Job description

A three-year position as a post-doctoral research fellow in Psychology is available at the Department of Psychology, Oslo University

The research fellowship will be connected to the project Living the Nordic Model (see https://www.uio.no/english/research/strategic-research-areas/nordic/research/research-groups/living-the-nordic-model/).

“Living the Nordic Model” is a multidisciplinary research network at the University of Oslo. What has often been looked upon as “The Nordic Model” of childhood, gender and family politics is in the paradoxical situation of being challenged on the one hand, and being acclaimed and seen as highly attractive, on the other. The Nordic welfare states are in an exceptional position internationally, when it comes to children’s quality of life and their individual rights and protection. Still, interpersonal violence and the sexual abuse of children is not lower in the Nordic countries, and new challenges for young people have emerged such as those related to bullying, threats and sexual exploitation online. Such experiences are not easily shared and may influence developmental trajectories and cause traumatization. Pillar IV of “Living the Nordic Model” problematize the foundations of the “Nordic model” by examining the blind spots and the flipside of normative childhoods and normative family lives. For more details, see the description of the project (https://www.uio.no/english/research/strategic-research-areas/nordic/research/research-groups/living-the-nordic-model/project-description-living-the-nordic-model-2017.pdf)

More about the position

Applications are invited for a 3-year Post doc position at the Department of Psychology, University of Oslo. It is expected that the successful candidate will engage in activities and collaboration of relevance to pilar IV of “Living the Nordic Model” project. In particular, this includes analyzing and publishing research using data from the EU Online Study (se www.eukidsonline.net) in collaboration with the project group. The candidate may also be involved in interviews of children exposed to online abuse and their parents. The thematic focus is on psychological and developmental consequences of digital violence and abuse (such as bullying, sexual “grooming”, hate speech and harassment). Several EU applications are planned and the candidate will be involved in developing these.

Applicants must include a project description of the proposed Post doc project of 4-6 pages, describing the topic, research questions (based on relevant theory and literature), choice of methods and project progress plan, as well as a letter describing the candidate’s motivation for the position. The quality of the project description is a key criterion in the assessment of applications. The project proposal must have a clear connection to Psychology.

The candidate will be part of an international, interdisciplinary network, and will be given the opportunity to work with researchers across the world. The candidate will take part in research networks with PhD-students, post docs and researchers from the project Living the Nordic Model and The Reimagining Norden in an Evolving World (ReNEW) program. Both programmes offer mobility grants.

Qualification requirements

The applicant must have a PhD in Psychology or equivalent. The doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. For candidates who have not publicly defended their PhD thesis, appointment will be dependent on the approval of the doctoral thesis for defense. The public defense must be approved before the position is taken up.

The candidate must have an interest in both quantitative and qualitative methods. Experience with quantitative analysis is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.

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

• The project description, which must be submitted with the application.
• High quality publications within child development, trauma or other adverse childhood and youth experiences.
• The applicant’s personal suitability and motivation for the post, including his/her ability to collaborate and to form part of a cross-disciplinary academic community.
• Knowledge about digital harassment and abuse.
• Other qualifications that meet the objectives which form the basis of this type of post.

We offer

• Salary NOK 497 000 – 576 100 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as post-doctoral research fellow, (position code 1352, in exceptional cases code 1378)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• A positive and stimulating working environment
• Pension arrangements in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• A position in an inclusive working life enterprise

How to apply

The application must be submitted electronically and must include the following:

• Letter of application describing the candidates’ motivation for the position and special interests within the EU kids online study.
• Project description, 4-6 pages
• 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.
• PhD thesis, 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 and relevant experience.
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number).

Applicants from countries outside the Nordic countries where English is not the official language must attach a TOEFL test with a minimum score of 550 unless they have a diploma from a university in an English-speaking country. Knowledge of the Norwegian language must be documented.

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.

Formal regulations

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

No one can be appointed as Postdoctoral Fellow for more than one specified period at the same institution.

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.

Position available as soon as possible.

Contact information

Questions about the position: Tine Jensen, e-mail: tine.jensen@psykologi.uio.no

Questions about the application process: Birgitte Bøgh-Olsen, e-mail: birgitte.bogh-olsen@psykologi.uio.no

Apply for position