Job description

A position as a research fellow is vacant at the Department of Teacher Education and School Research, related to “critical reading comprehension – interaction with texts” in the field of “Measurement in Education”, which is one of the Faculty’s prioritized research areas.

Research-based development of reading comprehension assessment is an essential part of the projects at the research unit EKVA (Unit for quantitative analysis in education), especially in the development of the national and the Oslo reading tests and the PISA international assessment, which has a strong emphasis on reading.

The doctoral fellow is to carry out research into the nature of critical reading in school, how critical reading can be operationalized in reading comprehension tests, and how it can be measured among both strong and weak readers at different stages. The assessment of cognitive and strategic processes during critical reading would be particularly relevant areas of investigation. Possible methodological approaches could include quantitative and qualitative methods and involve secondary analyses of large-scale assessment data, cognitive labs, eye tracking and intervention studies. The applicant will be a part of the reading assessment development group and the PhD study design can be integrated in the regular test development cycle.

More about the position

Positions as research fellows are fixed-term educational posts where the aim is that the research fellow completes a doctoral degree (PhD) during the period of employment. A prerequisite for the employment is admission to the Faculty’s doctoral degree programme, and applicants’ formal and other qualifications for admission will therefore also be assessed. Research fellowship positions are defined as recruitment posts and represent an important instrument in the sector’s work of educating qualified applicants for other academic posts at universities and university colleges in the long-term perspective. The doctoral candidate is expected to participate actively in the organized research training and in the Faculty’s research community.

The fellowship period is up to 4 years, with 3 years devoted to research education. The position entails a compulsory work load of 25% that consists of teaching and supervision duties and research assistance. The place of work will be the Department of Teacher Education and School Research.

The appointment can have a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

The Department of Teacher Education and School Research organizes four research groups. It is expected that the applicant is affiliated with the research group Large-scale Educational Assessment LEA.

Qualification requirements

• Successful completion of a Master’s degree programme or similar higher education programme in the subject area in question or in another relevant subject area
• The master’s degree (120 ECTS) must have a minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent. The Master’s degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS

Further information on admission requirements and an application form can be found on this website.

Norwegian language skills at an advanced level are required since the reading tests measure proficient native speakers’ reading comprehension. Extensive knowledge of the Norwegian and the Nordic educational systems is also required.

Assessment of application

In the assessment of applications, emphasis will be put on:

• The applicant’s academic attitude with regard to completing the research training program
• The quality of the project description; the description of the research topic, the specific problems to be studied, the choice of scientific theory and method, and a proposed schedule for the study
• A project description of 8 - 10 pages must be submitted with the application, see guidelines for the project description
• Documented knowledge of and familiarity with the Norwegian educational system
• Documented Norwegian language skills
• Good English language skills are also required
• The applicant’s personal suitability and motivation for the post, including his/her ability to collaborate and to become a part of a cross-disciplinary academic community
• Other qualifications that meet the objectives which form the basis of this type of post

We offer

• Salary NOK 449400-497000 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow, (position code 1017). Research fellows are normally allocated pay grade 51 (449400) on appointment.
• A positive and challenging working environment
• A position in an inclusive working life enterprise
• 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 be submitted electronically and must include the following:

• Letter of application
• Project description (cf. Guidance).
• Completed application form for admission to the doctoral degree program
• Certified copies of diplomas, grade transcripts and any other testimonials
• In the event of diplomas from other countries: printouts of prospectuses or similar that describe the content and framework of the courses of study on which the application is based.
• Master’s thesis and any other academic works that may be of relevance to the application.
• CV that also includes an overview of any previously published academic/scientific works.

The application may be written in English or Norwegian. Incomplete applications will in normal circumstances not be assessed.

As a rule, interviews will be conducted as part of the appointment process. At the interview the applicant will be asked to present original diplomas and grade transcripts from previous courses of study.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. 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).

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the “project description” and the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships 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 appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Contact information

• Researcher Tove S. Frønes, tlf. +47 22844397
• Researcher Julius K. Bjørnsson, tlf. +47 22857719

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