About the position

At the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning (IPL) there is a vacancy as post-doctoral fellow for a period of two years. The position as postdoctoral fellow has the main objective of qualifying for work in professional top positions. 

Department of Education and Lifelong Learning is a knowledge environment for research, education and communication in the social sciences. The department contributes to research-based knowledge on childhood and adolescence, school, education and working life in a lifelong perspective. The department's fields of study and research are education, adult learning, counselling science, educational development and child research. The scientific staff currently consist of 26 professors, 21 associate professors, 12 university lecturers, 3 research positions, 4 postdoctoral fellows and 20 research fellows.

Theme for research project

The theme for the project is physical learning environment of schools. The postdoctoral fellow will take part in a project at the Department focusing on physical design of schools and its impact quality in education. The project seeks to explore interactions between school design, pedagogy and the organisation of school life. The project aims to contribute to research-based knowledge about how school facilities can be utilised to support education and learning for all. We aim at mapping experiences of how school design, technology and materiality promote or prevent learning, inclusion, participation and well-being of pupils. Further, to explore the potential relationship between the physical learning environment and spaces, and how this support the purpose schooling, pedagogical principles and working methods, as well as the relationships between pupils, and between teachers and pupils. Thus, the project addresses quality in education and seeks to elaborate and develop increased knowledge about the significance of the physical learning environment for teaching, pupils learning and the development of social skills. 

Duties of the position

The postdoctoral fellow will participate in developing and implementing the project and take part in some of the following planned research activities:

• prepare and conduct a systematic review of international research literature concerning interactions between school design, pedagogy and organisation of school life 
• prepare and conduct an empirical study of qualities of different types of physical learning environments and school facilities. This will produce qualitative data which can contribute to in-depth studies of a selection of school environments. The aim is to contribute to a better understanding of how school facilities can be utilised while supporting education and learning for all.

Expectations 

The person employed in the position will be part of the research group Qualities in Education (QEd). We expect active participation in the research groups activities and to publish research results of high quality from the project. The person is expected to attend regular monthly meetings in the research group QEd and to join meetings/webinar with the research network ROLE (Research on Learning Environments) and the European research network DRAPES (Design, Research and Practice in Educational Spaces). The person employed must have the motivation to contribute to professional cooperation and a good working environment.

Required selection criteria

A postdoctoral research fellowship is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. A Norwegian doctoral degree is required in the relevant field of study or equivalent foreign doctoral degree approved as equivalent to Norwegian doctorate. We want applicants with a doctorate preferably in Educational science, but a doctorate from other disciplines of Social or Human sciences or other relevant for the project (in. ex. Architecture) is also applicable. 

Additional qualifications and preferred selection criteria

• The applicants should have experience with educational research and in using different research methods. 
• Together with the application we expect a short project description (3-5 pages) of potential research activities and suitable theoretical and methodological approaches within the frame of the project theme as described above. The project description can be written in English or in a Scandinavian language.

If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant. 

Personal characteristics

• Proven ability to work independently as well in a scientific team
• Ability to communicate with people from different disciplines
• Interest in education and physical learning environments as a research field
• Good written and oral English and Norwegian language skills 

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

The employment period is two years. Postdoctoral candidates are placed in code 1352, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 542 400 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment can be written in English or in a Scandinavian language.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

The application must include 

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• Research plan or project proposal 
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 5 works)
• Name and address of three referees

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality. 

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

Information Act (offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact: Head of department/Associate professor Hans Petter Ulleberg, e-mail hans.petter.ulleberg@ntnu.no, cell-phone +47 91897259.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI). 

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number SU-488 when applying. 

Application deadline: 31 August 2020.

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Education and Lifelong Learning

We develop knowledge about the processes of learning and individual development in the interaction between people, the environment and society – in a world where rapid changes demand constant adaptation. Our research and teaching include topics such as childhood, education and working life in a lifelong perspective, and our interdisciplinary environment has roots in both the social and educational sciences. The Department of Education and Lifelong Learning is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences.

Deadline 31st August 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Dragvoll