Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in Environmental Humanities

Job description

A Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship (SKO 1352) is available at the Department of Culture Studies and Oriental Languages (IKOS), University of Oslo (UiO).

The Department of Culture Studies and Oriental Languages consists of 120 employees, including about 40 doctoral and post-doctoral fellows.

Its ongoing research covers a wide range of topics under the broad rubrics of religious studies; cultural history; and culture, politics, and history of Asia and the Middle East and North Africa.

Candidates apply with an individual research project. This project must be thematically relevant to IKOS and the cross-departmental research network Oslo Centre for Environmental Humanities (OCEH), which starts in August 2024. Read the description of the Centre and its goals here: Oslo Center for Environmental Humanities (OCEH) - Department of Culture Studies and Oriental Languages 

The successful candidate is expected to contribute actively to OCEH’s development. In addition to their own research, they will work closely with the director of the Centre and take part in planning meetings, workshops, seminars, and public outreach activities. They will also contribute to relevant teaching at IKOS.

The successful candidate is expected to be based in Oslo during the employment period, starting on 15 August 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The appointment is for a duration of four years. 75 percent of the position is set aside for research, and 25 percent for the development and administration of OCEH as well as for teaching contributions.

Qualification requirements

• A doctoral degree or equivalent in a discipline relevant for the project, OCEH and IKOS. The doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation by the application deadline. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English. Competence in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is an advantage.
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position.
• The necessary competencies and skills (such as language) for the research project described in the application.
• Experience with working across disciplines, in particular related to environmental humanities.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on:

• The project's scientific merit and innovation.
• The project’s relevance to OCEH’s stated goals as well as the IKOS research profile.
• The applicant's estimated academic and personal ability to complete the project within the timeframe.
• Teaching experience.
• The applicant’s documented ability to participate in and develop an interdisciplinary academic community.
• The applicant’s relevant administrative and organizational skills and experience, and familiarity with planning and organizing events.   

We offer

• Salary NOK 575 400 - 657 300 per annum depending on qualifications 
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Attractive welfare benefits

How to apply

The application must include

• Application letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position
• Curriculum Vitae with grades listed (with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities)
• List of publications
• Project description (appox. 3 - 5 pages, maximum 14,000 characters. See Template for project descriptions). The project description must present a feasible progress plan. It is expected that the applicant will be able to complete the project during the period of appointment, together with administrative and teaching duties.
• One academic publication (and only one; it is for the hiring committee to read)
• Copies of educational certificates.

Diplomas, certificates, doctoral dissertation and other academic works may be requested later.

Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”. Applicants with education from a foreign university must attach an explanation of their university’s grading system.

The short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

Formal regulations

See also Regulations concerning Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships.

Following the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) § 25, Chapter 2, information about the applicant may be used in the public list of applicants even if the applicant opts out from the entry in the public application list.

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

Contact persons:

• Academic leader of OCEH: Helge Jordheim
• Head of Research Jacob Høigilt

For questions on how to apply:

• HR Officer Janne Gjestad