PhD studentship - Excellence in Science

Applications are invited for a three-year (no teaching) or four-year (25% teaching load) full time PhD studentship funded by the Department of Sport Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences as part of an Excellence in Science (Toppforsk) research grant from the Norwegian Research Council  commencing February  2018.

The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research within the Physical Activity and Health research group at the Department of Sports Medicine.

The research group conduct high profile research related to population levels and trends of physical activity and sedentary time, associations between these lifestyle behaviours and health outcomes across the life course, examining determinants of these behaviours with a particular focus on early life determinants and evaluating the effects of interventions aimed at reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity.

The research group has strong national and international collaborations and access to large national and international cohort studies, birth cohorts and databases. We have a specific focus on high quality data obtained by objective methods when assessing physical activity and sedentary time and contribute to the development of these methods.   

The successful candidate will be supervised by Professor Ulf Ekelund and is expected to work in close collaboration with other PhD candidates, Post Docs and researchers in the physical activity and health research group.

We seek determined and motivated candidates with a strong interest in physical activity and health across the life course. Candidates are expected to have a background in Sport Science, Exercise Science, Public Health,

Epidemiology or any related discipline including a Master degree (minimum requirement B or internationally equivalent). Knowledge in epidemiological concepts and strong statistical knowledge is a prerequisite and applicants with a strong track record in epidemiology are particularly encouraged to apply for this position.

The successful applicant must be able to work as part of a group but must also be able to demonstrate the ability to work independently with support from a supervisor.

Other requirements

Written and verbal knowledge of a Scandinavian language is appreciated but not formally required. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed as soon as possible after the closing date.   

Salary and other terms of employment are offered according to the Norwegian State pay scale, employment code 1017. The appointment will be made according to the terms that apply to civil servants. The NSSS is member of the State Pension Fund.

NSSS personnel and recruitment policy aims at taking into account the diversity of the Norwegian population to the greatest possible extent. It is an explicit aim to search for age and gender balance and to recruit competent applicants with minority background. Women and persons with minority background are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be handled according to the relevant regulations as defined in the Norwegian Open Files Act.

The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results and intellectual property.

The successful applicant's daily workplace will be at NSSS and he/her will become member of the Department of Sports Medicine. The public workforce must reflect the diversity of the Norwegian population to the greatest possible extent. NSSS personnel policy objective is to achieve a balanced age and gender mix.

Applications are accepted using an on-line application procedure  (www.nih.no) until 22th. of January 2017.  The application must be written in English. Other documents should be in English or in any Scandinavian language. Foreign applicants are required to attach an explanation of their University's grading system.

In addition to the electronic CV registered through our website, the applicant must submit:

• A personal application letter
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work including publications, Master theses etc.)
• Copies of educational certificates and grades
• Names, email and telephone number of 2-3 referees (describe relation to applicant).
• Position appointment is conditioned by entrance to the PhD study program.

In cooperation with the supervisor the candidate is expected to draft a research proposal including an overall work plan within 1 month after appointment. The application will be treated in accordance current guidelines for PhD research fellow appointment. For additional detailed information about the PhD program, including regulations and application form please see nih.no  (English and Research).

 Further information concerning the position can be obtained from:

Professor Ulf Ekelund, telephone +4740629589

Contact administration: 

Advisor Gro Styrmo,  telephone: +4723 26 20 31

HR-advisor Anne-Beth Hasselstrøm, telephone: +47 23 26 20 07