Postdoc Research Fellow in Sociology

About the position

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (SKO 1352) in sociology at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography, University of Oslo. The position is for a period of three years or four years with 25 % compulsory work (primarily teaching).

More about the position

The postdoctoral research fellow will be part of the research project The Salmon Elite: Its politics, self-understanding, networks, and wealth (SALELITE), which is financed by the Research Council of Norway and headed by Katharina Sass (UiB) and Maren Toft (UiO). The fellow is expected to pursue independent research in collaboration with the project participants within the scope of the SALELITE-project.

The project aims to examine the politics, self-understanding, networks, and wealth of the Norwegian salmon elite; meaning the owners and top executives of the companies in the field of fish farming in Norway. The project builds on theoretical contributions from political economy, focusing on the role of business in policymaking, and on contributions from elite sociology, focusing on the wealth, networks, and political self-justifications of elites. The project is organized into three work packages. WP1 analyses the tax politics of the salmon elite based on publicly available qualitative data (such as documents published by salmon companies, media coverage, and party manifestos). WP2 focuses on the salmon elite’s self-understanding and self-justifications, based on qualitative interviews with entrepreneurs, heirs, and top executives of the salmon industry. WP3 examines the economic power, kinship structures, and social networks within the salmon elite, based on data from the Brønnøysund Register Centre and on party financing. The successful candidate is expected to develop a research agenda and contribute to the project’s WP3.

We seek candidates with the potential to contribute to the development of sociology as a discipline at the department. The fellow is expected to pursue independent research, as outlined in their submitted project proposals. We value the contribution of young scholars to the academic environment and study programmes in the department and encourage candidates with a desire to participate actively in departmental life to apply.

Applicants who are hired with teaching duties who have little or no prior pedagogical competence will be encouraged to acquire basic formal teaching competence by participating in pedagogical training provided by UiO.

Residence in Norway is expected, but postdoctoral fellows are also encouraged to spend time abroad during the fellowship period if feasible.

Qualification requirements and assessment criteria

Applicants will be assessed on the quality of the project proposal, the quality of the PhD dissertation and publications, the applicant’s personal prerequisites and motivation to carry out the project and teach at the department. The hiring process will include an interview.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in sociology or equivalent. The doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation by the closing application date. Appointment is dependent on the dissertation and public defense of the doctoral dissertation being approved. Only candidates who received their PhD within the last five years will be considered; family leave etc, should be accounted for in the CV.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and/or Norwegian or a Scandinavian language.
• Applicants should have experience with social network analysis and demonstrate knowledge of the Norwegian economy, and preferably also of the fish-farming industry.

How to apply

Applicants must submit: Application letter (max 2 pages). A tentative project proposal (5-10 pages), clearly situated in the SALELITE-project’s WP 3. CV summarizing education, positions, research experience, and other qualifying activities. A complete list of publications. Copies of educational certificates (MA, Ph.D. diplomas, academic transcripts). Copies of up to three academic works to date. Names and contact information for 2-3 reference persons. Applicants who have completed their education outside of the EU/EEA-area and who do not have English as a native language, must document English language skills.

The application with attachments must be submitted in our electronic recruiting system. Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

We offer

• A central role in an NFR-funded project with high scientific ambition.
• Salary for the position of Postdoctoral Research Fellow, position code 1352 in salary range NOK from 595 000–672 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.
• 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 friendly and inclusive workplace allowing for a good work-life balance.