Doctoral Research Fellows in Optics, Vision and Eye Care
Deadline: 14.02.2021
University of South-Eastern Norway
The University of South-Eastern Norway, USN, is one of Norway’s largest higher education institutions, with around 18,000 students and 1,900 employees across eight different campuses.
We offer studies, research and knowledge dissemination, all targeting various professions and working life and with a high level of quality internationally. Our goal as a University is to create value both for the individual student and for business and commerce, the public sector and society in general. We achieve this by utilising the best tools we have: education and research.
USN is a University with a strong social commitment where studies and working life are integrated. At USN, we focus on practice-relevant, profession-oriented and applied research and education.
The students shall benefit from innovative educational methods and challenging studies closely associated with society's requirements and needs. They will learn how to adapt to a society and working life that is constantly changing. The University shall meet major social challenges with knowledge and expertise, helping to promote practical solutions, structural changes and new ways of thinking. USN’s academic activities shall be embodied by a clear dedication to the UN’s sustainable development goals. The University aims to realise this main profile in close cooperation with society and working life.
For more information on USN, please go to www.usn.no
The Faculty of Health and Social Sciences have two vacancies as Doctoral Research Fellows in Optics, Vision and Eye Care
About the position
USN has two (2) vacancies for 100% positions as PhD Research Fellows at the National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care.
The main research focus at the centre is in addressing key challenges facing contemporary society in relation to promoting eye health and maintaining visual function across the lifespan with research organized into three thematic research programmes: 1) Ocular structure and visual function, 2) Vision, motor skills and learning and 3) Light, vision and health. The goal is to advance knowledge in eye and vision science to underpin vision care and clinical practice such as early detection, timely referral and shared-care of eye diseases and conditions; factors that will have an impact on other dimensions of health and quality of life.
About the PhD-project
The vacant positions are part of two larger ongoing longitudinal studies within the National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye care (1) The cornea and tears in diabetes – the role of the optometrists in preventive health care – as part of Diabetes, Vision and Eye Care study (weblink) and (2) Common eye problems, impaired sensorimotor function and academic attainment in children and adolescents – as part of Southeast Norway visuomotor (SNOW) study (weblink). The PhD projects must address the research objectives within these two topics and the applicant are asked to submit a 5-page proposal with their application. The position involves external collaboration with scientists working on health services and learning sciences.
The positions are formally affiliated with the Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design; The place of employment is at the University’s Campus Kongsberg.
The appointment is for a term of three years.
For further information concerning the positions and projects please contact for project (1) Vibeke Sundling, Associate Professor, +47 92424360 and for project (2) Rigmor C. Baraas, Professor, +47 92836659.
Qualifications
Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master’s degree or equivalent higher education qualifications in a relevant field with an average grade B or better from the Master degree, in addition to a grade B or better of the final master project, is required. The applicant must have gained the degree within the application deadline. It will be an advantage to have Norwegian authorization within an eye care profession (optometry, ophthalmology, orthoptics). Applicants must have an excellent command of written and spoken English and at least one Scandinavian language.
It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the USN doctoral programme in Person Centred Health Care. This is a condition for appointment as Doctoral Research Fellow.
The candidate should have competency, willingness and interest in learning the relveant topics to the PhD project and associated areas such as knowledge of experimental design, research methods and data science. In addition to formal qualifications, the candidate must have a personal motivation for research, ability to work independently and focused, ability to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
Personal suitability for the position will be emphasized.
Co-operation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realise common objectives. The candidate must be motivated to share his or her knowledge and to collaborate closely within the research group.
We offer
A stimulating and growing research environment, with good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills
Opportunity for physical activities within working hours
Salary
PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 482 200 a year. Further promotion will be based on time served in the position.
A statutory contribution to the state pension plan will be deducted from the employee’s salary.
Other information
The Academic Appointments Board is responsible for appointments to academic positions at University College of Southeast Norway. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. Short-listed candidates will be called in for interviews and must be prepared to present and discuss their projects.
The person appointed must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply at any given time to the post.
According to its human resources policy, the University of South-Eastern Norway targets a balanced gender composition and aims to recruit persons with a background as an immigrant.
The University contributes to the Inkluderingsdugnaden (a voluntary scheme to promote inclusion), and it is our aim that our employees, to the fullest extent possible, shall reflect the diversity of the general population. We therefore also encourage qualified applicants with disabilities to apply for the post. The University will facilitate the workplace for employees with disabilities.
Pursuant to section 25, 2nd paragraph of the Freedom of Information Act, information on the applicant may be disclosed even if the applicant has requested not be included on the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified if such requests are not allowed.
Contact information
For more information about Project (1) please contact:
Vibeke Sundling, Associate Professor, +47 92424360
For more information about Project (2) please contact:
Rigmor C. Baraas, Professor, +47 92836659
For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact: Senior Executive Officer Cathrine H. Fagerli, email: cathrine.h.fagerli@usn.no
How to apply
The University of South-Eastern Norway makes use of online application management. Applicants to the post must register their application and CV with enclosures online via the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking on the link on the right-hand side – “Søk stillingen” (Apply for the post).
The following documents shall be attached to the online application:
Transcripts and diplomas of Bachelor's and Master's Degrees (120 ECTS or equivalent)
A maximum 5 page project description
Documentation of english proficiency
Any scientific publications and a list of these
Three references (contact information)
Please note that all documents must be in a Scandinavian language or in English. Any translations must be certified.
Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application.
The University has been awarded a Charter & Code certificate by the European Commission, and is entitled to use the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) logo. The University is also a member of the EURAXESS network, which contributes to good working conditions for mobile researchers.
