Job description
Applications are invited for a four year position as PhD Candidate in education to be based at the Department of Education, University of Oslo.
The announced position is expected to contribute to sustaining, developing and strengthening educational research within the field of curriculum studies. This field includes research on education politics, school reform policy and educational practices.
In the first part of the period, the doctoral researcher will relate to ongoing work in the research project: «Policy Knowledge and Lesson Drawing in Nordic School Reform in an Era of International Comparison». This project examines various sources of knowledge mobilised in the development of school reform policies in five Nordic countries (see project webpage). The candidate can benefit from exisiting data collections that consist of official policy documents and transcribed interviews.
During the period, it is expected that the successful candidate is affiliated with the research group “Curriculum Studies, Leadership and Educational Governance” (CLEG). More information about research topics covered by CLEG can be found on the research group’s website.
We welcome applications that enquire topics such as national education politics, network organizations and the authority of educational expertise.
The announced position is open to a variety of methodological approaches and provides the opportunity to conduct comparative analysis as well as theoretical enquiry.
Foto: Colourbox
More about the position
The fellowship period is up to 4 years, with 3 years devoted to research education. The position entails a compulsory work load of 25% that consists of teaching and supervision duties and research assistance.
The research fellow must take part in the Faculty’s approved PhD program and is expected to complete the projectwithin the set fellowship period. The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.
Qualification requirements
- Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualifications in education or another relevant discipline in social sciences (e.g. law, sociology, political science)
- The master’s degree (120 ECTS) must have a minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent. It must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS with a minimum grade B
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language as well as in English
- The project’s relevance to the research field
- Familiarity with the Norwegian or other Nordic school systems will be considered an advantage
Personal skills
In the assesment of applications, emphasis will be placed on:
- The quality of the project description, the description of the research topic’s relevance to educational issues, the specific problems to be studied, the choice of scientific theory and method, and the proposed implementation plan for the study
- The applicant’s experience, personal suitability and motivation for the post, including her/his ability to collaborate and to form part of a cross-disciplinary academic community
- The applicant’s academic attitude and motivation with regard to completing the research training program
We offer
- Salary NOK 501 200 – 544 400 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow (position code 1017)
- A stimulating and attractive working environment.
- Pension arrangements in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- 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
- Cover letter, describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position
- Project description, 8-10 pages. Please see our guidelines
- Completed application form for admission to the doctoral degree program (see this page)
- Curriculum Vitae (with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience, and other qualifying activities, including a complete list of any previously published academic/scientific works)
- Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only). 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
- Master thesis and any other academic works that may be of relevance to the application
- List of reference persons: 2 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)
Incomplete applications will not be assessed
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).
When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the “project description” and the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project.
Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.
Formal regulations
Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
According to the Norwegian Freedom of 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 appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.
The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.
Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.
If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.
Contact information
Associate Professor, Kirsten Sivesind
Head of Department/Professor, Tone Kvernbekk
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 of Education was established in 1938 and is one of three departments at The Faculty of Educational Sciences which also has a permanent center.The research is based on traditions from both the social and the human sciences, and the department thus accommodates great breadth in topics and perspectives. The department employs approximately 100 people; 49 scientific staff, 35 doctoral and post-doctoral students, and 20 administrative/technical staff. The number of students is approximately 900.