Senior Researcher of Pandemic Research in the Social Sciences

Centre for Welfare and Labour Research (SVA) has a vacancy for a full-time, permanent position (100 %) as a senior researcher of pandemic research in social sciences. The position is with the Centre for Research on Pandemics & Society (PANSOC), which was given the status, centre of research excellence, by OsloMet for the years 2021-2024. 

PANSOC integrates projects and researchers at OsloMet and other national and international universities who conduct interdisciplinary pandemic research with a special focus on historical and social science perspectives, and ethnic and social inequalities. The centre aims to become a National Centre for Outstanding Pandemic Research (SFF) in 2025.

The ideal candidate has a track record of publishing at a high international level and has had success in top research programs in Norway and/or the EU, with clear potential for continued success in an academic career.

Read more about SVA
Read more about PANSOC 

• provide leadership for the professional operation and management of PANSOC in coordination with the Head of Research Centre 
• conduct own, excellent research on social aspects of historical epidemics, pandemics and/or COVID, including inequalities in risks and outcomes
• develop major research projects and apply for research funding both nationally and internationally, with a special focus on top research programs such as ERC, FRIPRO, MSCA and various policy-oriented funders in Norway 
• establish and strengthen internal and external academics and non-academic networks related to social science approaches to pandemics
• provide mentorship to affiliated graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and contribute to teaching, by further agreement, with relevant units at OsloMet

Required qualifications

• Doctoral degree (or equivalent competence) in subjects such as anthropology, sociology, demography, history and/ or epidemiology with focus on pandemics
• Experience with, and success in procuring external research funding in Norway and/ or internationally 
• Experience in national and international dissemination of research targeting academic audiences and other stakeholders
• Extremely good oral and written presentation skills in English 

Advantageous qualifications 

• Experience in mentoring or supervising masters and doctoral students as well as postdoctoral researchers 
• Teaching experience at university level 

General criteria for appointment to teaching and research positions are set out in the
Regulations concerning appointment and promotion to teaching and research posts . 

We place emphasis on the person appointed being able to work independently and purposefully. The person appointed must have high ambitions to deliver outstanding research, especially through publishing in leading international journals as well as have the ability to inspire, engage and collaborate across disciplines and academic environments, both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, it is important to us that the person appointed is sociable, generous, and inclusive. 

It is important to OsloMet to reflect the population of our region, and all qualified candidates are welcome to apply. We make active endeavours to further develop OsloMet as an inclusive workplace and to make adaptations to the workplace where required. You are also welcomed to apply for a position with us if you have had periods where you have not been in employment, education or training. 

• an exciting job opportunity at Norway’s third largest and most urban university
• opportunities for academic development in a professional research environment
• time for profession-oriented research and development work

The salary for the position is in accordance with the Basic Collective Agreement for state employees and OsloMet’s pay policy for position code 1109 Senior Researcher, pay grade 60 – 74, i.e. NOK 553 500 – 714 000 per year. A higher salary may be considered for particularly well-qualified applicants. 

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 OsloMet. 

If you would like to apply for the position, you must do so electronically through our recruitment system. 

Please upload the following documents together with your application by the application deadline:  

• application letter 
• CV and all pages of certificates/ diplomas 
• a complete list of publications 
• up to 10 scholarly works and with an overview, including your PhD dissertation 
• preferably two references with contact information 

An assessment by an expert committee will not be made unless we deem it necessary. In which case, only applicants who meet the formal qualifications will be submitted. 

We only consider applications submitted through our electronic recruitment system, and all documents must be uploaded for your application to be considered. The documents must be in a Scandinavian language or English. Translations must be government authorised and you will be asked to present originals if you are invited for an interview. OsloMet verifies documents to give candidates a proper evaluation and ensure fair competition. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you would like more information about the position, feel free to contact: