Postdoctoral researcher - Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism
Deadline: 30.04.2021
University of Bergen
The University of Bergen is a renowned educational and research institution, organised into seven faculties and approximately 54 institutes and academic centres. Campus is located in the centre of Bergen with university areas at Nygårdshøyden, Haukeland, Marineholmen, Møllendalsveien and Årstad.
Through robust and close interaction with the world around us – globally, nationally and locally – we shall be instrumental in building a society based on knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Do you want to take part in shaping the future?
Postdoctoral Research Fellow position
Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism at the Department of Administration and Organization Theory is looking for a postdoctoral researcher. We are especially interested in candidates with skills in comparative qualitative analysis and survey methodologies. The duration of the post doc position (100%) is 3 years.
About the project:
The research fellow will conduct research in relation to research questions outlined in the project “Legitimacy challenges - An analysis of mistrust in core institutions and the normative fundament of the welfare state”. The project is funded by The Research Council of Norway and based at the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism at the University of Bergen. Professor Marit Skivenes is the principal investigator for the project.
The main objectives for the project are to reveal conditions and mechanisms for sustaining legitimacy in societies in which there is a backlash on social and political right developments. The empirical focus is children’s rights and child protection systems. The project will analyze and compare the opinions of citizens in six different countries on the topic of family values and children's rights, and critically analyze the discourse's around child protection and children's rights.
The Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism is an international and interdisciplinary research centre addressing one of the core themes in the social sciences: the relationship between the state and its citizens. Research at the Centre is concern with the organization and legitimacy of the welfare state, government’s use of power toward its citizens and the justifications of state interventions into people’s lives. The research at the Centre is comparative - between nations, systems and individuals.
For more information about the Centre and the project, check out this link.
Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the principal investigator for further details (marit.skivenes@uib.no)
Work tasks:
To engage in independent scientific research that will result in a high-quality research addressing core themes of the research project
To write academic, peer-reviewed publications
To participate in the collection, pooling, and analysis of data
To support and work with the principal investigator in carrying out the research project
To participate in the organisation of research activities and events, such as conferences, workshops, joint publications, and web activities
To actively contribute to the academic life of the Centre and the Department
Qualifications and personal qualities:
A Ph.D. in political science, sociology or economics. Other educational background may be considered if clearly related to the project topic. (Candidates must have submitted or be close to submitting their thesis to be considered for the position).
Experience and keen interest in comparative research.
Extensive knowledge and experience with quantitative methods and survey methodologies.
Knowledge and experience with text analysis and qualitative methods
Ability to work independently and to cooperate with others
Fluency in written and spoken English is a requirement
Interest in engaging in independent research on topics related to the research project
Knowledge of child protection systems and/or children’s rights is an advantage
Applicants will be evaluated based on their research and its fit with the project; the candidate’s methods skills; the candidate’s interest in the project’s topic; the quality of the publications and their personal and relational skills.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.
About the position of postdoctoral research fellow:
The position of postdoctoral research fellow is a fixed-term appointment with the primary objective of qualifying the appointee for work in top academic positions. The fixed-term period for this position is three (3) years. Individuals may not be hired for more than one fixed-term period as a postdoctoral research fellow at the same institution. It is a condition of employment as Post doc that the Ph.D degree has been awarded at the start of employment.
A summary of suggested research initiatives must accompany the application. The document should specify the research themes/questions the applicant would like to investigate within the project’s topic, how the researcher plans to contribute to the overarching goals of the project, and plans for research design, research outputs and dissemination.
We can offer:
Salary at pay grade 60 - 62 (code 1352) on the government salary scale upon appointment (equivalent to NOK 535 200 – 555 800,- per year). Further promotions are made according to length of service in the position. A higher salary may be considered for a particularly well qualified applicant
A good, vibrant, and professionally challenging working environment in a research environment at the forefront of comparative and interdisciplinary research on children’s rights and child protection systems.
A personal budget for operating expenses.
Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
The city of Bergen - a unique mix of cultural life and extraordinary nature. The successful candidate is expected to live and work in Bergen during the project period and participate in common activities at the Centre.
Your application must include:
Cover-letter
2-3 page summary of suggested research initiatives (incl. references).
CV
Diplomas (certified copies)
Two references with names and contact details
Complete list of publications
Selected scholarly works from the last five years (pdf). It is important that each of the scholarly works on which the committee should place special emphasis, is attached in its entirety.
The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded electronically at the recruitment portal www.jobbnorge.no. The application must include all information to be taken into consideration in the assessment of the academic qualifications.
Applications submitted without required information or applications sent as e-mails will not be considered. Only submitted documents will be subjected to an expert assessment.
General information:
Additional information about the position is obtainable by contacting:
Practical questions regarding the application procedures should be directed to HR Adviser Even Endresen, e-mail: even.endresen@uib.no
The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. Age and gender balance among employees is therefore a goal. It is also a goal to recruit people with immigrant backgrounds. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.
We encourage women to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.
The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.
Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.
Further information about our employment process can be found here.
