About the position

At the Department of Sociology and Political Science (ISS) there is a vacant temporary position as Postdoctoral Fellow in comparative health policy research for a period of two years. The position is connected to the research project “30 years of NPM in healthcare: has it worked?”. The project will study how New Public Management-inspired changes in healthcare have affected governance, leadership, professional autonomy, organisational climate, accessibility, service quality, prioritisation, population health and health services satisfaction, building on both Norwegian data and comparative analyses of other countries. The Post Doc position is in a work package that will study NPM from the perspective of the population (patients). The research will be based on quantitative analyses using data from large-scale, cross-national surveys among citizens in OECD countries. Several outcome variables are relevant to investigate, such as for instance self-rated health and evaluations of the health system. The project will investigate the effects of different types of NPM-reforms, while controlling for individual-level variables as well as relevant country-level health system indicators reflecting healthcare spending, provision and institutional setup.

The position reports to te Head of the Department.

Main duties and responsibilities

• The Postdoctoral position is within ISS’ strategic research area “Governance, Public Policy and Administration”, but is also closely linked to the department’s research in the fields of comparative politics and health and social inequality. The objective of the postdoctoral project is to further develop and strengthen the department’s research in these areas. 
• The successful candidate should conduct research on the impact of New Public Management on health system performance and outcomes across countries. The project will be based on quantitative analyses using data from OECD countries. Key outcome variables will be health outcomes and health system evaluations. Through the project the candidate may collaborate with partners in the Nordic Health Policy Network on supplementary qualitative comparative studies of the Nordic countries.
• The position may be ascribed obligation to work, with teaching and supervision activities in political behavior, and extended for up to two years.   
• Applicants will be assessed by the (1) quality and potential of the project proposal, (2) quality and relevance of the academic works and (3) potential to contribute to the research group and the Department.  

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral fellow:

A postdoctoral research fellowships is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. Completion of a Norwegian doctoral degree in [subject area] or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree is required.

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, postdoctor and research assistant

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

Other qualifications

• Skills in statistical analysis will be emphasized
• Good communications skills in English, both written and oral
• Some knowledge of Norwegian language and politics is an advantage
• Some knowledge of French language and politics is an advantage

Personal characteristics

Importance is attached to personal skills such as independence, well-organized, initiative, cooperative spirit, and motivation to contribute to a good working and social environment. 

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, and motivation for the position, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement. 

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 period of employment is two years, with the possibility of two additional years. Postdoctoral candidates are remunerated in code 1352, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 515 200 per annum before tax depending on qualifications and length of service. 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 that the appointed person takes up residence in order to be present and available for the institution as required.

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. Under the Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova), information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to have their name entered on the list of applicants.

Further information concerning this post may be obtained from Professor Pål E. Martinussen, email: pal.e.martinussen@ntnu.no.

For information about the application process please contact HR Section by Sissel Sæther, email: sissel.sather@ntnu.no. 

About the application:

Applicants must submit the following documents with the application within the closing date for applications: 

• A project proposal of max. 4 pages, including a progress plan for the project.
• A comprehensive overview of all academic work. 
• Relevant samples of publications (no more than five).
• CV, certificates and diplomas.

Publications and other academic works that the applicant would like to be considered in the evaluation must accompany the application. Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify the individual applicant's contribution to joint works, the applicant must include a brief description of his or her contribution.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Please note that these documents should be translated in English or in a Scandinavian language. Applicants with a diploma from a foreign university are advised to provide an explanation of the university's grading system.  Applicants invited for interview must bring certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. 

Please refer to the application number SU-390 when applying. 

Application deadline: 29th of Februar 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 Sociology and Political Science

We conduct research, teaching and dissemination in sociology, political science, media, communication and information technology, and sport sciences. The Department offers five-year master’s programmes in teacher education (lektorutdanning) in social sciences as well as in physical education and sports. As a social science department we have a special obligation to contribute to the public debate on important social issues. The Department of Sociology and Political Science is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences.

Deadline 29th February 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Dragvoll