Job description

Applicants are invited for a position as Postdoctoral Fellow in speech and language disorders to be based at the Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo.

The successful applicant will conduct their research within the Second Language Learners Plus (L2L+) project financed by the Research Council of Norway. L2L+ is a subproject in the research group ComPros. The aim of the project is to develop and examine the effects of a digital vocabulary intervention program for second language (L2) learners in Norwegian kindergartens. The objective is to achieve sustainable effects on L2 vocabulary breadth and depth, and to obtain transfer effects to other linguistic and social skills. In the project, a literature review (meta-analysis), observations, interviews, single case design and a randomized control trial will be utilized.

L2L+ is a multidisciplinary project with several collaboration partners. In addition to the University of Oslo, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Statped, University of Toronto, Harvard University, University of Gothenburg, University College London, Nina Skauge kommunikasjon/Skauge Publishing, Rakkestad Municipality, Kvinneherad Municipality, Stryn Municipality , Sarpsborg Municipality and Stord Municipality will participate.

The successful applicant is expected to:

• Conduct a meta-analysis on vocabulary intervention for L2 learners in kindergarten and participate in the development and testing of the L2L+ intervention
• Present the research in international peer-reviewed journals (at level 1 and level 2) and at scientific conferences
• Participate actively in our research community including the L2L+-project team, ComPros research group and the department.

We are seeking highly motivated applicants who have a particular interest in special education research, and more specifically vocabulary interventions, and with high and relevant methodological competence. Having stays abroad are encouraged; we have various international collaboration partners that may be potential hosts.

More about the position

The appointment is a full time position and is made for a period of up to 3 or 4 years, with the possibility of respectively 10 % or 25 % devoted to required duties, usually in the form of teaching activities.

Postdoctoral fellows who are appointed for a period of four years are expected to acquire basic pedagogical competency in the course of their fellowship period within the duty component of 25 %.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in special needs education, education or psychology. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English and Norwegian

The following qualifications will also count in the assessment of the applicants:

• Motivation and suitability for the position
• Communication skills
• Collaboration skills and independence
• Career development plan

We offer

• Salary NOK 523 200 – 605 500 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Fellow (position code 1352)
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• 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 include

• Cover letter (including a summary of the applicant’s scientific work and interests and a description of how well she/he fits with the announced position)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications
• Up to 10 numbers of academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. 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).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period 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 University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

• Professor Kari-Anne B. Næss

Apply for position