Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at University of Oslo
Job description
Two Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (SKO 1352) are available at the Department of Literature, Area Studies and European Languages (ILOS), University of Oslo. The Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are funded by the Norwegian Research Council and are associated with the project “Probing the Boundaries of the (Trans)National: Imperial Legacies, Transnational Literary Networks and Multilingualism in East Central Europe” (project number 275981, link to webpage). The candidates are expected to present a research project closely connected to the main project.
The aim of "Probing the Boundaries of the (Trans)National" is to explore the continuities and discontinuities of the legacy of the Habsburg Monarchy and use it as a test-case to observe how modes of thinking and practices of living beyond and below the national function(ed) in East Central Europe.
The project consists of three interrelated work packages that focus on:
- the transgenerational transmission of the cultural memory of the Habsburg Monarchy in (post-)Yugoslav literature;
- the transformation of transnational literary networks in the interwar and post-1989 periods based on a case study of Hungarian minority groups;
- the development and dynamics of multilingual practices in East Central Europe after the creation of nation-states in 1918 and the actual language situation and language policies in the multiethnic regions of Vojvodina and Transylvania.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow 1 will be expected to contribute mainly to the work package “Transnational Literary Networks” and to conduct research on transnational literary exchanges, networks, and collaborations of minority writers in Vojvodina (Hungarian-Yugoslav-Serbian contacts) and Transylvania (Hungarian-German-Romanian contacts) through a select number of case studies. The research must have a diachronic dimension and combine the study of written sources with semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in the field. The researcher will be expected to map changes and continuities of minority networks over time using digital tools (e.g. NodeGoat or Palladio). Comparative and theoretical perspectives are encouraged. Suggested topics for the case studies include (multilingual) literary periodicals, artistic collaborations, activities of minority publishers, literary festivals and book fairs, translation as transnational exchange.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow 2 will be expected to contribute mainly to the work package “Multilingual Practices Past and Present” and to conduct research on formal and informal multilingual education in Vojvodina and Transylvania. Research must combine a diachronic approach with fieldwork covering case studies from Vojvodina and Transylvania. The research methods must include the study of written sources, participant observation in multilingual schools, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in the field. Theoretically, the use of concepts from sociolinguistics, linguistic anthropology, anthropology and critical social theory are welcome. Suggested topics for the case studies include the development of language policy in bilingual schools over time, cases of bidirectional multilingualism, minority and majority languages as school subjects, linguistic landscape in bilinguals schools, the formal and informal interaction of schoolchildren, narratives and views about multilingual communication and education held by the main actors involved (pupils, teachers, parents, policy makers), multilingual practices and education in informal settings (family, friends’ circles, etc.).
Furthermore, both postdoctoral research fellows will be expected to
- contribute to the ideas of other project members
- prepare publications, individually and in collaboration with other team members
- communicate with local stakeholders in their respective fields of research
- assist with the organization of workshops and a conference
- generally contribute towards the success of the project
Both positions are available for a period of two and a half years (30 months). The successful candidates will have the possibility to apply to The Research Council of Norway for an extension up to 6 months.
There is a 10 % component of the position which is devoted to teaching and administrative duties.
The successful candidates are expected to become part of the research environment/network of the department and contribute to its development. The main purpose of postdoctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.
Qualification requirements
- PhD with a specialization in literary studies or language studies, or other relevant disciplines (e.g. sociology, anthropology)
- The candidate's research project must be closely connected to the project Probing the Boundaries of the (Trans)National: Imperial Legacies, Transnational Literary Networks and Multilingualism in East Central Europe
- Fluency in English
- Native or near native fluency in Hungarian, Romanian or Serbian, and in addition, communicative knowledge of one of the other two relevant languages
- Competence (either through experience or through education) in carrying out interview-based fieldwork is strongly recommended
- Personal suitability and motivation for the position
The doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation before the application deadline.
In the evaluation of the applications, emphasis will be placed on:
- the project’s scientific merit, research-related relevance and innovation
- the applicant’s estimated academic and personal ability to carry out the project within the allotted time frame and contribute to the main project
- good co-operative skills, and the ability to successfully join in academic collaboration within and across disciplines
UO offers
- Salary level NOK 490 900-569 000 per year, depending on qualifications
- A professionally stimulating working environment
- Attractive welfare benefits
How to apply
Applicants must submit the following attachments with the electronic application form, preferably in pdf-format:
- Application letter
- Curriculum Vitae with grades listed
- List of publications
- Project description (approximately 3-5 pages). The project description must present a feasible progress plan. It is expected that the applicant will be able to complete the project during the period of appointment
Diplomas, certificates, doctoral thesis and other academic works will be requested later.
Please send no letters of recommendation.
Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.
The short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview at the University of Oslo or we will arrange for an interview on Skype.
Following the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) § 25, Chapter 2, information about the applicant may be used in the public list of applicants even if the applicant opts out from the entry in the public application list.
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.
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.
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