Consent Preferences PhD in Innovation Policy and Sustainability Transitions – Scholar Idea

TIK Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture, University of Oslo has a vacant three years position as PhD research fellow


TIK Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture
, University of Oslo has a vacant three years position as PhD research fellow (SKO 1017) affiliated with the INTRANSIT research center.

The candidate will be part of TIK’s research group in Innovation Studies and is expected to contribute actively and productively to the research in the INTRANSIT center.

The candidate will be part of INTRANSIT’s research stream “research and innovation policy for sustainability and industry transformations”. The research will focus on Norwegian and/or comparative studies of science, technology and innovation policies.

The specific design of the PhD project, such as the choice of case, methods and theoretical framework, will depend on the candidate’s academic background and project proposal, and will be developed together with the project leader.

The research fellow must take part in the Faculty’s approved PhD programme and are expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period. The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. For more information, please see the Faculty of Social Sciences’ web site.

In addition to their own research work, fellows may be invited to participate in teaching and/or administration activities connected to research and teaching at the Centre. All such work will be compensated with an equivalent extension of the research fellowship. The total duration of the extension may not exceed twelve months.

About INTRANSIT

INTRANSIT is hosted by the University of Oslo, but also has partners at Sintef in Trondheim, Norway and Utrecht University in the Netherlands. It is funded by the Research Council of Norway and led by prof. Taran Thune.

The center aims to broaden the understanding of the industrial development and sustainability transitions, and focuses on developments in sectors such as energy, oil and gas, shipping/maritime transport, bioeconomy and process industries. There are several theoretical and methodological approaches, and is organized around four research streams:

  • Industrial dynamics and sustainability transitions.
  • Organizational theory and sustainability transitions (particularly addressing incumbent-entrant relationships).
  • Digitalization and sustainability.
  • Research and innovation policies for sustainability and industry transformations.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must hold a two years Master’s degree or equivalent in the social sciences or humanities and meet the requirements to be enrolled in the PhD-programme.

In addition, the Ph.D. candidates must have:

  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
  • Good professional writing skills.
  • Demonstrated research capabilities.
  • Personal suitability and motivation for the position.

Successful applicants will also have:

  • Strong interest in research and innovation policy studies and/or sustainability transitions research.
  • Ideas about ways in which research and innovation policies and politics can be studied empirically.
  • Previous experience with quantitative or qualitative data analysis and, if applicable, related software.
  • Collaboration skills and an ability to join interdisciplinary academic communities will be an advantage.

The candidate is expected to take active part in activities like seminars and workshops at TIK. Residency in or close to Oslo is therefore expected. The project may include international mobility and extensive collaboration.

Evaluation of the application

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the applicant’s project description for his/her proposed Ph.D. project, as well as the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out this project. A good match between the candidate’s proposal and the research profile, strategies and activities within the INTRANSIT centre will be given weight along with the quality of the proposal and the qualifications of the candidate.

Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

We offer

  • Salary NOK 491 200 – 534 400 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow.
  • Academically stimulating working environment
  • Favourable pension benefits under the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund scheme.
  • Attractive welfare benefits including excellent benefits for families (kindergarten, paid paternal/maternal leave etc) and a generous pension agreement. In addition, Oslo offers a family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities in its immediate surroundings.

How to apply

The application must include:

  • Cover letter (statement of motivation and research interests).
  • CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work).
  • Project proposal and progress plan (5 to 10 pages) for the work to be undertaken during the course of the term of appointment.
  • Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only).
  • List of publications and academic work (if applicable).
  • List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”. International applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

About the University of Oslo 

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.

TIK Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture is a cross disciplinary unit at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Oslo. TIK is home to 40 staff members working in research, education and research communication in innovation and science and technology studies (STS). A major part of TIK’s activity is externally funded research. TIK also offers postgraduate education; a PhD-programme and two Master programmes. The Centre also hosts OSIRIS – Oslo Institute for Research on the Impact of Science.

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