PhD Fellowship in Science and Technology Studies

Job description

1 Doctoral Research Fellowship (SKO 1017) is available at TIK Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture at the University of Oslo (UiO). Candidates are invited to apply for a three-year PhD Research Fellowship within the field of of Science & Technology Studies.

More about the position

The candidate’ work will be situated within the Centre’s research group ”Science, Technology and Culture”.

The Science, Technology and Culture studies analyses the relations between science, technology and society; how scientific knowledge and technologies emerge and how science and technology are employed in different social contexts, and with what social and political implications. Research within the research group is situated within the interdisciplinary field of science and technology studies (STS). The group has a strong tradition for combining empirical research spanning across the humanities and the social sciences and is open to the study of both historical as well as contemporary issues and materials.

The Ph.D. position is open to all proposals relevant for STS in its various forms. It is necessary that the candidates are able to position their projects within the field of STS and that they can relate their proposals to the expertise found at TIK. 

The research fellow must take part in the Faculty’s approved PhD programme and is expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period. The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. For more information, please see the Faculty of Social Sciences’ web site.

In addition to his/her own research work, the fellow may be invited to participate in teaching and/or administration activities connected to research and teaching at the Centre. All such work will be compensated with an equivalent extension of the research fellowship. The total duration of the extension may not exceed twelve months.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must hold a two years Master’s degree or equivalent in the social sciences or humanities and meet the requirements to be enrolled in the PhD-programme.

In addition, the PhD candidates must have:

• fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• good professional writing skills
• demonstrated research capabilities
• extensive knowledge of Science & Technology Studies/STS
• strong interest in the development of STS research both theoretically and empirically
• personal suitability and motivation for the position

Collaboration skills and an ability to join interdisciplinary academic communities will be an advantage.

The candidates are expected to take active part in activities like seminars and workshops at TIK. Residency in or close to Oslo is therefore expected.

Evaluation of the application

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the applicant’s project description for his/her proposed PhD project, as well as the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out this project. A good match between the candidate's proposal and the research profile, strategies and activities within the respective research group at the centre will be given weight along with the quality of the proposal and the qualifications of the candidate.

Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

We offer

• Salary NOK 501 200 – 544 400 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow, position code 1017.
• Academically stimulating working environment
• Attractive welfare benefits including excellent benefits for families (kindergarten, paid paternal/maternal leave etc) and a generous pension agreement. In addition, Oslo offers a family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities in its immediate surroundings.

How to apply

The application must include:

• cover letter (statement of motivation and research interests)
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• project proposal and progress plan (5 to 10 pages) for the work to be undertaken during the course of the term of appointment
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• list of publications and academic work (if applicable)
• 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, please follow the link “apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research 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 appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

• Leader of the STS group, Susanne Bauer
• Head of Administration, Inger-Johanne Ullern

About the University of Oslo 

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.

TIK Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture is a cross disciplinary unit at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Oslo. TIK is home to 40 staff members working in research, education and research communication in innovation and science and technology studies (STS). A major part of TIK’s activity is externally funded research. TIK also offers postgraduate education; a PhD-programme and two Master programmes. The Centre also hosts OSIRIS - Oslo Institute for Research on the Impact of Science.