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Researcher position at the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism

Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism at the Department of Government is looking for an experienced researcher with high ambitions, strong qualifications in social science methodologies and a keen interest in comparative child protection research. The duration of the researcher position (100%) is 2 years.

The successful candidate is expected to live and work in Bergen.

About the project/work tasks:

The researcher will work 100% for the whole two-year period as part of the CPS-World project funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and based at the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism at the University of Bergen, Norway. Professor Marit Skivenes is the principal investigator for the project. For more information: http://www.discretion.uib.no/

The overall ambition of the project is to conduct groundbreaking research by examining the empirical foundation of an emerging, global typology of child protection systems – systems imbued with the legal authority and responsibility to intervene into the private sphere of the family. The main objective of the project is to examine defining elements of child protection systems and their boundaries by analyzing public and judiciary perspectives across the world, enabling empirical advancements and theoretical innovations. This transdisciplinary endeavor will lay the foundation as a conceptual tool for comparative research on governments’ responsibilities to and for children in vulnerable situations. “CPS-WORLD” combines innovative methodological approaches and cross-country examinations, applying several data sources and combining survey, vignettes, experiments, and text analysis. The project is the most comprehensive cross-country study ever undertaken in this field. It is pioneering in its empirical and critical ambition to explain the decisive factors and mechanisms in child protection systems. Potential applicants should contact the principal investigator for further details (marit.skivenes@uib.no). For more information about the research team and the project https://discretion.uib.no/projectsold/child-protection-systems-across-the-world/

About the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism

The Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism addresses core themes in the social sciences by examining the government’s use of power toward its citizens and the justifications of state interventions into people’s lives. Important areas of empirical focus are welfare state models, child protection systems, and children’s rights.

The research at the Centre is comparative - between nations, systems, time and individuals, and includes leading researchers across the world. We are an interdisciplinary group including political science, sociology, law, and psychology. In Bergen, the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism is involved in research collaboration with the Centre on Law and Social Transformation (UiB/CMI) and FAIR, a Center for Excellence at the Norwegian Business School.

For more information about the Centre: https://www.discretion.no  

Your tasks:

• To engage in independent scientific research that will result in high-quality, peer-reviewed publications addressing core themes of the research project.
• To participate in the collection, pooling, and analysis of data.
• To support and work with the principal investigator in carrying out the research project.
• To collaborate with the partners in the project.
• To participate in the organization of research activities and events at the Centre, such as conferences, workshops, joint publications, and web activities.
• To actively contribute to the academic life of the Centre.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• The applicant must hold a Norwegian PhD or an equivalent degree within political science and must have several years of documented research experience within social science.
• The applicant must have extensive knowledge and experience with both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• The applicant must demonstrate an interest in engaging in independent research on topics related to the research project.
• The applicant must demonstrate an ability to work independently, efficiently, and cooperate well with others in a research team.
• The applicant must demonstrate an ability to apply for external research funds.
• The applicant must be fluent in both written and spoken Norwegian and English.
• The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of child protection systems, children’s rights and law.
• The applicant must demonstrate experience with designing and conducting surveys, including survey vignettes and experiments.
• An ability to disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences, in writing and in person, is an advantage.

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of their academic qualifications; their research and its fit with the project; the candidate’s methods skills; the candidate’s interest in the project’s topic; the quality of their publications; and their personal and relational skills.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

We can offer:

• Salary NOK minimum 631 000 – 692 000 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• A good, vibrant, and professionally challenging working environment.
• A position in an inclusive workplace (IA enterprise).
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Good welfare benefits

Your application must include:

• A cover letter including a brief account of your research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
• CV.
• Diplomas (certified copies). Complete list of publications.
• Selected scholarly works from the last five years (pdf). It is important that each of the scholarly works on which the committee should place special emphasis is attached in its entirety.
• The names and contact information for two reference persons.

The application and any attachments along with certified translations in English or another Scandinavian language must be uploaded to JobbNorge.

The application must include all information to be taken into consideration in the assessment of the academic qualifications.

Applications submitted without required information or applications sent as e-mails will not be considered. Only submitted documents will be subjected to an expert assessment.

Closing date: July 15th, 2024. The application must be marked: 2024/7837

General information:

Further information about the position is obtainable by contacting Principal Investigator Marit Skivenes – marit.skivenes@uib.no - phone: +47 95924979.

Practical questions regarding the application procedures should be directed to HR Adviser Gudrun Horvei - gudrun.horvei@uib.no 

Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.For further information about the recruitment process, click here.

About The University of Bergen

The University of Bergen is a renowned educational and research institution, organised into seven faculties and approximately 54 institutes and academic centres. Campus is located in the centre of Bergen with university areas at Nygårdshøyden, Haukeland, Marineholmen, Møllendalsveien and Årstad. 

There are seven departments at Faculty of Social Sciences. Read more about the faculty and departments.