Research fellowship in musculoskeletal and women’s health - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

There is a vacancy as a research fellow in a fixed-term position affiliated to the research group Musculoskeletal Health (MUSK) at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy. The position is vacant from 1 October 2018.

The research fellowship period is three years without a teaching obligation.

Extensive research activity is conducted at the faculty, and several research groups have been established. The Faculty of Health Sciences has two PhD programmes, and this research fellowship is affiliated to the PhD programme in Behaviour Analysis.

Field of work

The PhD project is part of the ProLoVe study: Somatocognitive therapy vs best current practice in treatment of provoked localized vestibulodynia – a randomized controlled trial. The study is conducted in collaboration between OsloMet and Oslo University Hospital.

Provoked localized vestibulodynia (PVD) is a disorder characterised by pain in the vaginal opening during sexual intercourse or when pressure is applied to the area. PVD is regarded as a complex pain condition without a clear cause. Around 10% of all women of reproductive age have PVD. It is most common in the age group 18 to 35 years, and the study will focus on this age group. Multimodal treatment methods such as a hybrid of physiotherapy and cognitive psychotherapy, or cognitive psychotherapy are seen as the most promising courses of treatment, but more high-quality clinical studies assessing the effect of the different methods are needed.

The PhD candidate’s main area of work will be somatocognitive therapy for participants in the study in accordance with a standardised protocol.

The project is divided into several phases: 1. Feasibility study (fourth quarter 2018) where 5–10 participants are treated by the PhD candidate. The purpose is to fine-tune the treatment protocol, the outcome measures and administrative procedures. In this phase, the candidate will receive close supervision and instruction in how to apply the treatment method. 2. Full-scale RCT (first quarter 2019–second quarter 2020) where the candidate will treat up to 60 participants in the somatocognitive therapy part of the study. 3. Analysis of results and publication (third quarter 2020–third quarter 2021).


We are looking for candidates who

• have a master's degree/second degree (120 credits/ECTS) in health sciences
• hold authorisation as a physiotherapist
• have good oral and written presentation skills in a Scandinavian language and English

Emphasis is placed on the grade awarded for the candidate’s master’s thesis.

It is an advantage if you also have

• experience of and/or an interest in treating patients with complex pain conditions
• previous experience of somatocognitive therapy as a treatment Method
  

Desirable qualities

• ability to work independently and as part of a team, systematically and efficiently
• good collaboration and communication skills
• enthusiasm for the subject area

Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability and motivation for the position.

It is important to 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 offer you

• exciting work opportunities at Norway’s third biggest and most urban university
• opportunities for further academic development in a creative academic and research environment
• participation in an active research group collaborating on joint projects and with a good external network
• good pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• good welfare arrangements

Further information

For more information about the position, please contact associate professor (principal supervisor) Slawomir Wojniusz, tel.: (+47) 41926564, slawomir@oslomet.no

For questions concerning admission to the PhD programme, please contact Kim-Henrik Ruud at kiru@oslomet.no

For questions of an administrative nature, please contact Adviser Malin Larsen at malinla@oslomet.no

The salary for the position is in accordance with the pay scale for state employees, position code 1017, research fellow, currently an initial salary of NOK 436,900 that will gradually increase to NOK 466,500 during the research fellowship period.

The application

OsloMet uses an electronic recruitment system. If you wish to apply for the position, please register your application and CV by clicking the button.

You must upload the following documents together with your application by the deadline for applications:

• an application letter describing your motivation and suitability for the position
• your CV and copies of diplomas and your master’s/second degree thesis
• a list of your publications, if relevant

Conditions

• certified copies of diplomas/transcript of grades must be attached (applies to master’s degrees). They 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, and a certified copy of the letter of recognition should be enclosed
• admission to the PhD Programme in Health Sciences is a precondition for taking up the position.

The documents must be in either English or a Scandinavian language. Originals must be presented if you are invited for an interview. OsloMet checks documents in order to give you as a candidate a proper evaluation and ensure fair competition.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have documents that cannot be uploaded electronically, contact malinla@oslomet.no.

Deadline for applications: 29 July 2018

Ref.: 18/05254

OsloMet has implemented the Charter & Code and has been certified to use the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) logo by the European Commission.

OsloMet is a member of the EU Researchers in Motion network Euraxess