About the position

The position is connected to the ongoing innovation project PlatVel (Platforms for municipal healthcare services) funded by TSO Health at NTNU. The postdoc candidate is expected to contribute to deliverables in this project. The academic discipline is computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) and Information Systems. Envisaged publications will be in high-quality journals within the CSCW, Information Systems and software engineering disciplines. Qualitative methods, such as case studies and action research, will be used to conduct the research. The research will follow the principles of engaged scholarship, with a focus on user involvement.

The research topic for this position is the large-scale development of digital platforms in public organizations. Currently, the region of Middle-Norway is implementing a platform for healthcare services that will facilitate collaboration between primary and specialist healthcare (see this web page for more information on the national pilot project Helseplattformen). The PlatVel project is studying the development of Helseplattformen in primary care municipal settings. The postdoc candidate will use the national pilot project as an empirical case, and will contribute with insight and knowledge from international and own research.

The research contained in this position must be aligned with the overall goals of the research group at IDI. The postdoc is expected to cooperate with the other members of the group to conduct empirical research and disseminate the results in high-quality outlets selected in cooperation with project team members.

The position reports to head of department.

Duties of the position

•    Conduct empirically grounded qualitative research on digital platforms
      in public organizations.
•    Contribute to the state of the art by developing a theoretical framework to
      describe the findings and inform ongoing projects.
•    Publish in international conferences and journals in the relevant fields.
•    Contribute towards PlatVel’s goal and ambition
•    Participate in professional communities within areas
     relevant to the position.

Required selection criteria

A postdoctoral research fellowships is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. You must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree in Information Systems or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree is required.

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 postdoc’s main objective is to hone and further develop research skills acquired during his/ her PhD. The qualification requirement is completion of a PhD degree with a strong academic background in CSCW, information systems or software engineering disciplines, or equivalent education. Applicants with no letter grades from previous studies must have an equally good academic foundation. 
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.

Other qualifications we seek for this position are the following:

• Understanding of and experience with applying qualitative research methods in real-world organizations to unpack sociotechnical dynamics
• A good, documented understanding of the research fields of CSCW, information systems or software engineering disciplines
• The ability and willingness to conduct research in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Good written and oral English language skills. Knowledge of a Scandinavian language is a big advantage
• Experience from projects within public service innovation is a big advantage.

As the users and participants to the research will mostly be Norwegian, knowledge of a Scandinavian language is desired, but it is not a pre-requisite. Applicants who do not master a Scandinavian language must provide evidence of good English language skills, written and spoken. The following tests can be used as such documentation: TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). Minimum scores are:

• TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (Internet-based test)
• IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted)
• CAE/CPE: grade B or A.

Preferred selection criteria are

• Scientific merit with relevance to PlatVel
• Documented knowledge of qualitative methods
• Quality of research proposal
• Ability to work interdisciplinary
• Experience from research projects in the public sector
• Knowledge of a Scandinavian language

Personal characteristics

We emphasize personal suitability of the individual applicants. We are looking for candidates who:

• Are passionate about research and have a high level of curiosity and willingness to learn.
• Can document their ability to work in a team and deliver high-quality results independently.
• Can demonstrate analytical skills. Potential candidates will be required to write and
• present an analytical text.
• Can demonstrate the ability to engage with users and beneficiaries of their research.
• Can demonstrate that they can rapidly acquire and apply knowledge in a research area.

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

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 period of employment is 2 years, with 25% dedicated to teaching.

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 criterias 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

Publications and other academic works that the applicant would like to be considered in the evaluation must accompany 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 contain:

• Curriculum vitae (CV) with information about the candidate’s prior training, exams, and work experience.
• Certified copies of transcripts and diplomas for the whole master’s and
• PhD’s degree. An English translation of all education documents is required unless the documents are in Norwegian.
• A project description of 3-5 pages detailing the candidate’s theoretical and methodological approach to the problem area together with motivation.
• Names and contact information of at least 2 reference persons.
• A copy of the PhD thesis (in PDF)
• PDF copies of prior publications, with associated bibliographical data.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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

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 Professor Eric Monteiro, email eric.monteiro@ntnu.no , or Head of the Department Professor John Krogstie, email john.krogstie@ntnu.no. 

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 2020/27120 when applying.

Application deadline: 09.10.20

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 Computer Science 

We are the leading academic IT environment in Norway, and offer a wide range of theoretical and applied IT programmes of study at all levels. Our subject areas include hardware, algorithms, visual computing, AI, databases, software engineering, information systems, learning technology, HCI, CSCW, IT operations and applied data processing. The Department has groups in both Trondheim and Gjøvik. The Department of Computer Science is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering .

Deadline 9th October 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim\
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Campus Gløshaugen