Postdoctoral Fellow on inclusive mathematics education in pre-service teacher education and schools

Job description

Applicants are invited for a three to four year position as Postdoctoral Fellow in mathematics didactics to be based at the Department of Teacher Education and School Research, at the University of Oslo. The intended starting date is October 1st 2024.

The postdoctoral position is linked to two research groups SISCO and TEPEC. SISCO (Studies of Instruction across Subjects and Competences) focuses on the field of subject didactics and subject specific questions and has a particular competency in the development and use of video-based studies and observation protocols. The research group TEPEC (Teachers’ Professional Development and Educational Change) focuses on questions related to teacher education, where development of quality in pre-service teachers’ (PST) teaching practice is a central topic of research.

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to pursue research that can contribute to achieving inclusive mathematics teacher education and prepare PSTs to work in culturally, socially and linguistically diverse secondary school mathematics classrooms. The increased social, linguistic and cultural complexity in Norwegian classrooms pose a challenge for teachers and demands that PSTs develop the necessary competencies for realising inclusive and equitable mathematics teaching. The project therefore aims to develop knowledge about how to support PST’s development of inclusive and equitable mathematics teaching practices.

Creating coherence and closing the perceived gap between on and off campus teacher education, in particular between on-campus seminars and teaching practice (practicum) in schools, is recognised as a main challenge for teacher education. A main goal of this project is to narrow this gap by developing tools that can be used for identification of and reflection on the enactment of inclusive and equitable teaching practices in diverse classrooms. Such tools should aim to capture and support development of subject-specific mathematics teaching practices linked to realising inclusive and equitable teaching and assessment practices in diverse classrooms and function as a tool that can be used to support both university-based teacher educators and school-based supervisors.

Possible themes of relevance for this research could include, but are not limited to:• Tools to facilitate aligning initial teacher education and school-based teacher education• Use of observation protocols for equitable and inclusive mathematics education• Video-observation as tool in mathematics teacher education• Tools to support student reflection

More about the position

The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of 3 years, 10% of which is devoted to required duties, usually in the form of teaching activities. If there is a good match between the candidate’s competence and the teaching needs at the Department of Teacher Education and School Research, the position may be extended to 4 years, 25% of which is devoted to required duties, usually in the form of teaching activities and supervision.

Postdoctoral fellows who are appointed for a period of four years are expected to acquire basic pedagogical competency during their fellowship period within the duty component of 25 %.

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

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in mathematics education, general education or another relevant field. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved
• Experience with classroom-oriented research in mathematics education
• Understanding of the Norwegian educational system at all levels, including teacher education
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in both a Scandinavian language and English

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

• The project description as a proof of the candidate’s mastery of idea development and scientific writing, the specific problems to be studied, the choice of scientific theory and method, and the proposed progress plan for the study
• The applicant’s experience, personal suitability and motivation for the position, including the ability to collaborate and to form part of an academic community

Personal skills

• A genuine interest for the substantive themes of the project
• A cooperative, friendly, and team-oriented style of work
• Creativity and ability to work independently

We offer

• Salary NOK 584 500 – 657 300 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 (1 page, including statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• Project description (4 – 6 pages), including a short summary of research gaps, research questions the candidate regards relevant to pursue, theoretical and methodological approaches, and a progress plan. 
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience, and other qualifying activity)
• Up to 5 publications/academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered
• A complete list of publications
• Copy of PhD Diploma or documentation of thesis submission. Applicants who have not yet defended their PhD dissertation need to include an advisor’s letter confirming specific expectations about when the degree will be received
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references , incl. the PhD supervisor (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

Incomplete applications will not be assessed. 

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 (or a Scandinavian language).

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 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 Postfoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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.

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

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.

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