Universitetet i Bergen

Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism at the Department of Administration and Organization Theory is looking for a postdoc with high ambitions, strong qualifications in methodologies and a keen interest in comparative research. The duration of the postdoc position (100%) is 4 years.

About the project/work tasks

The postdoctoral research fellow will work 100% for the whole four-year period as part of the Discretion project funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant, and will be based at the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism at the University of Bergen, Norway. Professor Marit Skivenes is the principal investigator for the project. For more information: http://www.discretion.uib.no/

The main objectives for the ongoing research activity at the Centre are to reveal the mechanisms for exercising discretion, and improve the understanding of paternalism and principles of best interests and welfare. These objectives will be reached by systematically examining the role of institutional, organisational and individual factors including regulations of best interest principles; professions involved; type of courts; type of child protection system; demographic factors and individual values; and the populations’ view on children and paternalism. The research design is set out to employ innovative methodological approaches, with multilevel and cross- country studies.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the principal investigator for further details (marit.skivenes@uib.no).

Your tasks

• To engage in independent scientific research that will result in ground breaking research, as well as partaking in high quality publications addressing core themes of the research project 


• To participate in the collection, pooling, and analysis of data 


• To support and work with the principal investigator in carrying out the research project

• To participate in the organisation of research activities and events at the Centre, such as conferences, workshops, joint publications, and web activities 


• To actively contribute to the academic life of the Centre

Your profile: qualifications and personal qualities 


• A Ph.D. in political science, sociology, economics (other education when clearly related to the project topic may be considered). The applicant must have submitted his/her Ph.D’s thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the Ph.D degree has been awarded at the start of employment. 


• Knowledge and experience with text analysis and qualitative methods 


• Knowledge and experience with quantitative methods 


• A demonstrated interest in engaging in independent research on topics related to the research project 


• As an applicant you should be able to work independently and have the ability to cooperate with others 


• Fluency in written and spoken English 


• Preferable with fluency in written and spoken Spanish and/or German 


Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of their research and it’s fit with the project; the candidate’s methods skills; the candidate’s interest in the project’s topic; the quality of the publications; and personal qualifications. 


Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.

About the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism

The research at the Centre is comparative - between nations, systems and individuals, and includes researchers across the world. We are an interdisciplinary group including political science, sociology, law and phycology. In Bergen, the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism is a part of the Centre on Law and Social Transformation (UiB/CMI), and is involved in research collaboration at the Center for excellence, FAIR, at the Norwegian Business School as well as with the research group Law, Democracy and Welfare at Western Norway University of Applied Science.

We can offer:

• Salary at pay grade 59 - 61 (code 1352) on the government salary scale upon appointment (equivalent to NOK 515.200 - 534.100 per year) in a full position. Further promotions are made according to length of service in the position. 


• A good, vibrant, and professionally challenging working environment 


• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund 


• A position in an inclusive workplace (IA enterprise) 


• Good welfare benefits 


• The city of Bergen - a unique mix of vibrant cultural life and extraordinary nature
The successful candidate is expected to live and work in Bergen during the project period and participate in common activities at the Centre. 


Your application must include: 


• Cover-letter 


• Max 2-page summary of planned research initiatives 


• CV 


• Diplomas (certified copies) 


• Two references with names and contact details 


• Complete list of publications 


• A list of selected scholarly works from the last five years



The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded electronically at the recruitment portal www.jobbnorge.no. The application must include all information to be taken into consideration in the assessment of the academic qualifications. 


Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.

The application has to be marked: 18/14091

Closing date: 31 January 2019 


Applications submitted without required information or applications sent as e-mails will not be considered. Only submitted documents will be subjected to an expert assessment. 


General information: 


Additional information about the position is obtainable by contacting Project leader Marit Skivenes, e-mail: marit.skivenes@uib.no, phone: +47 95924979. 


Practical questions regarding the application procedures should be directed to Adviser HR Anita Helen Spurkeland, e-mail: anita.spurkeland@uib.no, phone +4755589058.

We encourage women to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. Age and gender balance among employees is therefore a goal. It is also a goal to recruit people with immigrant backgrounds. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.