Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Job description

A Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (SKO 1352) in History of Art and Visual Studies is available at the Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas, the University of Oslo.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is associated with the research project “Visualizing the Deep Sea in the Age of Climate Change” (Deep Sea) funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN). Deep Sea is an interdisciplinary project that investigates how recent developments in underwater sensing technologies open a new frontier for human exploration, expansion, and exploitation. This position is specifically connected to the part of the project (work package 4) that aims to provide a deeper historical understanding of the epistemological and socio-economic implications of today’s deep-sea prospecting activities. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow is expected to carry out research within the remit and objectives of the project, and to both contribute to and take charge of published outcomes.

We are looking for candidates whose expertise falls within one or more of the following areas: visual studies, history of art, media studies, digital humanities, and science and technology studies. Specific interest and previous experience in data visualization and digital research methods in visual studies is preferred but not required.

More about the position

The Deep Sea project studies how innovations in marine technology, including advanced underwater sensors and remote-controlled or autonomous robots, institute new spaces of knowledge and action, and manage the human relationship with oceanic environments. The project examines the epistemic roles of these technologies, and their broader significance in allowing the exploration of some of the last largely unknown areas on the planet for various types of purposes, ranging from new sources of food, energy, and minerals, via underwater cultural heritage, to environmental concerns relating to ocean heating and the imminent loss of marine biodiversity. The project pursues an interdisciplinary approach, being set up as a collaboration with leading research centres on marine technologies at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

The candidate’s postdoctoral research will be specifically associated with the work package “Deep Sea Prospecting,” which seeks to disclose the historical depth and significance of today’s marine-technological ventures. The work package approaches this objective with a historically comparative methodology that situates current developments in deep sea resource exploration within the larger visual history of (corporate) colonialism and the rise of global capitalism. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow is expected to carry out independent research into the development and application of imaging systems for capturing underwater information for the exploration and extraction of sea-based minerals. More information about the work package can be made available to applicants (see contact details below).

The candidate is expected to work closely with the project leaders and other participants in the Deep Sea project. They will take charge of and contribute to published outcomes as well as research activities in accordance with the project’s dissemination plan. There will be an opportunity to take an active role in designing an online multimedia platform that exhibits the project findings in an experimental and creative form.

The position is available for a period of 2 years.

Qualification requirements

• PhD or equivalent academic qualifications in history of art, visual studies, media studies, science and technology studies, or a related field
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• The candidate’s research interests must be closely connected to the Deep Sea project
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position

Applicants who do not hold a PhD at the time of application must have submitted their doctoral dissertation by the closing date of this call. Appointment to the position is dependent on a successful doctoral defense.

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

• The applicant’s estimated academic and personal ability to carry out the project within the allotted time frame and their contribution to the relevant work package of Deep Sea
• Good co-operative skills, and the ability to successfully join in academic collaboration within and across disciplines
• Interest and experience in data visualization and digital research methods in visual studies as a desirable criterion.

We offer

• Salary NOK 575 400 – 657 300 per annum depending on qualifications 
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Attractive welfare benefits

How to apply

The application must include

• Application letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position
• Curriculum Vitae with grades listed (with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities)
• List of publications
• Project description explaining how the applicant’s research interests connect with the Deep Sea project and what kinds of topics and issues they wish to pursue within the framework of the “Deep Sea Prospecting” work package (appox. 3 – 5 pages, maximum 14,000 characters. See Template for project descriptions). The project description must present a feasible progress plan. It is expected that the applicant will be able to complete the project during the period of appointment
• If applicable, up to 5 academic works of particular relevance to ARCREATE may be included (please describe in brief, in the list of publications, how these are of relevance)

Diplomas, certificates, doctoral thesis and other academic works may be requested later.

Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, jobbnorge.no. Applicants with education from a foreign university must attach an explanation of their university’s grading system.

The short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

Formal regulations

See also Regulations concerning Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships.

Following the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) § 25, Chapter 2, information about the applicant may be used in the public list of applicants even if the applicant opts out from the entry in the public application list.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

The University of Oslo has an Acquisition of Rights Agreement for the purpose of securing rights to intellectual property created by its employees, including research results.

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

Contact information

For questions about the position: Professor Pasi Väliaho

For questions about how to apply: HR Officer Daniel Nersveen 

DIVERSE INFO

Kilde: NAV stillingsannonser
https://arbeidsplassen.nav.no/stillinger/stilling/cc5ff642-e5d8-4116-a22a-c0795d862197
IMPORTAPI
https://www.jobbnorge.no/ledige-stillinger/stilling/251937