Postdoctoral Fellowship in Political Science

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow position

The Department of Government at the University of Bergen is recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow in Political Science. The successful candidate will be part of the research project “WarEffects – Micro-Level Effects of Civil Wars on Multiple Dimensions of Women’s Empowerment” (www.wareffects.eu), which is funded by the European Research Council (2022-2027). The position is for a fixed-term period of 4 years, of which 75% will be dedicated to research within the project and 25% will be dedicated to teaching and administrative tasks. We are looking for a candidate with (1) expertise in the micro-level dynamics of violent conflict, (2) strong quantitative methods skills and (3) interest in expanding her research agenda to analyses of gendered effects of exposure to violence. 

The Department of Government covers political science, studies of public policy, public administration, democracy and participation, and political institutions and organisation. The Department offers bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees in political science/public administration and is one of the seven departments at the Faculty of the Social Sciences. Research at the department is organised in research groups. Applicants are advised to consult and familiarize themselves with the Department's teaching and research profile.

About the WarEffects project:

How do civil wars affect women’s empowerment and gender relations? This question is at the heart of our research project “WarEffects – Micro-Level Effects of Civil Wars on Multiple Dimensions of Women’s Empowerment.” In this project, we will explore if, how, and under what conditions civil wars affect gender relations at the subnational and individual levels. Empirically, we will combine survey experiments, archival data, GIS, and qualitative field research in Colombia, DR Congo, and Sri Lanka. Our goal is to significantly advance research at the intersection of violent conflict, gender equality, and development across disciplinary boundaries. The project team will consist of two postdoctoral fellows, one PhD student, one research assistant and the PI. The PI of the project is Carlo Koos, Associate Professor of Political Science: https://www.uib.no/en/persons/Carlo.Koos

About the position:

• Conduct and publish high-quality research within the broader scope of the WarEffects project (75%)
• Teaching and related duties (25%)
• Co-responsibility in overall research design, data collection, and analysis within the project
• Close collaboration with the project team (1 PI, 2 postdoctoral researchers, 1 PhD student, 1 research assistant)
• Present research findings at international conferences, workshops, and Department seminars
• Participate in research administration and the organization of project-related events (e.g., conferences, workshops, webinars)
• The position provides ample opportunities to advance the candidate’s own research agenda within the broader scope of the project and develop project management skills
• The selected candidate is expected to live and work in the Bergen region and contribute actively to joint activities at the department.
• Starting date: preferably September 2023

The fixed-term period for this position is 4 years. Individuals may not be hired for more than one fixed-term period as a postdoctoral research fellow at the same institution.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

Required qualifications:

• Doctorate/PhD in political science, economics, psychology, or sociology (thesis must have been defended by the starting date).
• Focus on quantitative peace and conflict research or a related field
• Excellent publication record in highly ranked international journals or demonstrated proof thereof
• Excellent quantitative methods skills including methods of causal inference
• Ability and willingness to work independently as well as in a larger team
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken)

Desired qualifications:

• Field research experience or willingness to do field research
• Fluency in French
• Knowledge of advanced quantitative methods (e.g., GIS, machine learning, experiments)

We can offer:

• A position with significant space and resources to develop your research profile
• Salary as a postdoctoral research fellow, code 1352, NOK 573900,-
• Significant funding for conferences and methods training
• A great team and professionally challenging research environment in an excellent department (hosting three other ERC-funded projects)
• Bergen is the second largest city in Norway with access to spectacular nature (successful candidates are expected to move to Bergen)
• Access to university welfare benefits (including cabins, cultural events etc.)
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

Your application must include:

• A cover letter (max 2 pages), including a statement of motivation
• A research plan for one article (maximum 1,500 words excluding references) that includes an introduction, theoretical approach and hypotheses, data and methods, causal identification, and a publication plan. The research plan should focus on question(s) related to the micro-level causes or consequences of violence in civil wars and its potential effects on social, political and/or gendered outcomes. You can have a look at the project website (www.wareffects.eu), but original ideas are more than welcome.
• A CV summarizing education, positions, research and pedagogical experience, administrative experience, quantitative methods training, and other qualifying activities. Career breaks, including parental leave, that are noted in the CV will be taken into consideration when evaluating applicants’ academic production.
• A complete list of publications (can be part of the CV)
• Copies and transcripts of educational diplomas documenting award of main degrees (PhD, MA)
• A copy of what you consider to be your best academic English work to date (only one). If this is a co-authored paper/publication, you must additionally submit a declaration of co-authorship specifying your individual contribution and signed by your co-author(s)
• Your PhD dissertation (preferably in English)
  • Applicants who have submitted their PhD dissertation must include a confirmation of submission.
  • Applicants who have not yet submitted their PhD dissertation must include a letter by their first supervisor providing an assessment of the dissertation.
• Names and contact details for 3 reference persons, one of which should normally be the main PhD supervisor (include name, relationship to candidate, e-mail, and phone number). Reference letters are not needed.

Short-listed candidates will be invited i) to demonstrate their quantitative methods skills in a small assignment, and ii) will be invited for a research presentation and interview.

We specifically encourage qualified candidates from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia to apply.

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.

The closing date is March 5th, 2023. The application has to be marked with: 2023/1390

Applications sent by e-mail will not be evaluated.

General information:

Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting Associate Professor Carlo Koos, PI of the project is carlo.koos@uib.no.

Practical questions about the application process should be directed to HR adviser Gudrun Horvei at Gudrun.horvei@uib.no.

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

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

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

Applicationsite

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that always apply to the position. 

Further information about our employment process can be found here.

About The University of Bergen (UiB) 

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.