About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD position in didactics of mathematics at the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The position as a PhD fellow is related to the project CiviMatics – Interdisciplinary mathematical modelling meets civic education. 

CiviMatics, financed by Erasmus+, is a strategic partnership between Leibniz University Hannover, Babeș-Bolyai University, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Paderborn University, and University of Vienna.

The main objective of CiviMatics is to combine tools from mathematics education (didactics of mathematics) and civic education to establish an approach to “normative” modelling, particularly in the area of climate change.  

The goal of the vacant PhD position is to generate new knowledge about mathematical modelling as a didactic tool in teacher education for Grades 8–13.

Duties of the position

     •    Research at an advanced level leading to a doctoral degree.
     •    Teaching and other duties.

Together with members of the research group in Didactics of mathematics, the PhD fellow will be involved in didactic engineering in a course on mathematical modelling in teacher education for Grades 8–13. This involves working within the research programme of the Anthropological Theory of the Didactic to generate new knowledge concerning the design, implementation and validation of co-disciplinary inquiries, using the methodology of study and research paths.  

Required selection criteria

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in mathematical sciences or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. If the master’s degree is in mathematics, qualification in didactics of mathematics, e.g. a Secondary Mathematics PGCE or equivalent, is required. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.

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. 

The application must be accompanied by a description of a proposed doctoral project, spanning 3000–4000 words. The proposal shall address the information given in the above, and present research questions, theoretical framework and methodical approach for the research project. 

Good written and oral English language skills are required. 

Preference will be given to candidates who speak Norwegian or another Scandinavian language due to data collection and the need for teaching assistance in several of the introductory mathematics courses.

Personal characteristics

• Motivation for conducting research at an advanced level
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Good communication skills
• Curiosity-driven

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

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 482 200 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 3 years. The department might have the opportunity to offer 1 year of teaching duties, distributed over the employment period in addition.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in mathematical sciences within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period. 

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 must be in English. 

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
• Project proposal (3000–4000 words)
• 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 work will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint work, you must attach a brief description of your contribution.

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

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.

According to The 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 Heidi Strømskag, tel. +47 73591743, email heidi.stromskag@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 2021/3263 when applying. 

Application deadline: 14.02.2021.

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 Mathematical Sciences 

We are Norway’s largest university environment in mathematical sciences. The Department has a particular responsibility for all basis education in mathematical sciences for engineering and natural science students at NTNU. We focus on long-term basic research and applied research at a high international level. 

Our aim is to meet the society’s needs for mathematical and statistical expertise in business and public administration as well as in the research and education sector.  The Department of Mathematical Sciences is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering .

Deadline 14th February 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Project
Place of service Trondheim