Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the Department of Culture Studies and Oriental Languages

Job description

A two-year postdoctoral research fellowship (SKO 1352) is available at the Department of Culture Studies and Oriental Languages, University of Oslo.

The position is associated with the research project Leadership and Popular Participation in Asian Democracies(follow link for more information). This Norwegian Research Council funded research project investigates leadership styles in individual South and Southeast Asian countries. We focus on leaders that gain legitimacy as rulers from elections in partially democratic or ‘hybrid’ states. Our focus is on their legitimacy and how this legitimacy is maintained or challenged.

The successful applicant will have a project that aligns well with these concerns. Preference may be given to a project that investigates international dimensions of domestic authoritarianism and their external projection. This could be the use of threats, enmities, treaties or aid; public relation building through human rights organisations, international PR agencies or lobbyists; surveillance of exiled opposition; use of history or ethnicity to covet neighbouring territory. Projects that involve comparison across regions (South and Southeast Asia) will be welcomed.

Fluency in at least one relevant (Asian) language is a must.

The position is available for a period of 2 years.

The successful candidate is expected to become part of the research environment/network of the department and contribute to its development. The main purpose of postdoctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

• PhD or equivalent academic qualifications from any relevant social science or humanities discipline, including cross-disciplinary traditions such as area studies.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English and at least one relevant Asian language
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position

The doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.

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

• The research project’s academic merit, relevance to the main project, and innovation.
• The applicant’s estimated academic and personal ability to carry out the project within the allotted time frame and to contribute to the main project.
• The applicant’s experience in conducting research on similar or related topics and to know the chosen field.
• The applicant’s assumed co-operative skills and ability to successfully join in academic collaboration within and across disciplines

We offer

• Salary NOK 534 400 – 615 800 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 your 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, and point out your best 2-3 publications
• Project description (approx. 3–5 pages, maximum 14,000 characters. See Template for project descriptions). The project description must present a feasible progress plan, including where relevant fieldwork and a publication plan. It is expected that the applicant will be able to complete the project during the period of appointment.
• Copies of educational certificates

Do not enclose letters of recommendation. Instead add names and contact details of references. 

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 Arild Engelsen Ruud

For questions on how to appy: HR-Officer Natali Helgesen