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.

There are seven departments and three centres at Faculty of Social Sciences. Read more about the faculty and departments.

UiB - Knowledge that shapes society

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

The Centre for Climate and Energy Transformation (CET), University of Bergen (UiB), is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow for a period of three years. The postdoc will be part of a larger research project, “Freight logistics in Sustainable Cities” (CITYFREIGHT), which is led by NHH Norwegian School of Economics and where CET is a partner. The postdoc will work on mapping governance challenges of sustainable city logistics, user data linked to mathematical modelling, and public perceptions.

CET is an interdisciplinary research centre that aims at producing actionable knowledge about how to achieve deep, rapid and sustainable transformation of society to meet the climate challenge. CET is based at the UiB Faculty of Social Sciences, and works closely with scientists from a variety of disciplines.

The postdoc will be part of a larger interdisciplinary research project, “Freight Logistics in Sustainable Cities” (CITYFREIGHT), which is led by NHH Norwegian School of Economics and where CET is a partner. The goal of the project is to provide public authorities with a toolbox for realistically evaluating major decisions that would make freight transportation in a city more energy efficient and sustainable. Most Norwegian cities are small and topologically complicated. Freight deliveries in city centres will, unless regulated, increase because of urban population growth and increased internet trade. In particular, there will be a large increase in the number of deliveries. Consequences may be enhanced energy consumption, increased space usage, noise, pollution and climate gas emissions.

About the project/work tasks:

The postdoc will get to work within a larger interdisciplinary research project, involving a number of academic institutions, as well as public and private sector user partners. She/he will specifically work at the intersection of several key project activities (1) mapping governance challenges for sustainable city logistics, based upon workshops and interviews with three Norwegian cities (Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger), (2) mathematical modelling conducted by a team at NHH with data from user partners, and (3) studies of citizen perceptions and public option on scenarios for interventions from the project, linked up to the Norwegian Citizen Panel. Candidates should have a strong background in social science, and research interests spanning these three activities.

The postdoc is expected to conduct research and develop publications in close collaboration with other academic and user partners in the project.

Applicants are expected to submit a research statement, which describes how her/his competence contributes to the CITYFREIGHT project and the activities described above. A brief description of the project can be found here.

The postdoc will have her/his work place at CET, and is expected to contribute to making CET a dynamic and productive academic environment.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• Completed PhD. The doctoral thesis must have been submitted for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition for employment that the PhD has been awarded;
• A strong academic background in social science, and documented expertise within climate and energy transformation, governance, transport and/or public perceptions. This implies a demonstrated ability to publish research at a high international level;
• An interest in interdisciplinary research is a requirement, and experience with interdisciplinary work (particularly modelling) is an advantage;
• Proficiency in both written and oral English. Norwegian language proficiency is an advantage.
• Personal aptitude and cooperative skills will be taken into consideration.

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 years. Individuals may not be hired for more than one fixed-term period as a postdoctoral research fellow at the same institution.

We can offer:

• A good and professionally challenging working environment.
• Salary at pay grade 60 - 63 in the state salary scale. This currently amounts to an annual salary of NOK 532 300 - 563 700 before taxes. Further increase in salary will depend on seniority. A higher salary may be considered for a particularly well qualified applicant.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund and good welfare benefits.
• A position in an inclusive workplace.
• The city of Bergen – a welcoming and well-connected European city with a unique mix of vibrant life and extraordinary nature.
• Good welfare benefits

Your application must include:

• A cover letter including a brief account of the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position;
• A research statement (4-5 pages) describing the relevant competence of the candidate, and how this competence contributes to the CITYFREIGHT project. This should include both theoretical and methodological competence. Please consult the brief project description (see link above) when making this statement.
• An academic CV, including publications, conference presentations, and other relevant academic activities;
• The names and contact information for two references. One of these must be the main supervisor from the PhD programme;
• Certified copies of all relevant transcripts, diplomas and certificates. Documentation that the doctoral thesis has been submitted/awarded.
• Up to five scientific publications.
• The application (cover letter and research statement) must be written in English, and all additional documentation must be submitted in English or a Scandinavian language (certified translations if originals are in another language).

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge

General information:

Additional information about the position is obtainable by contacting:

• CET Director Håvard Haarstad, e-mail havard.haarstad@uib.no, phone +47 55 58 45 81 or
• CET Research coordinator Kårstein Måseide, e-mail karstein.maseide@uib.no, phone + 47 46 68 00 69

Practical questions regarding the application procedures should be directed to adviser senior officer Bodil Hægland, phone +47 55 58 90 53, e-mail: bodil.hagland@uib.no.

Closing date is May 28, 2020.

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

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.

Apply for position