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 “Text comprehension: Development, Instruction, and Multiple texts” (TextDIM). Participants in this research group investigate oral language and discourse in relation to reading literacy in both language minority and language majority students across the age span, as well as reading across mediums (i.e., printed and digital texts) and critical reading and learning skills among secondary and post-secondary students. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches are used in this research. More information about research projects and topics covered by TextDIM can be found on the research group’s website

For this position, applicants must prepare a project proposal positioned within the project “Reading across mediums, devices, and contexts” (CrossREAD), anchored within the research agenda of the TextDIM group. This project compares learning and comprehension across reading mediums (printed and digital texts), learning and comprehension across digital devices (e.g., desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones), and learning and comprehension across digital reading contexts (e.g., social networking sites, question-and-answering forums, online news sites, and more traditional websites). While international applicants are certainly welcome, mastery of a Scandinavian language is desirable. 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.

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., 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
• fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Personal skills

In the assessment of applications, emphasis will be put on

• 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 PhD research fellow.
• 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, including statement of motivation and research interests
• project description (8-10 pages, cf guidance)
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• completed application form for admission to the doctoral degree program (see this page)
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only, including information of the University’s grading system) in the event of diplomas from other countries: printouts of prospectuses or similar that describe the content and framework of the courses of study on which the application is based.
• master’s thesis and any other academic works that may be of relevance to the application.
• 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 quality of the project proposal, the proposal’s alignment with the specific project described above (CrossREAD), and the applicant’s academic and personal qualifications for carrying out the project and completing the research training program. 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.

Contact information

• Professor Vibeke Grøver (leader of TextDIM)

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