Job description

Applications are invited for a 2 year position (100 %) as researcher (SKO 1108/SKO 1109) in policy evaluation using system dynamics to be employed by the Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo. The System Dynamics Group at the University of Bergen will be a key-collaborator.

The researcher will work on the EU-funded project titled: “Confronting Obesity: Co-creating policy with adolescents (CO-CREATE)” which is coordinated by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (co-create.eu). CO-CREATE aims to reduce childhood obesity and its co-morbidities by working with adolescents, to create, inform and disseminate obesity-preventive evidence-based policies. The project applies a systems approach to provide a better understanding of how factors associated with obesity interact at various levels. Applying large-scale datasets, policy-monitoring tools, novel analytical approaches and youth involvement will provide new efficient strategies, tools and programs for promoting sustainable and healthy dietary behaviors and lifestyles.

In the CO-CREATE-project, the researcher will cooperate with project partners to finalize an explanatory system dynamics model and consequently expand the model to evaluate the potential effect of 1-3 policy proposals developed by youth alliances and tested in dialog forums with relevant stakeholders.

Tasks

• Cooperate with project partners on the design and implementation of modeling activities
• Engage with policy makers, researchers and other stakeholders in structured knowledge elicitation and integration activities
• Formulate, validate and analyze system dynamics simulation models
• Collect qualitative and quantitative data from implementation and evaluation plans
• Use this data to adapt the simulation models and perform policy analysis
• Write scientific articles on the application of the model
• Participation in consortium research meetings
• Dissemination of findings

Qualification requirements

• Master and/or PhD in system dynamics or closely related fields
• Technical skills in system dynamics modeling and statistical analysis
• Experience in facilitating group workshops and in conducting interviews
• Fluent (oral and written) in English

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

• Knowledge of evaluation, implementation or policy research in public health
• Previous experience from working in large, cross-cultural projects

Personal skills

• Ability to work in a structured and independent way
• Very good collaborative skills
• Cross-cultural competency

We offer

• Salary NOK 523 200 - 605 500 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher with PhD (position code1109) or NOK 456 400 - 504 700 as Researcher without a PhD (position code1108)
• A professionally 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

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. 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).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

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 University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

• Professor Nanna Lien, + 47 22 85 13 78, nanna.lien@medisin.uio.no
• Professor Birgit Kopainsky, + 47 55 58 30 92, birgit.kopainsky@uib.no

Apply for position