Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Narrative Theory and Generative AI

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Narrative Theory and Generative AI
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Narrative Theory and Generative AI with a focus on Scandinavian Narratives at The Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies 

The Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Narrative Theory and Generative AI with a focus on Scandinavian Narratives starting from November 1st, 2024, or as agreed upon. The position is for a fixed-term period of four years. This is one of two postdoctoral positions recently advertised connected to the AI STORIES project. You will become a part of a large and dynamic research environment developing narrative theory that is useful for research on generative artificial intelligence (AI). You will also lead a subproject studying generative AI trained on Norwegian and Scandinavian narratives. 

About the Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies

The Department offers research-based teaching within a wide span of study programs, including Digital Culture, Art History, Theatre Studies, Comparative Literature, Linguistics, Scandinavian Languages and Literature, Old Norse Studies, and Norwegian as a Second Language and Norwegian Languages Courses for international students and employees at the University of Bergen. The Department is proud host to the Center for Digital Narrative (CDN), a Norwegian Center of Excellence. In 2025 the Center for Digital Narrative will have more than 30 researchers and staff members. The Center is in its own building in the heart of the University of Bergen’s campus.  

The successful candidate will have their regular workplace at the Center for Digital Narrative (CDN). The center focuses on algorithmic narrativity, new environments and materialities, and the shifting cultural contexts in which digital narratives are received and processed. The researchers at the Centre investigate the ways that the interactions of human authors and non-human agents result in new narrative forms, how the materialities of digital narratives have changed over time, and how cultural contexts are reshaping the use and function of digital narrative.

About the Project

AI STORIES: Narrative Archetypes for Artificial Intelligence, an ERC Advanced Grant led by Professor Jill Walker Rettberg. The project will explore and test the hypothesis that deep narrative structures in the datasets that are used to train generative AI models are replicated and perhaps exaggerated in the output of generative AI, and that this could lead to culturally specific narrative biases. 

Work tasks:

• Work in a research team to develop narrative theory that synthesizes and expands on existing research to directly address narrativity in generative AI. This includes developing a thorough literature review of relevant narrative theories and building upon this to develop new theoretical frameworks.
• Research specific traits in Norwegian and Scandinavian narrative traditions and working with the project team to develop evaluation criteria for experiments to assess narrative biases in the output of generative AI.
• Publish scientific articles, as well as presenting research at scientific conferences and to the general public, the technology industry, politicians, and other relevant parties.
•  Co-author a scholarly monograph on narratology and AI with project leader Jill Walker Rettberg and the other postdoctoral research fellow at the project.
• Contribute to planning project workshops and take the lead on organising specific events.

About the postdoctoral position 

The position as postdoctoral research fellow is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the primary objective of qualifying the appointee for work in top academic positions. The successful applicant shall prepare a plan for qualifying for top academic positions in cooperation with the Head of Department. It is a requirement that the postdoctoral project is completed during the period of employment.

25 per cent of the time comprises other, career-promoting work mostly associated with teaching, dissemination of results and administration. A plan for the obligatory duties will be developed with the Department at the time of appointment. 

Candidates cannot be employed as a postdoctoral fellow for more than one fixed term period at the same institution. The successful applicant will be expected to conform to the regulations that apply to the position and must accept that their primary residence will be in Bergen for the full term of the appointment.   

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• The applicant must hold a Norwegian PhD or an equivalent foreign degree in literary studies, digital culture, media studies or a related field. The doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation within the closing date of the application. The PhD degree must be obtained prior to appointment. 
• The applicant must have expertise in narrative theory and analysis. This could be narratology, other literary theories relating to narratives, or ethnographic theories relating to oral storytelling and cross-cultural narratives. This can be documented by publications, teaching experience or coursework.
• The applicant must be able to work independently in a well-structured way and have good cooperation skills.
• The applicant must be proficient in both written and oral English.
• The applicant must be proficient in at least one Scandinavian language at a level that enables them to conduct research on texts and narratives in that language at the time of appointment. 

It is an advantage if the candidate has:

• Some experience with digital narratives or generative AI, but a strong grounding in narrative theory and a motivation to apply this knowledge to generative AI is more important.
• Published research related to Norwegian or Scandinavian narratives or has teaching experience related to this.

The applicant must provide a project proposal, including a progress plan for the project’s main activities, and a plan for publishing results in recognized international channels.

In the assessment, the main emphasis will be placed upon the academic quality and feasibility of the proposed project, and the applicant’s academic qualifications.  

In cases where applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, motivation, strategic considerations and the applicant’s personal eligibility will be taken into account.

We can offer:

• A good and professionally stimulating working environment. 
• Salary at pay grade 64 (code 1352) in the state salary scale, currently equivalent to a gross annual salary of NOK 624 500 in a full-time position, following ordinary meriting regulations.  
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• A position in an inclusive workplace (IA) enterprise.
• Good welfare benefits

How to apply: 

Applications must be sent electronically via the link on this site “APPLY FOR THIS JOB”. The applicant must use the electronic CV form. The application must include:

• A cover letter (2-3 pages) describing your general research interests and expertise, and how these make you a good fit for this postdoctoral position connected to the AI STORIES project. 
• A project outline (1-2 pages) describing your preliminary ideas on how best to develop narrative theory for the analysis of narrative biases in generative AI. If you would like to read the five-page project summary for AI STORIES, please e-mail the project leader, Professor Jill Walker Rettberg ([email protected] ).  
• Bibliography for the proposed project outline.  
• CV. 
• Full list of any scientific work (publication list). 
• Up to five academic works (may include theses, monographs and articles) that are to be given special consideration in the assessment of your academic qualifications.  
• A short summary of the PhD-thesis (up to three pages).  
• Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees, and diploma for the PhD or documentation showing that the thesis has been submitted for assessment.  
• Relevant certificates/references.  
• The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must be a supervisor for the PhD thesis.  

The application and attachments must be in Norwegian, another Scandinavian language or English. Documents in other languages must be accompanied by certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language. Please ensure that all attachments are in either Word or PDF format and are uploaded to Jobbnorge within the application deadline.

Shortlisted candidates will be called in to an interview. 

Further information about our appointment process can be found here .

General information:

Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting the project leader, Professor Jill Walker Rettberg, e-mail: [email protected] , phone: +47 55588431 or Head of Department, Professor Anders Fagerjord, e-mail: [email protected] , phone: +47 55583653.
Questions or inquiries about the electronic application process can be directed to the Faculty of Humanities: [email protected] .    

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 applicants. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met. 

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. 

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. 

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 four departments and four centres at Faculty of Humanities. Read more about the faculty  and departments.  

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Deadline

1st August 2024

Employer

University of Bergen

Municipality

Bergen

Scope

Fulltime (1 positions) Fulltime (%)

Duration

Fixed Term

Place of service
Langes gate 1-3, 5007 Bergen

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