Job description
A permanent position of Associate Professor of Media Studies with specialization in Media Aesthetics is available at the Department of Media and Communication, University of Oslo.
Media Studies is here defined as an interdisciplinary study of the modern media, their form and content, institutions and use, their historical, political, social, cultural and aesthetic contexts, using approaches from Social Sciences and Humanities. Media Aesthetics is understood as an inter-disciplinary research field within media research, which addresses the relationship between media technology (materiality), perception (aesthetics), style and meaning. Documentation of advanced competence in media aesthetic theory, and analysis is required.
The applicants must give an account of how they want to develop the field theoretically and/or methodologically. The successful candidate is expected to initiate and lead research, supervise PhD candidates, participate in teaching and in exam setting and assessment at all levels, and to carry out administrative duties in accordance with the needs of the Department.
The Department of Media and Communication is intent on strengthening its teaching portfolio in the environmental humanities and media and sustainability. Expertise in this field is desirable but not a requirement.
Qualification requirements
Absolute requirements:
- PhD or equivalent academic qualifications within media studies or another discipline related to the profile of the position
- Documented qualifications in media studies and media aesthetics
- Documented pedagogical skills (either a teaching course certificate or based on teaching experience) and a willingness to take active part in academic leadership and administration. See how to document your pedagogical skills
- Documented potential for project acquisition
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
- Personal suitability and motivation for the position
The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:
- Academic qualifications and academic production in Media Studies with specialization in Media Aesthetics, with emphasis on works published within the last 5 years. Originality and innovative thinking will be weighted more heavily than quantity
- International peer-reviewed publications
- Experience with research projects
- Potential to contribute to the long-term development of the academic and research environment at the Department
- Pedagogical qualifications, documented results from teaching and supervision, and disposition to inspire students
- Interest and ability in leadership and administration
- Ability to create and contribute to a positive environment for collaboration
- Experience with and ability to build international networks
- Skills within popular dissemination, public outreach and innovation
- Interest and ability to develop teaching in environmental media studies
In the evaluation of the qualified candidates the full range of these criteria will be explicitly addressed and assessed.
Academic quality, development potential and breadth will be prioritised in this order. The selected candidates are expected to contribute to the objective in the University of Oslo’s strategic plan to “strengthen its international position as a leading research-intensive university through a close interaction across research, education, communication and innovation”.
The successful candidate should demonstrate mastery of both English and one of the Scandinavian languages as working languages. If an appointee is not fluent in a Scandinavian language, s/he is expected to reach proficiency equivalent to level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) within two years. Within three years the appointee is expected to, in Norwegian, be able to actively participate in all functions the position may involve, including teaching. The Faculty of Humanities will aid and facilitate the appointee in reaching said proficiency.
We offer
- Salary NOK 604 700 – 702 100 per annum depending on qualifications
- A professionally stimulating working environment
- Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Attractive welfare benefits
- The opportunity to apply for promotion to full professorship at a later stage
How to apply
The application must include:
- Application letter (statement of motivation, summarising scientific work and research interest)
- Curriculum Vitae (list of education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience, project acquisition and coordination experience, and other relevant qualifications)
- Complete list of published works and works submitted for publication
- A proposal for how the research field can or should be developed theoretically and / or methodologically (3-5 pages)
Applicants are required to describe and document the entire range of qualifications and criteria described in the announcement of the post with concrete examples.
The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”.
Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language), either in the original or in translation. Kindly also note that the academic texts shall not be enclosed with the application.
Selection procedure
As the first step in the evaluation process, a Selection Committee will assess all applications and invite the most qualified applicants to submit a portfolio of educational certificates and academic works (up to 10 publications, which should not exceed 500 pages in total) forexpert assessment. Applicants who are invited to submit academic works are asked to select three works, published within the last five years, to be considered as most relevant for the position. In longer publications (monographs), applicants should specify the relevantpages. Invited applicants are further asked to submit a description of one or more research projects considered relevant for the Department. These applicants are also asked to submit an educational portfolio of 3-6 pages documenting educational competence and experience, including a reflection note in which your own practice and learning vision is anchored in the SoTL criteria (focus on student learning, development over time, a research approach and a collegial attitude and practice)
Finally, the highest ranked candidates will be invited to an interview and a trial lecture.
Formal regulations
Please see the rules for appointments to Associate Professorships.
The successful candidate who at the time of appointment cannot document basic teaching qualifications will be required to obtain such qualifications within a two-year period. Please see the rules for practicing the requirement for basic university pedagogical competence at UiO.
Within his/her normal duties and in accordance with his/her academic competence, the person appointed may also be asked to work outside his/her Department. The appointment is made under the condition that the employer may change the subject area and assigned tasks according to the needs of the Department.
According to the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) § 25, Chapter 2, demographic information about the applicant may be used in the public list of applicants, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
The University of Oslo has an Acquisition of Rights Agreement for the purpose of securing rights to intellectual property created by its employees, including research results.
The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.
Contact person
For questions about the position
- Head of Department Eiri Elvestad
For questions on how to apply
- HR-Adviser Mira Kramarova