Job description
Applications are invited for a four-year position as PhD Research Fellow, based at the Department of Teacher Education and School Research, Faculty of Education, University of Oslo. The position is within the field of Mathematics Education (matematikkdidaktikk) and related to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) project.
We invite applicants to formulate their own project on a topic within mathematics education relevant to both PISA and the new curriculum reform in Norway (Fagfornyelsen). Research topics could include, but are not limited to, mathematical modelling, mathematical reasoning and argumentation, and problem solving. Through their research, the Research Fellow’s PhD project is expected to contribute to knowledge within the subject of mathematics education in a Norwegian educational context and related to Fagfornyelsen.
It is expected that the successful candidate uses quantitative methods for analysis of PISA data (such as regression analysis, structural equation modelling or item response theory) preferably in combination with analyses of other qualitative and/or quantitative data. The latter could be based on task-based interviews, observation studies, document- or task/item analysis. Furthermore, the PhD project is open to a variety of methodological approaches that use assessment data and, possibly, other resources from PISA (such as frameworks, questionnaires, or assessment items).
Furthermore, it is expected that the announced PhD position will be connected to the research group Large-scale Educational Assessment (LEA). More information about LEA can be found on the research group’s webpage.
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/or research assistance.
The research fellow must take part in the Faculty’s approved PhD program and is expected to complete the project
within the set fellowship period. The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.
The doctoral candidate is expected to participate actively in the organized research training and in the Faculty’s research community.
For more information, please see our web site.
Qualification requirements
Applicants must satisfy the requirements for admission to the Faculty´s PhD programme. This normally includes:
- Applicants must hold a Master´s degree or equivalent in the subject area in questions or in another relevant subject area
- A Master’s degree (120 ECTS) with a minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent. The Master’s degree 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) and English
- Familiarity with the Norwegian school system and teaching experience will be considered an advantage
In the assessment of applications, emphasis will be placed on:
- The quality of the project description; the description of the research topic, 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
- 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 enviroment
- 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, including statement of motivation and research interests
- A project description, including progress plan (8-10 pages), please see our guidelines. The project description is expected to elaborate on the research problem of the prospective PhD project, how it is embedded in the research literature and which theoretical perspectives as well at methodologies are considered
- Completed application form for admission to the doctoral degree program ( see this page)
- CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
- Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
- Documentation of English proficiency (for information on required documentation (see information on this webpage)
- Master thesis and any other academic works that may be of relevance to the application
- List of reference persons: 2-3 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. Applicants may be called in 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.
Contact information
Researcher Andreas Pettersen
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 Teacher Education and School Research (ILS) is one of three departments at The Faculty of Educational Sciences at the University of Oslo, which also has a permanent center.
ILS is a leading institution in the fields of subject didactics, school leadership and practice-relevant school research. It hosts Norway’s first Centre of Excellence in Education, ProTed – a joint project between the University of Oslo and the University of Tromsø.
EKVA (Unit for quantitative analysis in education) is also part of the department, as well as four interfaculty research groups (CLEG, TEPEC, SISCO and LEA).
The Department enrols 400 students in the Teacher Education Programme (PPU) and administers the university’s Graduate Teacher Education Programme (Lektorprogrammet) with about 300 new students each year. About 200 students follow the Master Programme in Educational Leadership. ILS also manages the study programme Teach First Norway in cooperation with the City of Oslo Education Agency and Equinor.
The Department of Teacher Education and School Research has approximately 40 administrative and 100 academic staff.