Associate Professor in Hebrew Bible and Its Reception

Job description

The Faculty of Theology invites applications for a tenured position as Associate Professor in Hebrew Bible with a focus on its reception in settings of inter-cultural and inter-religious encounters. We are seeking a candidate with expert knowledge of the Hebrew Bible and its reception in Jewish history and tradition, with a research specialization that will expand and complement the Faculty’s current research profile in Biblical studies.

Relevant candidates have a background in Hebrew Bible studies, religious studies, or other related fields. The position, which allocates 45% of the holder’s time commitment for research, 45% for teaching, and 10% for administration, is placed in the Academic Unit for Biblical Studies and Church History (“Fagenhet for bibelfag og kirkehistorie”).

The successful candidate demonstrates an excellent command of Hebrew and continued and critical reflection on the theories and methods applied in Hebrew Bible studies and related fields in their research, teaching, and supervision. The candidate’s ability to conduct innovative research as well as their willingness and ability to engage in interdisciplinary research and teaching will be considered an advantage. For this position, expertise in the historical and/or contemporary reception of the Hebrew Bible in settings of inter-cultural and inter-religious encounters is a requirement.  

We are seeking an accomplished researcher and teacher, who is willing to teach the Hebrew Bible and its reception, as per the above description, across the Faculty’s programs, including, but not limited to, the Theology program (“profesjonsstudiet i teologi”), Religion and Society (RESA), and Leadership, Ethics and Counselling (LES). (For further information on the Faculty’s programs, see here.) The successful candidate is expected to initiate and lead research projects, supervise Ph.D. candidates, participate in teaching, examination, and assessment at all levels, and to carry out administrative duties and leadership in accordance with the needs of the Faculty.

Applicants who are qualified for a full professorship can be promoted after a formal review process once they have taken up their position.

Applicants must document their suitability to contribute to the objectives stated in the University of Oslo’s strategic plan, especially to promote “independent, ground-breaking, long-term research” and “educate students with the knowledge, ability and willingness to create a better world.”

Qualification requirements

Required

• A Ph.D., or equivalent academic qualifications, in a relevant field.
• Documented pedagogical skills/teaching competence in Hebrew Bible studies and related fields.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English. Applicants who do not master a Scandinavian language at the time of appointment are given a deadline of three years to learn Norwegian.
• A solid record of relevant scholarly publications.
• Originality and innovation in research.
• Clear potential for acquisition of externally funded projects.
• International experience and networks.

Preferred

• Expertise in other relevant languages.
• Experience with cross- and/or interdisciplinary research and teaching.
• Experience with digital humanities.
• Experience with project management and research collaboration.
• Experience with dissemination, management, and administration.

Rules for employment and promotion for Professor and Associate Professor positions at UiO

Guide for applicants for Professor and Associate professor positions

Rules for implementing the requirement of basic pedagogical competence at the University of Oslo

Personal skills

• Collaborative skills.
• An open mind towards new methodological approaches and interdisciplinarity.
• High personal motivation for research, teaching, and supervision.
• Motivation for academic leadership and administration.

We offer

• Salary NOK 692 000 - 845 900 per annum depending on competencies, in the position of Associate Professor (position code 1011).
• A professionally stimulating work 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.
• The opportunity to apply for promotion to full professorship at a later stage.

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter.
• CV.
• Complete list of publications.
• Educational portfolio of 3-6 pages documenting educational competence and experience, including a reflection note in which your own practice and learning vision is anchored in the SoTL criteria (focus on student learning, development over time, a research approach and a collegial attitude and practice).
• Description of qualifications in dissemination, management, and administration (max. 2-3 pages)
• Diplomas and references.
• References (list of 2-3 persons, of which one must be a current or former leader, with name, title, email, and phone number).

Application with attachments must be submitted via our online recruitment system. Please note that all documentation must be in English.

Formal regulations

Please refer to Rules for employment and promotion for Professor and Associate professor positions at UiO (se links above under Qualification requirements, which include the Guide for applicants for professor and Associate professor positions as well as Rules for practising the requirement for basic university pedagogical competetence at UiO).

Assessment Procedure: A selection committee will invite a limited number of candidates (“short list”) to submit a portfolio of academic work (up to ten [10] publications) that are particularly relevant for the position. Please note, therefore, that academic publications shall not be enclosed with the application itself. Standard procedure at the University of Oslo is to invite short-listed candidates for interviews and to give a lecture (“prøveundervisning”).

In keeping with relevant regulations, assessment of applicants will be based primarily on research and teaching. Applicants will also be evaluated based on documented activity within research dissemination, pedagogical qualifications, experience of supervision, administrative qualifications, including leadership, and other activities relevant for the position.

The successful candidate, who at the time of their appointment cannot document basic pedagogical qualifications will be required to obtain such qualifications within a three-year period.

The successful candidate must demonstrate mastery of both English and one of the Scandinavian languages as working languages. If the candidate is not fluent in a Scandinavian language, they will be expected within a three-year period to learn sufficient Norwegian to be able to participate actively in all functions the position may involve, including teaching and administration.

According to section 25 (2) of the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, even in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement in place for all employees, securing rights to research results and intellectual property.

The University of Oslo is an equal opportunity employer, aiming for diversity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for this position, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, or physical ability.

Contactinformation

Dean Anders Runesson, phone number: +47 22 85 03 05/ + 47 41 41 89 76, e-mail: anders.runesson@teologi.uio.no

For questions about the recruitment process: HR-officer Anna Dyrkorn Tjora, phone number: +47 22 85 78 59, e-mail: a.d.tjora@teologi.uio.no