Job description

A position as Associate Professor of Art History and Visual Studies is available at the Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas, University of Oslo.

The position will be linked to the section for art history and visual studies, and is designated to the field of medieval art and visual culture in an international perspective. Medieval art and visual culture is one of Norway’s and the Nordic region’s most significant contributions to international art history and cultural heritage. We are seeking a scholar and educator who is able to articulate medieval art and visual culture in an international perspective. Emphasis will be placed on innovative theoretical and methodological expertise, as this will improve the position’s integration in the section and its relation to the field beyond the period focus.

For information about the BA program, see: www.uio.no/studier/program/kunsthistorie/
(Norwegian only).

For information on the MA program, see: www.uio.no/studier/program/kunsthistorie-master/ (Norwegian only).

For information about our research groups, see: www.hf.uio.no/ifikk/english/research/groups/international-and-nordic-modernism/ and www.hf.uio.no/ifikk/english/research/groups/visual-  studies/

The successful candidate is expected to initiate and lead research, supervise PhD candidates, participate in teaching and in exam setting and assessment at all levels, and to carry out administrative duties in accordance with the needs of the department.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • PhD or equivalent academic qualifications within art history and visual studies, with documented research experience within the fi eld of medieval art and visual culture in an international perspective
  • Documented pedagogical skills (either a teaching course certificate or based on teaching experience), see how to document your pedagogical skills
  • Documented potential for project acquisition
  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
  • Personal suitability and motivation for the position

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

  • Academic qualifications and academic production in art history and visual studies, specializing in the field of medieval art and visual culture in an international perspective. Emphasis will be placed on works published within the last 5 years. Originality and innovative thinking will be weighted more heavily than quantity
  • innovative theoretical and methodological expertise
  • International peer-reviewed publications
  • Experience with research projects
  • Potential to contribute to the long-term development of the academic and research environment at the Department
  • Pedagogical qualifications, documented results from teaching and supervision, and ability to inspire students
  • Interest and ability in leadership and administration
  • Ability to create and contribute to a positive environment for collaboration
  • Experience with and ability to build international networks
  • Skills within popular dissemination, public outreach and innovation

In the evaluation of the qualified candidates the full range of these criteria will be explicitly addressed and assessed.

Academic quality, development potential and breadth will be prioritised in this order. 

The successful candidate should demonstrate mastery of both English and one of the Scandinavian languages as working languages. If an appointee is not fluent in a Scandinavian language, s/he is expected to reach proficiency equivalent to level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) within two years. Within three years the appointee is expected to, in Norwegian, be able to actively participate in all functions the position may involve, including teaching. The Faculty of Humanities will aid and facilitate the appointee in reaching said proficiency.

We offer

  • Salary NOK 604 700 – 702 100 per annum depending on qualifications 
  • A professionally stimulating working environment
  • Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
  • Attractive welfare benefits
  • The opportunity to  apply for promotion to full professorship at a later stag

How to apply

The application must include:

  • Application letter (statement of motivation, summarising scientific work and research interest)
  • Curriculum Vitae (list of education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience, project acquisition and coordination experience, and other relevant qualifications)
  • Complete list of published and unpublished works

Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language), either in the original or in translation.

Applicants are required to describe and document the entire range of qualifications and criteria described in the announcement of the post with concrete examples.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”.

Selection procedure

As the first step in the evaluation process, a Selection Committee will assess all applications and invite the most qualified applicants to submit a portfolio of educational certificates and academic works (up to 10 publications, which should not exceed 500 pages in total) for expert assessment. Applicants who are invited to submit academic works are asked to select three works, published within the last 5 years, to be considered as most relevant for the position. In longer publications (monographs), applicants should specify the relevant pages.

Applicants are further asked to submit a description of one or more research projects considered relevant for the Department.

Applicants are also asked to submit a Educational portfolio of 3-6 pages documenting educational competence and experience, including a reflection note in which your own practice and learning vision is anchored in the SoTL criteria (focus on student learning, development over time, a research approach and a collegial attitude and practice)

Finally, the most highly ranked candidates will be invited for an interview and a trial lecture.

Formal regulations

Please see the rules for appointments to Associate Professorships.

The successful candidate who at the time of appointment cannot document basic teaching qualifications will be required to obtain such qualifications within a two-year period. Please see the rules for practicing the requirement for basic university pedagogical competence at UiO.

Within his/her normal duties and in accordance with his/her academic competence, the person appointed may also be asked to work outside his/her Department. The appointment is made under the condition that the employer may change the subject area and assigned tasks according to the needs of the Department.

According to the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) § 25, Chapter 2, demographic information about the applicant may be used in the public list of applicants, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an Acquisition of Rights Agreement for the purpose of securing rights to intellectual property created by its employees, including research results.

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

Contact information

For questions about the position: 

Head of Department Tor Egil Førland

For questions about how to apply: 

HR Officer Anders Rykke

About the University of 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.

The Department embraces four disciplines: Philosophy, Classical Languages (Greek and Latin), History of Ideas and Art History. The Department is also responsible for the introductory philosophy courses, obligatory for all students attending study programmes at the University of Oslo. The Department has about 110 employees.

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