PhD Research Fellow in social studies education

Job description

Applicants are invited for a 4 year position as PhD Research Fellow in social studies education with an emphasis on sustainability issues at the Department of Teacher Education and School Research, University of Oslo.

We live in times of climate crisis, ecological degradation and global injustice. It is widely acknowledged that this situation requires transformations of societal structures and practices, making education a crucial element. Social studies in school have been characterized by an anthropocentric approach where society and nature as concepts appear isolated and the relations and interdependencies are rendered invisible. The PhD project offers an opportunity to explore how sustainability as a societal challenge and as a topic that is taught in school inspire reconsideration of established social science narratives. The contemporary climate and nature crises require theoretical and methodological development in social studies education research regarding central concepts, practices and purposes.

Possible themes of relevance for this research on social studies education in times of the current sustainability challenges could include, but are not limited to:

• Democracy and democracy education in the context of climate and nature crises
• Democratic and ecological citizenship of children and young people
• Perspectives on children and young people's agency
• Conceptualizations of politics
• Nature and society
• Human rights education and sustainability
• Connections between the local and the global
• Approaches to complexity and progression in social studies and interdisciplinary sustainability teaching practices

It is expected that the PhD project combines theory development and empirical, qualitative research in schools or in open schooling arenas. The proposal should explain how the project is both theoretically and methodologically innovative. The successful candidate will be affiliated with the research group COSER (Challenges of Sustainability in Educational Research). COSER is an interdisciplinary research group that examines the relationship between education and contemporary complex issues related to sustainability.

More about the position

The fellowship period is up to 4 years, with 3 years devoted to research education. The position entails a compulsory workload of 25%, that consists of teaching and supervision duties and research assistace.

The research fellow must take part in the faculty’s approved PhD program, and is expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period. The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

For more information, please see our web site. 

The place of work will be Blindern Campus.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must satisfy the requirements for admission to the faculty´s PhD programme. This normally includes:

• Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in social studies education, teacher education or relevant social science disciplines
• A master’s degree (120 ECTS) with a minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent. The master’s degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS, with a minimum grade B
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English and Norwegian (or another Scandinavian language)

In the assessment of applications, emphasis will be placed on:

• The quality of the project description, the description of the research topic’s relevance to educational issues, the specific problems to be studied, the choice of scientific theory and method, and the proposed implementation plan for the study
• The applicant’s experience, personal suitability, and motivation for the post, including the ability to collaborate and to form part of a cross-disciplinary academic community
• The applicant’s academic attitude and motivation regarding completing the research training program

We offer

• Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow, (position code 1017)

• 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 and what to include in your application

The application must include:

• Cover letter, including statement of motivation and research interests
• A project description, including progress plan (5-7 pages) Please see our guidelines. 
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only). Foreign applicants must attach an explanation of their university’s grading system.
• Documentation of English proficiency (for information on required documentation, see information on this webpage)
• Master thesis and any other academic work that may be of relevance to the application
• A complete list of publications and academic works
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail, and phone number)

Incomplete applications will not be assessed.

Please note that all documents should 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”. 

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the project description and the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. Applicants may be called in for an interview.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

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 appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

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

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

DIVERSE INFO

Kilde: NAV stillingsannonser
https://arbeidsplassen.nav.no/stillinger/stilling/8ba97cfc-6188-46db-b5b7-db244593f266
IMPORTAPI
https://www.jobbnorge.no/ledige-stillinger/stilling/259933