Postdoctoral position within vocational Education - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Postdoctoral position within vocational Education

The Faculty of Education and International Studies is looking to fill 1-2 postdoctoral positions in the Department of Vocational Teacher Education. Read more about the faculty here. The positions may also be linked to ongoing projects at the newly established Center for vocational education, training and research

We seek high-quality original, empirical and theoretical projects, as well as projects that contribute to the development of knowledge about quality standards in vocational training, professional competence and vocational education in schools, businesses and the public sector. 

The position is located in the Department of Vocational Teacher Education at Campus Kjeller. 

Area of research
The postdoctoral are expected to develop projects or subprojects in connection with one of the Department’s areas of focus: 

1. Quality in professional practice and vocational training

This area focuses on quality in vocational education in schools, businesses and the public sector. The research will help to illuminate and develop quality and flexibility in professional practice and vocational education, from the perspectives of both individuals and future industry stakeholders. Analyses of the competence needs for the labour force, professional practice and work processes should be considered as a primary focus, and should form the basis for content and working methods in vocational education. Vocational didactics, as a tool in the development of vocational training and occupational differentiation, is central to the development of quality in vocational education. Other areas that may be considered are changes in occupation and the need for vocational skills in different professions, including for example: key skills and/or generic skills. 

2. Relevant competence in vocational teacher education

This area focuses on the qualification of vocational teachers in vocational teacher education (YFL and PPUY). Research in this area will help to highlight and develop quality and flexibility in both vocational education and in vocational teacher education, from the perspectives of both individuals and future industry stakeholders. Key research themes here are, for example, changes in vocational skills, key skills and/or generic skills. The relationship between quality in vocational education and quality in vocational teacher education is pivotal, especially the relationship between the professionalization of vocational education (including professional didactics), professional relevance and professional practice. 

3. Technology in vocational training, vocational education and vocational teacher education

This area focuses on the development of technological competence, digitization, automation, robotization, and simulation, as well as relationships between technology and learning in different professions. What implications might these changes have for vocational education in upper secondary school and for vocational teacher education? Research on the development of learning technologies, changes in both learning processes and the roles of teachers, as well as online support for teaching and guidance in teacher education is also relevant. 

4. Diversity and inclusion in vocational training and vocational education

This area focuses on the challenges associated with diversity issues, including the relationship between specially facilitated teaching and education, dropout rates and motivation, development of alternative learning arenas, training practice and training candidature schemes, the teaching of students with Norwegian as a second language. In this area of focus, it may also be appropriate to develop projects related to the management of diversity and inclusionary practices in relation to gender, ethnicity, functional capacity, etc. Research questions related to vocational students' daily school lives and the relationship between youth and vocational identities in different learning situations are also relevant. 

5. Lifelong learning

Learning through the lifetime and validation of real-world skills is an important research field. The field is linked to workplace learning, lifelong learning, requalification, experiential competence and methods of assessment, dual models in adult learning, migration and qualification of refugees for the Norwegian workforce. 

The positions are in three years, with a 20% teaching and supervision obligation within the Department. Expected commencement of contract, 1 September 2018.

Qualifications:

• Submitted the doctoral thesis within Pedagogy or other Educational Sciences before the deadline for applying for this position, and hold a Norwegian PhD degree or equivalent degree before the date of commencement
• Broad methodological competence
• Good knowledge of and interest in vocational trades and education
• Good proficiency in both written and oral English as well as a Scandinavian language 

Desired skills, one or more:

• A Professional Certificate (fagbrev) or equivalent professional qualifications and professional experience
• Relevant experience from research and development work
• Knowledge of vocational teacher education 

We are looking for applicants who have:

• The ability to conduct independent research
• Good collaboration skills
• Good dissemination and supervision skills 

In assessing the applicants, emphasis will be placed on the quality of previous research and the submitted project description. 

The applicants must provide plans for high-quality research in one of the areas outlined above. Research in the intersection between areas is also possible. 

It is important for OsloMet to reflect the population of our region, and all qualified candidates are welcome to apply. We make active efforts to further develop as an inclusive workplace and to adapt the workplace if required. 

We can offer you

• An exciting job opportunity at Norway’s third largest and most urban university
• Opportunities for professional development
• Beneficial pension arrangements with the Norwegian State Pension Fund
• Good employee welfare arrangements
• Free Norwegian classes to employees and their partners
• Relocation support, cultural courses and on boarding services 

OsloMet’s International Career Site gives information on living and working in Oslo.

Other information
If you would like more information about the positon, feel free to contact:

• Head of studies, Center for vocational education, training and research, Grete Haaland, + 4795424548
• Head of studies, Lars Gjelstad, +47 91819250 

The salary for the position is in accordance with the pay scale for Norwegian state employees, job title and position code 1352. Salary NOK 517 300-650 200,- per year. A higher salary may be considered for particularly well qualified applicants. 

If you wish to apply for the position, please apply electronically by clicking the button at the bottom of the page. 

Expert evaluation
An expert committee will assess applicants. You must upload the following documents together with your application by the final date for applications:

CV, references and all pages of certificates/diplomas. The certificates/diplomas must include ECTS grades (A–F). Foreign diplomas must be translated into English by the degree-conferring institution. Education taken abroad should preferably be recognised in advance by NOKUT, and a confirmed copy of the letter of recognition should be enclosed. Your PhD dissertation, master's degree/second degree thesis, and any other scholarly work that you wish the expert committee to take into consideration. A list of your publications A 5 page description of research plans and/or interests related to the outlined research strands including plans for publications.The project description must be written in English or a Scandinavian language. 

You must upload all of these documents. Original documents and valid passport must be presented if you are invited for an interview. OsloMet performs document inspections in order to give you as a candidate a proper evaluation and ensure fair competition. 

If you have documents that cannot be uploaded electronically, please contact Heidihertzberg.wold@oslomet.no

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. 

OsloMet has implemented the Charter & Code and been certified by the EU Commission with HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) and is part of the EU network for mobility of Researchers Euraxess.