2 PhD positions, Department of Comparative Politics

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PhD positions

There are vacancies for two PhD positions at the at the Department of Comparative Politics. Each position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years. This period will be entirely devoted to PhD training and research as an integral member of the research project “Representing the Future in an Aging Europe: The Politics of Demographic Change” (funded by the Trond-Mohn-Foundation). 

About the project/work tasks:

The project addresses the impact of demographic change on representative democracy. The growing proportion of senior citizens across European populations increases their influence on elections and policy decisions. How does this affect the political representation of old, young, and future generations’ interests? To assess the impact of demographic change on Generational Political Pluralism in Norway, Europe, and beyond, the project investigates generational cleavages in two integral parts of policymaking: public opinion and political representation. The empirical analyses draw on a combination of observational, behavioural, and experimental data and will use a range of innovative methods like survey experiments, text analysis, and social network analysis to make descriptive and causal inferences. Read more about the project here. A detailed project plan is available upon request.

The project consists of five team members and is led by Trond-Mohn-Fellow Jana Birke Belschner. The successful candidates will be based in Bergen. An ideal start-up date is during the Autumn semester and no later than 1.12.24. They will actively collaborate with other team members in implementing the project’s work packages and will participate in the department’s research group on citizens, opinion, representation, and elections (CORE).

Candidates are expected to propose and execute a PhD research plan within the subfields of political behaviour, political economy, and/or political representation that contributes to the project objectives.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• The applicant must hold a master's degree or the equivalent in Political Science, Economics, or a related discipline relevant to the project. The degree must be completed by the application deadline.
• The requirements are generally a grade B or better on the Master thesis and for the master's degree in total.
• Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills.
• Applicants must be proficient in both written and oral English.
• Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the department for an interview. 

The teaching language is usually Norwegian, but some of the teaching is given in English.

About the PhD position:

About the PhD position:

The duration of the PhD position is 3 years. The employment period for the successful candidate may be reduced if he or she previously has been employed in a PhD position.

About the PhD training:

As a PhD research fellow, you will take part in the PhD programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences, UiB. The programme corresponds to a period of three years and leads to the PhD degree. To be eligible for admission you must normally have an educational background corresponding to a master’s degree with a scope of 120 ECTS credits, which builds on a bachelor’s degree with a scope of 180 ECTS credits (normally 2 + 3 years), or an integrated master’s degree with a scope of 300 ECTS credits (5 years). Master’s degrees must normally include an independent work of a minimum of 30 ECTS credits. 

We can offer:

• Salary as PhD (code 1017) NOK 540 500, - per year (pay grade 55 according to the state salary scale). Automatic salary increases for up to 4 years with a 3% annual increase.
• A good and professionally challenging working environment.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Good welfare benefits.

Project proposal:

A research proposal contributing to the project objectives must accompany the application. The proposal should be 4-5 pages, present the topic, the research problem(s) and choice of theory and methods. The proposal should also include a progress plan for the different parts of the project. Admittance to the PhD programme will be based on the research proposal. The faculty has prepared a guide for writing project descriptions.

Your application must include:

• A cover letter including a brief account of your research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
• The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of them must be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis.
• Project proposal.
• CV
• Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees.
• Relevant certificates/references.
• A list of academic publications.
• Academic publications that you want to submit for assessment (including your master’s thesis or equivalent).
• If you have a master's degree from an institution outside of the Nordic countries, or a 2-year discipline- based master's degree (or the equivalent) in a subject area other than the one associated with the application, you may later in the application process be asked to submit an overview of the syllabus for the degree you have completed.

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge following the link on this page marked “Apply for this job”.

Closing date: August 2nd, 2024. The application must be marked: 24/8480.

Applications submitted without a project description, or applications sent as e-mails will not be considered. Only submitted documents will be subjected to an expert assessment.

General information:

Additional information about the position can be obtained by contacting: Jana Belschner (jana.belschner@uib.no)

Practical questions about the application process should be directed to: Gudrun Horvei (gudrun.horvei@uib.no) 

Appointed research fellows will be admitted to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences. Questions about the programme may be directed to Senior Adviser:  Hanne.Gravermoen@uib.no.

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 specifically encourage women to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply. Successful women applicants will be invited to participate in the Department’s women’s network that offers seminars, activities, and workshops to boost women’s Academic careers. 

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 persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.

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. For further information about the recruitment process, click here.

Life as a PhD candidate at UiB

Marion Claireaux tells about life and work as a PhD candidate at UiB.