Job description

Applications are invited for a full-time two and a half years postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Health and Society as part of a historical project, Biomedicalization Inside Out. The position is part of a new Norwegian Research Council-funded project (SAMKUL program) led by Anne Kveim Lie at the University of Oslo. Starting date May 1st or as soon as possible thereafter.

“Biomedicalization Inside Out (BIO)” is a theoretically ambitious, challenge driven, historical project that will critically explore the instruments, technologies and practices of biomedicalization across the last fifty years. This is a transnational and interdisciplinary project that combines historical investigation with cognate fields in the medical humanities and social sciences, along with close engagement in professional and lay interests in current dilemmas over the governance of health. For more information about the project, see the project website:

The person being appointed is expected to work on WP 2, the biomedicalizaton of substance use and abuse in the Norwegian/Scandinavian welfare state in the postwar period.

Please contact Dr Anne Kveim Lie if you wish to receive the entire project description.

More about the position

The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of 2 years and 6 months.

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

The postdoctoral fellow will be part of a team of social scientists, physicians and historians. Within the overall thematic field of WP 2, the empirical focus will be based on the applicant’s earlier research profile, networks and interests but should also offer a fit with the project’s interdisciplinary focus. The successful candidate will be expected to carry out 8-12 months of in-depth archival research and interviewing, and to participate fully in the project’s activities. These will include attending regular reading/discussion groups, organising three workshops and a final conference, and carrying out outreach and other public engagement activities, as well as communication with former and current drug users and their health care services. In addition to author and co-author open access publications within their own discipline during the life of the project (2019-2022), the successful candidate will be expected to participate in interdisciplinary co-authored publications as well as in conferences outside of their own discipline.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree, in history, history of science, or a closely related discipline (e.g. anthropology or sociology provided they have experience working with archives and/or interviews). The 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 one of the Scandinavian languages. Research experience in historical archives and oral history interviews is a strong advantage.

• You must be able to engage critically and creatively with relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks within the history of science, as well as related fields relevant to the project.
• You must be willing to contribute part of your time to the overall project, doing outreach work and contact with health care service and former users of the services.
• Demonstrated ability to publish high quality research is not a requirement, but will be an advantage.

Personal skills

• You should be highly motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work with a diverse range of individuals from different disciplines and organizations.

We offer

• salary NOK 515 200 - 576 100 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• funds for research, travel, conference participation and dissemination, books and equipment
• academically stimulating working environment including the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary 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
• Possibilities for international exchange

How to apply

The application must include

• cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• project description/research proposal, including a specification of research focus, theoretical perspectives, methodological strategies, and progress plan (3-5 pages).
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity) copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications
• Examples of 2 written works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee.
• List of 2-3 academic references (name, institution, e-mail, telephone number and relation to candidate)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. International 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, and the quality of the project as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged, either in person in Oslo or via Skype.

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 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 is an equal opportunity employer and strives for diversity.

Contact information

Questions regarding the project and position: Associate Professor Dr Anne Kveim Lie

The inquiries regarding the technical aspects of the application can be directed to: HR advisor Åse Ragnhild Halfstad, Phone: +47 - 22 85 05 08

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