Job description

Applicants are invited for a 3-4-year position as Postdoctoral Fellow in digital technologies within special needs education to be based at the Department of Special Needs Education at the University of Oslo.

The last decade has seen a sharp increase in the use of digital learning and assessment tools within education in general, and also within the field of special needs education. Digitalization has made it easier to scale up intervention programs to reach more potential users and to adapt assessments and learning programs to individual users’ needs. Digital tools can also produce rich process data that enable the fine-grained study of learning trajectories and compliance with intervention programs. Finally, technological development has spurred significant advances in augmentative and alternative communication tools. At the same time, the increased use of digital assessments, interventions and tools is associated with challenges, due to their abundant possibilities for distraction and access to unlimited information resources of varying quality. In some cases, digital tools may replace personal interaction that is required for learning, and in other cases, teachers and special education teachers struggle to integrate digital tools with traditional instruction.

The primary focus of the postdoctoral position is to develop and carry out research in the areas of digital assessments, digital interventions and habilitation, or digital augmentative and alternative communication technologies, independently and in collaboration with other researchers at the department. The project should have a clear relevance for special needs education. Depending on the specific postdoctoral project(s), the position may involve development of research designs, recruitment, preparation of assessment or intervention materials, assessment of children and adults, data analysis, and preparation of manuscripts for publication. Experience in working with children, and individuals with special educational needs is an advantage. The candidate is expected to train and supervise students and staff at the department who are interested in doing research projects related to digital learning and assessment tools.

The appointed postdoc should be affiliated with one of the department’s research groups.

The successful candidate must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in special education, education, psychology, cognitive science or related fields. Methodological qualifications will be given weight in the evaluation process. Experience in programing, interaction design and statistical analyses is an advantage.

More about the position

The appointment is a full time position for a period of up to three years, 10% of which is devoted to required duties, usually in the form of teaching activities. Depending on the qualifications of the candidate, the period may be extended to four years, 25 % of which is devoted to required duties, usually in the form of teaching activities at the department.

Postdoctoral fellows who are appointed for a period of four years are expected to acquire basic pedagogical competency in the course of their fellowship period within the duty component.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Please see the guidelines concerning appointment to post-doctoral and research positions at the University of Oslo.

Qualification requirements

• Appointment in the position requires a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in special needs education, education, psychology, cognitive science or related fields. The doctoral dissertation must be submitted or very close to submission by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Experience with data handling and GDPR

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

• Communication skills in a Scandinavian language is an advantage
• Experience working with children and individuals with special educational needs
• Methodological qualifications and ability to apply these to research within special needs education
• Experience with programming
• Experience with interaction design

Personal skills

• Team working and communication skills
• Creativity, curiosity, drive, and general interest in digital technologies and their advantages and disadvantages
• Interest in open science practices

We offer

• Salary NOK 526 000 – 608 200 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• A professionally 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:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• A project description, including a literature review and a progress plan ( 8-10 pages, including references)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• A 2-3 minute video where the applicant presents their scientific background, planned project and its significance
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications
• Up to three academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered
• 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. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English.

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

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

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 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. We also want to have employees with diverse expertise, combinations of subjects, life experience and perspectives. We will make adjustments for employees who require this.

If there are qualified applicants with special needs, gaps in their CVs or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups to an interview.

Contact information

• Professor Janne von Koss Torkildsen
• Head of Department/Professor Ona Bø Wie

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