Job description

A permanent position as Associate Professor in Runology and older Scandinavian language history is available at the Department of Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies (ILN), University of Oslo.

The disciplines of runology and the older history of the Scandinavian languages at ILN include the study of runes and runic inscriptions and the language in the period from about 100 AD until the Reformation in the Scandinavian countries. Today, the department offers several runology courses that enable students to gain specialist expertise in runology. These topics will be continued and developed within the context of the current position in relation to the linguistic and cultural history of the period. The position includes teaching and research in runology and older Scandinavian language history, with emphasis on runic writing as the primary source we have for the earliest stages of the history of Scandinavian languages.

Therefore, it is important that applicants for the position can document in-depth experience of working with runic inscriptions both as a source of language history and as a material testimony of cultural history in a broader sense. One goal of the position is to strengthen collaboration across the academic environments in Norse philology and Scandinavian linguistics at the department.

For more information about ILN, see the department's website:

https://www.hf.uio.no/iln/english

The successful candidate is expected to initiate and lead research, supervise PhD candidates, participate in teaching and in exam setting and assessment at all levels, and to carry out administrative duties in accordance with the needs of the department.

Qualification requirements

Absolute requirements:

• PhD or equivalent academic qualifications within runology
• Documented interest in and ability to teach and carry out research on runology and older Scandinavian language history.
• Documented pedagogical skills (either a teaching course certificate or based on teaching experience), see how to document your pedagogical skills
• Documented potential for project acquisition
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English and Norwegian or another Scandinavian language (see Formal regulations)
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

•  Academic qualifications and academic production in runology and the older history of the Scandinavian languages, with emphasis on works published within the last 5 years. Originality and innovative thinking will be weighted more heavily than quantity.
• International peer-reviewed publications
• Experience with research projects
• Potential to contribute to the long-term development of the academic and research environment at the Department
•  Pedagogical qualifications, documented results from teaching and supervision, and disposition to inspire students
•  Interest and ability in leadership and administration
•  Ability to create and contribute to a positive environment for collaboration
•  Experience with and ability to build international networks
•  Skills within popular dissemination, public outreach and innovation

In the evaluation of the qualified candidates the full range of these criteria will be explicitly addressed and assessed.

Academic quality, development potential and breadth will be prioritised in this order. The selected candidates are expected to contribute to the objective in the University of Oslo’s strategic plan to “strengthen its international position as a leading research-intensive university through a close interaction across research, education, communication and innovation”.

We offer

• Salary NOK 532 300 – 615 900 per annum depending on qualifications
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Attractive welfare benefits
• The opportunity to  apply for promotion to full professorship at a later stage

How to apply

The application must include:

• Application letter (statement of motivation, summarising scientific work and research interest)
• Curriculum Vitae (list of education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience, project acquisition and coordination experience, and other relevant qualifications)
• Complete list of published and unpublished works
• 2-3 descriptions of suggested topics for master’s theses, of which at least one must be practice-related
• Description of one or more research projects which may be relevant for the Department

Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language), either in the original or in translation.

Applicants are required to describe and document the entire range of qualifications and criteria described in the announcement of the post with concrete examples.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”.

Selection procedure

As the first step in the evaluation process, a Selection Committee will assess all applications and invite the most qualified applicants to submit a portfolio of educational certificates and academic works (up to 10 publications, which should not exceed 500 pages in total) for expert assessment. Academic texts should therefore not be enclosed with the application. Applicants who are invited to submit academic works are asked to select three works, published within the last 5 years, to be considered as most relevant for the position. In longer publications (monographs), applicants should specify the relevant pages. Applicants are further asked to submit a description of one or more research projects considered relevant for the Department. Applicants are also asked to submit a portfolio that documents other qualifications (public outreach, teaching and supervision, and any experience with leadership and administration).

Finally, the most highly ranked candidates will be invited for an interview and a trial lecture.

Formal regulations

The successful candidate who at the time of appointment cannot document basic teaching qualifications will be required to obtain such qualifications within a two-year period. Please see the rules for the assessment and weighting of pedagogical competence.

The successful candidate must be fluent oral and written in both English and one of the Scandinavian languages.

Within his/her normal duties and in accordance with his/her academic competence, the person appointed may also be asked to work outside his/her Department. The appointment is made under the condition that the employer may change the subject area and assigned tasks according to the needs of the Department. See also the rules for appointments to Associate Professorships.

According to the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) § 25, Chapter 2, demographic information about the applicant may be used in the public list of applicants, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an Acquisition of Rights Agreement for the purpose of securing rights to intellectual property created by its employees, including research results.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

For questions about the position:

Head of Department Piotr Garbacz tlf: +47 22 85 76 34

Head of Administration Jan Halvor Undlien tlf: +47 22 85 67 47

For questions about the recruitment process:

HR Adviser Tonje Olsen

About the University of Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.

The Department of Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies (ILN) is one of seven departments at The Faculty of Humanities (HF). The department conducts research, teaching and dissemination in general linguistics, Nordic languages (Scandinavian linguistics and Norwegian as a second language), multilingualism, medieval studies (Norse philology and Celtic), Nordic literature (including dissemination of literature and Ibsen-studies), and rhetoric and verbal communication. The Department hosts a socio-cognitive laboratory offering powerful equipment for various types of experiments and studies

Employer:University of Oslo
Municipality: Oslo
Scope: Fulltime
Duration: Permanent