Ledig stilling på Universitetet i Oslo

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Postdoctoral fellowship on industrial change and sustainability transitions

Deadline: 01.11.2019

Job description

Universitetet i Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.


TIK Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture is a cross disciplinary unit at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Oslo. TIK is home to 40 staff members working in research, education and research communication in innovation and science and technology studies (STS). A major part of TIK’s activity is externally funded research. TIK also offers postgraduate education; a PhD-programme and two Master programmes. The Centre also hosts OSIRIS - Oslo Institute for Research on the Impact.

Flere stillinger fra Universitetet i Oslo

The Center for Technology, Innovation and Culture offer a four-year postdoctoral positon to work on research on sustainability transitions and industrial transformations. The position is funded by two research centers – INTRANSIT and NTRANS.

INTRANSIT is an eight-year research centre funded by the FORINNPOL-program. The centre focuses on smart and green industrial transformations in core Norwegian industries. The Norwegian Centre for Energy Transition Strategies (NTRANS) is an eight-year research Centre on environmental friendly energy focuses on transition strategies in energy sectors.

The candidate recruited for this position will work on conceptual and empirical studies of the linkages between sustainability transitions and technological and industrial change. Relevant research questions focuses on development and diffusion of sustainability-oriented innovations, the role of established business sectors in transitions and the role of innovation policy to support acceleration of change. The empirical context will be energy sectors.

Qualification requirements

The preferred candidate for this position will fill the following criteria:

  • A PhD degree in a social science discipline, with relevance for the area of innovation studies (innovation studies, economics, management studies, sustainability transitions studies, etc).
  • Only candidates who have submitted their PhD to defense before the closing date for this position are eligible for the position.
  • Demonstrated experience with relevant theories and methods for studies of sustainability transitions and industrial transformation is preferred.
  • Some mastery of a Scandinavian language is an advantage for performing parts of the empirical work, but is not required
  • High-level proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
  • The ability to perform high impact work, demonstrated by previous publications in relevant journals, will be positive.

Here, it is expected that the applicants have reviewed the research programs of INTRANSIT and NTRANS, and can describe how their research will contribute to the work performed and the goals set for these centers. This position will contribute to Research stream 2 in INTRANSIT and research area 2 in NTRANS. The webpages and project descriptions of the two centres need to be reviewed thoroughly before applying. The project descriptions are available on request from contact persons (below).

We offer

  • salary NOK 523 200 – 605 500 per annum depending on qualifications
  • 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

  • An application letter
  • A letter of motivation that includes a description of the applicant’s academic and professional background and qualifications, ideas about theoretical perspectives and empirical strategies to be employed, link to INTRANSIT and NTRANS research programs and how this position will contribute to it, and other relevant information (maximum 5 pages)
  • A detailed academic CV listing education, prior employment, academic experience, other relevant experiences and qualifications, detailed list of publications
  • Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
  • Up to three publications that the applicant wishes to be considered
  • A 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 applicants, we will emphasize each candidates’ academic background and potential, as well as motivation and match with the project. Interviews will be performed as part of the selection process.

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

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