PhD Research Fellow in Human Geography

Job description

There is a vacant position at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography for Research Fellow (SKO 1017) in Human Geography. The position is for a period of three years without compulsory work or four years with 25% compulsory work (primarily teaching).

The department is ranked as the premier academic research institute in human geography in Norway, conducting top international research while offering high quality education for students. The department is renowned both for the breadth of topics and methodologies employed and for its highly qualified researchers.

More about the position

We seek candidates with the potential to contribute to the development of human geography as a discipline in the department. The fellows are expected to pursue independent research under supervision, as outlined in the submitted project proposal. We value the contribution of young scholars to the academic environment and study programmes in the department. PhD fellows are expected to participate actively in the departmental life.

We currently have strong research communities in the fields of urban studies, sustainable transformations, work, organisations and politics, social inequality, migration, integration and diversity, cultural and political participation, population dynamics. Human geographers are also engaged in economic and political geography. The call is not thematically limited to these topics, but preference can be given to candidates with projects that align with the department's supervisory capacity. Applicants are expected to demonstrate through their application letter and project proposal how they will contribute to the development of human geography at the department.

The position requires participation in the Faculty of Social Sciences' organised research education programme (PhD programme) and the completion of a doctorate in human geography. The candidates who are hired will automatically be admitted to the PhD programme. Residence in Norway is expected, but PhD fellows are also encouraged to spend time abroad during the fellowship period.

Qualification requirements and assessment criteria

Applicants will be assessed on the quality of the project proposal, their academic grades, the quality of the master's thesis and the applicant's personal prerequisites to carry out the project. The hiring process will include an interview.

• Applicants must have a master's degree/second-level degree in human geography or equivalent. Applicants are expected to demonstrate through their application letter and project proposal how they will contribute to the development of human geography at the department. Applicants from other disciplinary backgrounds who wish to apply must demonstrate in their application letter that their educational background, master's thesis and project proposal fall within the scope of human geography.
• The master's degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS. Applicants must have a minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent. The master's thesis must have been submitted before the application deadline. A prerequisite for taking up the position is the successful completion of a master's degree.
• The applicant must provide a tentative description (5-10 pages) of a PhD research project to be carried out during the fellowship period. The project description should include an explicit account of how the project contribute to the development of human geography at the department. Applicants are expected to be able to complete the project during the appointment period.
• Applicants must have native or near-native competence in English or a Scandinavian language.

The final hiring decision is the responsibility of the department's board and will be based on an evaluation of the overall qualifications of the shortlisted candidates as well as the department's needs.

We offer

• Salary NOK per annum depending on qualifications
• An academically 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

• A letter of application
• A project proposal (5-10 pages). The proposal must include the topic, relevant theory and methods and timeline. If the project requires field work/data collection, costs must be calculated and presented in a tentative budget.
• CV with full summary of education, practice and academic work (including possible publications). The period of enrolment (admission-completion) in the master's study programme must be specified.
• Academic transcripts (university degrees only)
• Copy of master's degree diploma
• Master's thesis. Please note that the thesis must be uploaded and registered as an «Attachment» in the electronic application.
• Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. This may be uploaded as an "Attachment".
• A list of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

Documents should be uploaded in the order presented above. Please submit documents individually and name them accordingly, e.g. Letter of application, Project proposal, CV, etc. Do NOT submit them as a single, combined file.

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).

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

• Please refer to our Q&A web page before you make personal enquiries
• Administrative Head of Department, Inger-Lise Schwab.

About the University of Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway's oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 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 Sociology and Human Geography is Norway's leading department for both Sociology and Human Geography. The Department offers four Bachelor's and three Master's programmes. Research, teaching and dissemination activities within both fields are of the highest level. The Department is renowned both for the breadth of topics and methodologies employed and for its highly qualified researchers. Gender balance among the academic staff is an important distinguishing feature. The Department has 35 permanent academic staff, nearly 40 doctoral and post doctoral research fellows and 14 administrative staff members. There are approximately 80 PhD. candidates and 1500 students enrolled in the Department.

NOK532,200 to NOK575,400 per annum depending on qualifications