of research

We offer

• salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow, (position code 1017, unntaksvis position code 1378 )
• an interdisciplinary and international work environment, recognized as a Centre of Excellence
• 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 (1 page, incl. a statement of motivation and interests)
• project description (approximately 5 - 7 pages, including a short summary of research gaps, research questions the candidate regards relevant to pursue, theoretical and methodological approaches, and a progress plan for the PhD). Please see our guidelines.
• CV (summarizing education, positions, publications and other relevant academic work)
• copy of the Master´s thesis
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only). Foreign applicants must attach an explanation of their grading system
• list of reference persons: 2-3 references, including the supervisor of the Master´s thesis (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).

Incomplete applications will not be assessed.

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the eventually “project description” and the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. Applicants may be called in for an interview.

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.

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

• Professor Ingvill Rasmussen
• Professor Kenneth Silseth

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