Job description

A position as Post-doctoral Research fellows in machine learning, assessments and learning analytics is available at the Centre for Computing in Science Education, a Center for Excellence in Education at the Department of Physics.

The fellowship will be for a period of 2 years. Starting date no later than 01.10.2019.

More about the position

Centre for Computing in Science Education aims to renew science education by integrating the use of computing throughout the education. We develop new curriculum and methods, build an educational research group, and disseminate insights and methods. The ambition of the centre is to become an international hub for the integration of computing in science education.

To this centre we seek a post-doc to develop and apply a rubric-based assessment system for computational problem solving in the sciences. The assessment will be used to collect learning data to categorize solution approaches, to provide students with feedback, to form the basis for interventions, and to develop and train machine learning methods for automating categorization and feedback. Data will be gathered with the help of a large group of learning assistants in large enrolment courses in the sciences, providing large data set. The postdoc will work closely with a software engineer and a PhD-student on the same project.

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.

Qualification requirements

We seek candidates with either:

(a) a PhD in mathematics or physics with background in numerical methods and programming; or

(b) a PhD in (science) education research who want to pursue a career with focus on computing in science education.

• The candidate must be motivated to work in a cross-disciplinary environment.
• Good language skills, in particular a good command of both written and spoken Engli

Most of the lower grade teaching is done in Norwegian at the Department of Physics, and the candidate must be able to work with Norwegian students. Non-Scandinavian-speaking students must therefore present a realistic plan for how to achieve sufficient proficiency in Norwegian.

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

We offer

• Salary NOK 515 200 – 597 400 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (position code 1352)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Postdoctoral development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interests) - max. 1 page
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

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.

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.

In accordance with the University of Oslo’s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity. The University of Oslo has a goal of recruiting more women in academic positions. Women are encouraged to apply..

Contact information

• Professor Anders Malthe-Sorenssen, e-mail: malthe@fys.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the application system, please contact HR Adviser Elin Thoresen, +47 22 85 71 96, e-mail: elin.thoresen@mn.uio.no

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