There are 1-2 vacant positions at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography for research fellows (SKO 1017) in sociology. The positions are 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 sociology 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.
We seek candidates with the potential to contribute to the development of sociology as a discipline at the department. The fellows are expected to pursue independent research under supervision, as outlined in their submitted project proposals. We value the contribution of young scholars to the academic environment and study programs at the department and encourage candidates with a desire to participate actively in departmental life to apply.
Applicants should have research interests that resonate with ongoing research at the department . We currently have strong research activities in the fields of social inequality, migration, integration and diversity, cultural and political participation, urban studies, sustainable transformations, population dynamics, and work, organizations and politics. 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 sociology at the department.
The position requires participation in the Faculty of Social Sciences’ organized research education program ( PhD programme ) and the completion of a doctorate in sociology. 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. The starting date will be negotiated with the successful candidates.
Qualification requirements and assessment criteria
Applicants will be assessed on the quality and relevance of the project proposal, their academic grades and applicants’ academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. The hiring process will include an interview.
Applicants must have prior education that corresponds to 5 years at the university level in Norway, with two years (120 ECTS) at the master’s level. If the scope of education at the master’s level is less than two years, an individual assessment may be made.
Applicants must have average grades of A or B in their master’s degree.
Applicants must have native or near-native competence in English or a Scandinavian language. Applicants who have completed their education outside of the EU/EEA area and who do not have English as a native language, must document language skills as documented by:
TOEFL – with a minimum result of 550 on the Paper-based Test (PBT), or 80 on the Internet-Based Test (iBT) OR
IELTS – International English Language Testing Service, with the result 6.0.
How to apply
Application letter. Please state your motivation for applying, including your interest in research and teaching.
A tentative project proposal (5-10 pages). The proposal must include the topic, relevant theory and methods and timeline. The proposal should include an explicit account of how the project contributes to the development of sociology at the department. Applicants are expected to be able to complete the project during the appointment period. Guidelines to writing a project proposal: Guidelines for the project proposal when applying for admission – Faculty of Social Sciences
CV with full summary of education, practice and academic work (including any publications). The period of enrollment (admission-completion) in the master’s study program must be specified.
Applicants with a one-year master’s degree must submit an appeal for an individual assessment (max 1 page) in which they demonstrate that they have completed research work equivalent to at least half a year’s relevant scientific workload.
Academic transcripts (university degrees only).
Copy of master’s degree diploma.
Applicants submitting transcripts from non-Norwegian institutions are advised to include an explanation of their university’s grading system. This may be uploaded as an “Attachment.”
TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable. These may be uploaded as an “Attachment.”
Documents should be uploaded in the order presented above. Please submit documents individually and name them accordingly, eg Letter of application, Project proposal, CV, etc. Do NOT submit supporting documents as a single, combined file.
Application with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system Jobbnorge, click “Apply for the position”. Please note that all documents must be 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 and the department’s needs.
We offer
Exciting and meaningful tasks in an organization with an important societal mission, contributing to knowledge development, education, and enlightenment that promote sustainable, fair, and knowledge-based societal development.
An academically stimulating work environment
Good welfare schemes.
Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours.
Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse , which is one of Norway’s best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.
Salary in position as Doctoral Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK from 551,000 to 594,000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.
