Quantitative researcher (tenure-track post-doc or senior researcher)

Quantitative researcher (tenure-track post-doc or senior researcher)

At Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI), we are currently seeking a tenure-track post-doctoral researcher or senior researcher (depending on experience) with a PhD in development economics, political science (with a development focus), or a related field with advanced quantitative methods skills, particularly in causal inference and randomized controlled trials.

For the initial three years, the researcher will play a key role in designing and implementing an impact evaluation that is a central part of the recently funded project “Agricultural Resilience though Climate Services” (ARCS). The researcher would be part of the Climate & Natural Resources research group and the Development Learning Lab (DLL).

Start date is as soon as possible.

Research for a just and equal world

CMI is an independent, development research institute based in Bergen, Norway, with around 100 staff members. We work in multi-disciplinary teams, where the main disciplines are economics, political science, and social anthropology. We have an international staff and a vibrant working environment.

CMI's vision is to generate research for a just and equal world. Our mission is to address global challenges by providing research-based knowledge that inspires and shapes policy and practice. For more information regarding CMI's values and vision, see the CMI Strategy (2023-2028). As a researcher at CMI, you must identify with CMI’s visions and strategies.

At CMI we have organized our research in different research themes; and our research groups are organized around our themes. These groups are comprised of researchers from different disciplines, as our research projects are often multi-disciplinary.

CMI is an independent research institute, which means that we are funded through research grants and by successfully winning research projects. This entails that researchers at CMI are expected to actively apply for and acquire research funds. As a researcher at CMI, you must identify with CMI’s vision to generate and communicate research for a just and equal world. This includes willingness and ability to conduct high quality academic and commissioned research.

Information regarding the project:

“Agricultural Resilience though Climate Services” (ARCS) is a 5-year NORAD-funded multi-partner project (2023-2027) which aims to enhance the resilience and food and nutritional security among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and Malawi in the face of climate change by improving access to customized climate information services (CIS) that may help smallholder farmers adjust agricultural decisions. The project includes researchers from multiple disciplines, including economics, political science, climate science, and development studies.

CMI is responsible for conducting an impact evaluation (as a randomized controlled trial) to assess the impacts of a comprehensive climate services program that will be implemented in the communities. The Principal Investigator (PI) of the impact evaluation component is Senior Researcher Jon Einar Flatnes.

Who we are looking for: 

Required qualifications: 

For this position, we are seeking an excellent researcher with:

• a PhD in economics, political science, or closely related fields,
• advanced quantitative methodological knowledge and/or experience, especially in econometrics and randomized controlled trials,
• a record of (or a potential for) publishing in high-quality journals,
• excellent writing and communication skills,
• a thematic focus on development, with experience working on research related to climate change,
• field research experience or willingness to do field research,
• experience (or a strong interest) in developing and leading large research grant proposals.

Additionally, it would be an advantage to also have:

• experience with GIS software, and/or
• experience working with qualitative or mixed methods.

Personal qualities and skills: 

• Self-leadership: High level of independence and self-leadership.
• Curious and bold: Curiosity for other disciplines, open-minded and willing to push boundaries.
• Respectful: Respectful and willing to understand the contributions of other disciplines.
• Collaborative: willingness to collaborate and establish mutual understanding and trust.
• Inclusive and empathetic: see, listen to and value colleagues and partners for who they are. Support colleagues and embrace differences.

We value: 

To thrive and develop at CMI, it is important to have a set of qualifications beyond being a strong academic.

• Project development skills and entrepreneurship. All research positions at CMI requires fundraising, and our researchers are the driving force in project development. Fundraising entails writing proposals and communicating with potential funders. An entrepreneurial attitude is essential. Skills, experience, and a track record of project development and fundraising are valuable.
• Engagement with policy and practice. CMI aims to provide research-based knowledge that informs and inspires policy and practice. This entails interaction with user groups, policy- makers and practitioners.

• Field experience. Field experience is important for gaining deep insight about development challenges.
• Versatility. Working at CMI, it is an advantage to be interested in a variety of themes and geographical areas, and to be open to different methodological and disciplinary approaches.
• Project leadership. Researchers at CMI often manage their own projects, with the support of a professional administration.
• Research collaboration. Research at CMI involves collaboration with leading international research institutions, including partners in the Global South.
• Popular dissemination. The impact of CMIs research comes partly through popular dissemination and engagement in public debates of relevance to our research.

Information regarding the criteria for a permanent position:

Please note that to be considered for a permanent senior researcher position, candidates must have published at least 3-6 articles of high quality in peer-reviewed journals.

Tenure-track post-doctoral researchers (similar to an assistant professor position in academia) are eligible to apply for promotion to senior researcher within a 4-year period after having fulfilled a set of criteria (including publishing at least 3-6 articles of high quality in peer-reviewed journals). 

Location

This position is located in Bergen, Norway. CMI is not in a position to offer remote working arrangements for new staff members. We offer home office agreements, allowing staff to work up to two days a week from home office in Norway.

CMI can offer you:

• The opportunity to be part of the leading multidisciplinary development research institute in Scandinavia and to shape our research agenda and communication outreach.
• Remuneration commensurate with qualifications and experience. 
• A vibrant and international working environment.
• Work-life balance and home office opportunities.
• Opportunity to work in Norway, with English as the working language.
• A conducive environment for families with children.

Bergen is a picturesque city situated between fjords and mountains, with excellent opportunities for cultural experiences and an active lifestyle. 

Relevant staff benefits:

• In addition to the annual 5 weeks holiday leave, CMI offers staff additional paid leave from the 24th of December to the 1st of January, and during the Easter week each year.
• Subsidized gym membership.
• Financial assistance to move from abroad to join CMI (terms apply).
• Norwegian language classes for employees moving to Norway from abroad.
• Excellent travel insurance that covers both work and private travel (terms apply).
• Defined contribution pension (innskuddspension). Contributions are paid with 7% of the salary up to 7.1 G and 25.1% of the salary between 7.1-12 G (2% are deducted from the employee, terms apply).

How to apply

Your application must include:

• A brief cover letter (maximum 1 page)
• Completed application template addressing all the relevant sections (part of the application process in JobbNorge)
• CV
• Copies of a maximum of three academic pieces for evaluation
• Three references, including phone numbers and e-mail addresses

The application deadline is set to the 30th of May 2024. Please note that CMI only accepts applications through the JobbNorge recruitment system.

The first round of interviews will be held the 7th of June; selected candidates will be invited by the 4th of June. 

The second round of interviews will be held on the 18th and 19th of June; selected candidates will be invited by the 12th of June. 

DIVERSE INFO

Kilde: NAV stillingsannonser
https://arbeidsplassen.nav.no/stillinger/stilling/69c12c51-b897-47e8-84f4-73e1e07bb62b
IMPORTAPI
https://www.jobbnorge.no/ledige-stillinger/stilling/261844