UiO Researcher in Anthropology

The Institute of Health and Society has a vacancy for a 2-year position as Researcher in anthropology at The Department of Community Medicine and Global Health. The Researcher will join the ERC-funded project "Universal Health Coverage and the Public Good in Africa", led by professor Ruth Prince. Starting date is date is 1st June 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Researcher will employ ethnographic research to examine key questions surrounding new forms of healthcare, welfare and social protection on the African continent and what these mean for citizenship, forms of inclusion and exclusion, and the role of the state vis-à-vis other actors shaping healthcare futures.

More about the position

UNIVERSAL HEALTH is a comparative anthropological project that critically examines healthcare and welfare in Africa. The project seeks to generate research that makes a novel contribution to scholarship on the state and citizenship in Africa, into forms of inequality and solidarity, and ideas about obligation and responsibility. For more information visit the project website and publications.

The Researcher position is for two-years.

The Researcher is expected to:

• develop and carry out independent ethnographic research within the project theme
• participate and collaborate in project activities including co-organizing workshops and writing conference papers
• publish project-focused articles in international journals with high impact
• convey the research questions and results to a wider audience
• actively participate in the department’s academic activities and events more generally

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in anthropology or related disciplines with a strong focus on ethnographic research, and have research experience and interests in sub-Saharan Africa.
• The doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. The appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are necessary.
• Strong academic writing skills. Demonstrated ability to publish high quality research will be an advantage.

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

The Researcher will be expected to submit a project description as part of the application (see below). Potential candidates are welcome to contact professor Ruth Prince for an informal discussion about possible topics. Some possible research topics are listed below, but these are by no means exclusive.

• Privatization and the corporatization of healthcare futures
• Critique, protest and activism concerning healthcare
• Infrastructures of (un-)protection and care
• Healthcare, citizenship, bureaucracy, and the state
• Struggles over healthcare and welfare

Personal skills

• The successful candidate should be highly motivated, able to work both independently and as part of a team, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

We offer

• Salary NOK 544 400 – 661 400 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• 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

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest): (max. 1 page)
• Project description (1-2 pages max.)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, teaching experience, and other qualifying activity) (max 2 pages)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications
• Example of 1-2 pieces of written work by the applicant
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. International applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English.

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. Interviews with the best qualified candidates may be arranged by zoom.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

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 agreement for all employees, aiming to secure 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

Professor: Ruth Prince, +47 22 85 75 90, r.j.prince@medisin.uio.no

HR-Adviser: Nisma Mælum, +47 22 85 05 08, nisma.malum@medisin.uio.no