University of South-Eastern Norway has about 18 000 students and about 1900 employees. The university is organized in four faculties, with instruction and R&D activities on eight campuses. The main profile of the university is to provide socially relevant education, geared towards specific professions, and adapted to the requirements of the workplace, as well as to produce applied research and development.
The USN Scool of Business have a vacancy for a position as PhD Research Fellow in Management “Climate change risks and other threats to cultural and natural heritahes sites"
About the position
The Faculty of USN School of business has a vacancy for a 100 % temporary position as PhD Research Fellow in Management "Climate change risks and other threats to cultural and natural heritage sites" from 01.08.2023.
The employment period will be three years of full time research and training, with no teaching obligations. It a premise for employment that the PhD Research Fellow is enrolled in USN’s PhD-program in Management within three months of accession in the position.
About the PhD-project
Climate change risks and other threats to cultural and natural heritage sites
The impacts of climate change on natural and cultural heritage sites are inevitable. The nature of the impacts ranges from rising sea levels to extreme weather events that could impede the sustainable management of cultural heritage sites and threaten their existence. UNESCO periodically conducts assessments on the perceptions of World Heritage site managers on the severity of climate change and extreme weather events and their impact on cultural and natural heritage sites. Interestingly, about 40 per cent of World Heritage site managers did not provide information on threats to World Heritage. These threats include climate change, extreme weather events and sudden geological events, but also man-made factors in a narrower sense. These include visitor pressure, traffic and residential development, and illegal activities. In addition, administrative and institutional factors (lack of funding, legal protection, management plans) are often identified, followed by construction and development, other human activities (civil unrest, war, illegal activities) and social/cultural use of heritage (tourism, changes in local lifestyles).
The PhD research project aims to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of cultural and natural heritage sites in Europe due to climate change and other threats. In particular, a risk assessment will be carried out in relation to fire risk, extreme heat waves, sea level rise and flood risk. Related factors such as air pollution and visitor pressure are also considered. Data sources include objectively measurable extreme weather factors as well as managers' subjective perceptions (based on UNESCO's regular 2014 and 2024 report), official weather data and social media sources. The methods include both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Depending on the research focus of the doctoral student, possible research areas and questions include:
Risk assessment of threats to cultural and natural heritage sites such as climate change and related factors.
Analysis of perceptions of threats by managers of cultural and natural sites and their determinants (location, size, age, list of threats, type).
Adaptive capacity of management to address threats to cultural heritage sites.
Stakeholders' views on climate change and other risks.
Action plan for communication and management of climate change and other risks.
The candidate must be familiar with the theoretical basis of climate change adaptation and management response and with the relevant methods (both qualitative and quantitative research methods). Collaboration with scientists from the natural sciences department of the Bø campus and climate change researchers (Prof. Dieu Tien Bui) is recommended.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Master of Science (120 ECTS) in marketing, business, management, or equivalent with documented command of research methodology with average grade B or higher.
The degree must be accomplished before the commencement date.
Highly qualified candidates with other educational backgrounds may be considered
Candidates with other backgrounds must at a minimum have a master level course in research methods and a master level course in their main field of study.
Applicants with MSc degrees from institutions outside Europe must document GMAT results of a minimum of 600 points (or GRE equivalent).
Candidates must have an excellent command of written and spoken English.
The candidate must have the ability to work independently and at the same time have the motivation to share knowledge and take part in teamwork. Research and project work experience and publication record are desirable.
Personal suitability for the post will be emphasised.
Co-operation between staff members is an integral part of the working environment 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 appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.
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): NOK501 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 for PhD Research Fellowships is responsible for the appointment. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. The candidates deemed best qualified will be invited to an interview.
The successful candidate is obliged to participate in all common activities relating to the PhD education such as course work, seminars, and other events. These activities take place in campus Drammen and candidates located on other campuses must commute there to participate.
An integral part of this 3-year fulltime PhD-study is campus based presence.
The research area for the position can include technologies referred to in the Ministry's export control regulations, in that case the candidate must be eligible to obtain a security clearance.
The person appointed must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply at any given time to the post.
According to USN human resources policy, it is our aim that our employees, to the fullest extent possible, shall reflect the diversity of the general population. 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 we 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 the position:
Project manager: Martin Falk +4791606958 and Håvard Ness, +4731008738, martin.falk@usn.no and havard.ness@usn.no
Head of Department: Terje Andersen, + 4735952592 ,Terje.Andersen@usn.no
For questions regarding the recruitment process:
HR-advisor Kari Ann Sommerset kari.a.sommerset@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 (180 ECTS) and Master Degrees (120 ECTS)
Master thesis. Applicants that have not completed their thesis at the application date must submit an abstract of the planned thesis work, a date for when the thesis is expected to be approved, and a signed confirmation from the supervisor that the thesis work is in progress and that it is expected to be submitted on time.
Other relevant certificates (if applicable, must be specified)
A maximum 5 page project description
A 1 page motivation letter
Any scientific publications and a list of these
Contact information to three references
If applicable, the following documents shall be submitted no later than one week before interview can take place:
Please note that all documents must be in a Scandinavian language or in English. Any translations must be certified.
The application will be assessed on the basis of the attached documentation as requested above. Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application deadline.
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.
