Job description

Applicants are invited for 1-2 temporary position(s) as Researcher in in the project “Socioeconomic gaps in language development and school achievement: Mechanisms of inequality and opportunity” (EQOP).

The appointment is fulltime and is made for a period of three years.

The position(s) is based at the Department of Special Needs Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Oslo, in close collaboration with partners at Department of Psychology and Department of Sociology and Human Geography at the University of Oslo, RAND Corporation, and Boston College. The project is funded by a European Research Council Consolidator grant.

The position(s) will be linked to one of the work packages in the project: The first aims to identify causal mechanisms of social inequality in language development and school achievement, both within the family and the community. The second aims to test whether a national universal ECEC program for toddlers can reduce social inequality in educational opportunities and outcomes, and the circumstances under which this may happen. The third aims to estimate the societal costs of social inequality in educational outcomes and the net benefits of the ECEC program. Applicants should indicate which of the work packages are of particular interest, if any.

More about the position

We seek candidates with a background in educational sciences, psychology, economics, sociology, epidemiology, or other relevant fields. The candidate must have advanced quantitative skills in either psychometrics, econometrics, epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, or longitudinal modeling, and a genuine interest for the topic of the project. The successful candidate is expected to participate in an interdisciplinary and international research group, using world class data to publish research at the highest level.

The successful applicant is expected to work with the interdisciplinary team on one of the work packages, and contribute with both first- and co-authorships. Independence, creativity, as well as team-oriented work will be needed, and the successful applicant will have the opportunity to define and pursue own research interests within the scope of the project and the work package. Some time (>5%) should be devoted to duties related to project management and research support, potentially including data simulations, programming, and data management.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in educational sciences, psychology, economics, sociology, or other relevant fields
• Advanced quantitative skills in either psychometrics, econometrics, epidemiology, or longitudinal modeling, and eagerness to develop such skills further. Programming skills and/or experience in method development is an asset but not a requirement
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English. Mastery of a Scandinavian language is positive but not required

Personal skills

In the assessment of applicants, emphasis will be put on:

• A cooperative, friendly, and team-oriented style of work
• A genuine interest for, and preferably knowledge of, the substantive themes of the project
• A publication record in high quality journals

We offer

• Salary NOK 583 900 – 667 200 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• World-class data
• An interdisciplinary team of highly accomplished scholars
• 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 that includes statement of motivation and summarizing scientific work, and also a brief outlining of the applicant’s research interest within the project, based on the information provided on the project’s web site (max 2.pages)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications
• 3-4 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered
• 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 Jobbnorge. 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.

Formal regulations

Se rules for the use of research posts at UiO

According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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/ Head of Department, Ona Bø Wie
• Professor Henrik Daae Zachrisson, phone number: +1 857 544 6797

Apply for position