Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the project "The Lifetimes of Epidemics in Europe and the Middle East"

A Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (SKO 1352) is available at the Department of Culture Studies and Oriental Languages, University of Oslo. The fellowship is funded by the Research Council Norway and is associated with the project The Lifetimes of Epidemics in Europe and the Middle East (project no 283375 ) led by Ass. Prof. Einar Wigen

EPIDEMICS sets out to analyse and understand the different temporalities of epidemics – how social, scientific and political preconditions for preventing and handling epidemics change, and how these temporalities intersect and conflict with the temporalities of pathogens and disease. The regional emphasis in the project is on Europe and the Middle East.

More about the position

The position announced is for a post-doctoral fellow working on epidemics in the Middle East, preferably with a historical emphasis and with a special focus on the temporalities involved. This includes, but is not limited to, the interfaces between scientific knowledge and politics, networks translating or transmitting knowledge and representations of epidemics, and institutional and cultural responses to epidemics. The successful applicant will have a language-based regional expertise on one or more Middle Eastern contexts. Moreover, training in medical humanities, history, cultural history, STS (Science and Technology Studies), history of science, historical International Relations, or related methods of enquiry will be considered an advantage.

The EPIDEMICS project is part of the LIFETIMES research group. Applicants are expected to familiarise themselves with LIFETIMES and should frame their project proposals within this overall framework, to be found at our website: http://temporalities.no

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 with a specialization in language-based Middle Eastern studies
• The candidate's research project must be closely connected to The Lifetimes of Epidemics in Europe and the Middle East
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position

Experience in working on topics of health and medicine or in the Middle East is considered beneficial.

The doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the application 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 project’s scientific merit, research-related relevance and innovation
• The applicant’s estimated academic and personal ability to carry out the project within the allotted time frame and contribute to The Lifetimes of Epidemics in Europe and the Middle East
• Good co-operative skills, and the ability to successfully join in academic collaboration within and across disciplines

We offer

• Salary NOK 523 200 – 605 500 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 (3 - 5 pages). 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
• One academic publication (if such exists)
• Copies of educational certificates

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants must attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project description and the quality of the project as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability.

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

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

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 fellowship 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 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

• Project Leader, Associate Professor Einar Wigen
• Head of Research, Professor Arild Engelsen Ruud
• HR-Officer Steffen Remvik