There is a vacancy for a temporary position as Researcher at the Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology
There is a vacancy for a temporary position as Researcher at the Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen (UiB). The position is for a fixed-term period of 24 months and is associated with the project “Evolution of Cognitive Tools for Quantification (QUANTA)”, funded by the European Research Council with a Synergy Grant to Andrea Bender (UiB), Francesco d’Errico (CNRS Bordeaux), Russell Gray (MPI for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig), and Rafael Núñez (UCSD).
About the project/work tasks:
- QUANTA aims at reconstructing the origin and evolution of numeral systems: when and why they were invented, and how and why they diversified. The 6-years project started in Sep 2021 and is located at four institutions: UiB, CNRS Bordeaux, MPI EVA Leipzig, and UCSD. These will engage in frequent and close collaboration and exchange, including internships for all researchers at the other institutions.
- The position will be part of the UiB unit and be devoted to investigating the evolution of symbol production and symbolic systems. It will also be linked to the SFF Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour (SapienCE) at the University of Bergen.
- Main supervisor will be Prof. Dr. Andrea Bender (UiB).
The project will …
- compile data from archaeological, anthropological, developmental, and comparative research on the evolution of visual symbol production and usage.
- contribute to the integration of those datasets towards the development of an evolutionary model of symbolic systems for quantification.
- develop and test hypotheses derived from this evolutionary model.
Qualifications and personal qualities:
- The applicant must have successfully defended the PhD in a cognitive or social science with focus on cognition and/or cultural evolution and should have experience with combining psychology with archaeology and/or cultural anthropology.
- The applicant must have knowledge of at least two of the following scientific methodologies; additional experience in a third one is desirable:
- archaeological research, with a focus on the evolution of visual symbolism
- quantitative methods in cultural/cognitive anthropology
- (evolutionary) psychological research
- phylogenetic comparative analyses
- A potential to publish in high-impact articles is expected.
- The applicant must be able to work independently and in a structured manner yet must also have the ability to cooperate with others. It is especially advantageous to have had experience in cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- High proficiency in both written and spoken English is required.
- Broad scientific interest beyond the applicant’s own field is expected. Familiarity with the research subject of the SapienCE centre (pertaining to the Middle Stone Age in South Africa) will be considered an advantage.
We can offer:
- Exciting development opportunities as part of your role in a strong professional environment
- Salary at pay grade 61 – 65 (code 1109/ Pay range 24, alternative 5) in the state salary scale. This currently amounts to an annual salary of NOK 553 500 – 594 300 before taxes. Further increase in salary will depend on seniority. A higher salary may be considered for a particularly well qualified applicant.
- Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Good welfare benefits
Your application must include:
- A brief account (in English) of your research interests and motivation for applying for the position. This should include a paragraph each on how the qualification criteria described above are met, and how the research interests pertain to Quanta and the advertised position.
- The names and contact information for two reference persons
- CV (in English)
- Transcripts and diplomas (higher education), and relevant certificates
- Complete list of scientific publication and conference contributions
- Copies of the academic publications in your name you want to be included in the evaluation of your application (maximum 5)
Applications must be submitted to the UiB electronically via JobbNorge by clicking on the “Apply for this job” link on this page. Your application, CV, and attachments can only be submitted electronically via JobbNorge.
Please note that applications, along with the information and attachments linked to the application in JobbNorge, will be evaluated after the closing date for applications. Attachments must be in English or a Scandinavian language, and any translations must be certified. It is your responsibility to ensure that all the necessary information has been submitted by the closing date for applications.
It is particularly important that each of the attachments that are to be taken into account in the assessment is uploaded in full as an attachment to your application.
General information:
Further information about the position can be obtained from:
- Andrea Bender, Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Andrea.Bender@uib.no
The state workforce 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.
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 five departments and two centres at Faculty of Psychology. Read more about the faculty and departments.