Post-doctoral fellow (COMPLEX project)

Job description

ARENA Centre for European Studies at the University of Oslo (UiO) invites applications to fill a vacancy for a post-doctoral fellowship (SKO 1352) within the field of public administration/European studies. The position is part of the research project «European Integration and National Law: A theory of administrative behaviour in complex institutional settings» (COMPLEX).

ARENA is a multidisciplinary research centre at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Oslo. The centre promotes theoretically oriented, empirically informed studies seeking to analyse the dynamics of the evolving European systems of governance. It is renowned for its cutting-edge research on the transformation of Europe, and coordinates and participates in numerous international research projects and networks, mainly funded by European and Norwegian research programmes. Its international staff is conducive to a vibrant and integrated research community, where the working language is English. More information about ARENA is available at www.arena.uio.no.

More about the position

The appointment is for the duration of three years with no teaching obligations. The proposed starting date for the fellowship is 1 October 2022.

The position is part of the research project «European Integration and National Law: A theory of administrative behaviour in complex institutional settings» (COMPLEX) which is financed by the Research Council of Norway.

COMPLEX takes a multidisciplinary perspective on modes of incorporating EU law into national law. The project deals with problems of competing interests between levels of governance and conflicting modes of interpretation. How can legitimacy and rule of law be secured when laws are imported? Administrative bodies such as the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway (Finanstilsynet), the Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet), and the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) are central objects of study. 

The Postdoctoral Fellow position is dedicated to work on the mapping of administrative modes of interpretation and implementation. This requires competence in qualitative methodology, such as document analysis and interviews. Some experience with analyzing survey data is also an advantage. 

The post-doctoral fellow will be part of the research group led by Erik O. Eriksen at ARENA Centre for European Studies. The fellow will be expected to actively contribute to the research agenda and the research environment of the COMPLEX project.

The fellowship is for three years, and its main purpose is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

See the project website for more information.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree (Ph.D) in Political Science/European studies before taking up the post
• Previous research on and familiarity with empirical or normative aspects of the project is an advantage
• Experience in conducting interviews and surveys would be an advantage
• Excellent written and oral proficiency in English. A good command of either Norwegian or another Scandinavian language would be an advantage. Residence in Norway is expected.

A comprehensive assessment of the applicant's scientific qualifications forms the basis of appointment, and emphasis will be placed upon the quality of the candidate’s methodological qualifications.

Personal suitability, motivation and ability to cooperate will be taken into consideration.

Interviews with selected candidates will be arranged.

We offer

• Salary of NOK 526 000 – 608 200 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as post-doctoral fellow (position code SKO 1352) 
• An academically stimulating and international working environment
• A friendly and inclusive workplace
• 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
• A good work-life balance and access to Norway’s excellent public services and welfare schemes, including generous parental leave provisions and affordable and accessible childcare (including the University’s day care)
• Access to pedagogical courses offered at faculty / university level
• Female postdocs can take part in the UiO Mentoring programme for female postdocs.

How to apply

The online application must include the following items:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages), including statement of motivation
• A research proposal (maximum 3 pages). The proposal should clarify the research theme, main research questions, theoretical approach, methodology and how the research contributes to the project’s research agenda
• A CV summarizing education, positions, research and pedagogical experience, administrative experience, and other qualifying activities
• A complete list of publications (if not included in the CV)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• Upload a copy of (what you consider to be) your best publication to date preferably a single-authored article published in an international journal
• Names and contact details for 3 reference persons (name, relation to candidate, e-mail, and phone number). Reference letters are not needed.

The application with attachments must be submitted in our electronic recruiting system. Please follow the link “apply for this job”. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system.

We aim to increase the diversity of backgrounds in our staff, and we especially encourage female researchers to apply.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

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

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 Acquisition of Rights Agreement for all employees for the purpose of securing intellectual property 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

Project leader Erik Oddvar Eriksen

Administrative director Ida Hjelmesæth