Senior Researcher

About Navigator

The Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) is seeking three Postdoc candidates/ senior researchers (SKO 1109) for the interdisciplinary, ERC-funded Navigator project, which explores the (mis)use of country performance indicators within global governance. The three positions are each initially for two years with the potential for extension dependent upon funding.

Successful candidates will comprise one of a four-person team working on the European Research Council project Navigating the Era of Indicators (Navigator). Led by Paul Beaumont, Navigator will explore how different actors are adapting to global governance policy fields populated with an abundance of often dubious country performance indicators. Such indicators promise scrutiny and accountability to citizens and better information to policy makers. But how accountable are these agents of accountability?  For all the studies documenting the effects of individual CPIs (good and bad), to date there has been little sustained theoretical and empirical  research into how users choose between CPIs when faced with diversity, learn in light ofconsidering criticism, and ultimately, why and how some CPIs become authoritative while others are marginalized.  These questions are of crucial significance because of the well-established influence of indicators within global governance and their equally well-established potential to produce policy myopia and perverse consequences. More information about Navigator’s ambition and scope can be found on the project’s website. 

What we are looking for

To pursue these and related questions, Navigator is seeking out creative, highly motivated researchers that both enjoy working in a team but capable of working independently. They should be keen to utilize eclectic theories and methods, develop new theoretical perspectives while also ready to get down into the empirical weeds of global governance. The team will work together but each will be allocated responsibility for leading a work package on one of Navigator’s empirical foci: climate policy, pandemic preparedness, good governance, and education indicators. Successful candidates will be expected to conduct research and publish in leading peer-reviewed journals, to engage in dissemination, and to collaborate with colleagues, as well as develop proposals for new research projects.

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD in a relevant field (International Relations, Political Science, Anthropology, Sociology, International law, Development Studies, etc.) or a PhD that has been approved for submission by 15 September 2025.
• A proven ability to conduct theory-driven empirical research.
• An empirical interest in one or more of the following themes: global governance, global environmental politics, international political economy, global health, the politics of knowledge.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proven ability to publish in high quality international, peer reviewed journals in their respective disciplines
• Proven ability to utilise qualitative methods for research

Additional Skills and Experience

• Experience utilising and integrating multiple methods and multiple kinds of data in their research
• Proven ability to implement research projects on time and to a high quality
• Experience conducting comparative research broadly understood (diachronic and/or synchronic)
• Evidence of a commitment to methodological and theoretical pluralism
• Successful co-authoring of published research
• Experience contributing to high quality and/or successful research funding proposals
• Experience with outreach and popular-scientific dissemination of research
• Professional level competence in non-English languages.
• A track record publishing on one or more of the following topics: global environmental politics, global governance, global health, IPE, the politics of knowledge.

The overall composition of the team as a whole - in terms of diversity and complementarity of skillset and research interests - will be taken into account when making the final decision

NUPI offers

• A large interdisciplinary research community with strong international networks
• Excellent career development opportunities
• A vibrant work environment with frequently invited speakers and events
• A flexible working culture with a good work-life balance
• Opportunities for professional skills development
• Funding for making research open access
• Modern office facilities in downtown Oslo
• Bonus system for scientific publishing
• Mobile phone and contract
• Time for physical training during working hours
• Financial support for conference and workshop attendance.
• Provision of Norwegian language courses
• Good pension, insurance and loan schemes through membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Salary based on qualifications and career stage, reflecting NUPI’s pay scale.
• Temporary position as 1109 Senior researcher, from NOK 700,000-860,000.

How to apply

• Applications should contain the following documents:
• A cover letter – max 3 pages – that should include an explanation of why you are interested in researching governance indicators and how your experience and research to date makes you suitable for the position.
• An academic CV that includes publication list in PDF form & names of at least two references from people you have worked closely with (not simply the most famous people in your network)
• Proof of master’s and PhD qualification
• Three samples of writing will be requested of the shortlisted candidates (this can include chapters from a PhD thesis, but preferably single or first-authored published articles).

Questions concerning the position may be directed to Paul Beaumont, Paulb@nupi.no

Please submit your application electronically. Click on the button marked “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” on this page to begin the application process.

The application deadline is 15. Sep 2025. Expected start date is January-March 2026. To be considered for the position, the candidates must have submitted their PhD thesis by the application deadline and to have received their PhD no longer than 10 years before the deadline. Candidates need to have their PhD approved for public defence before starting the position.

Hiring Process

The applications will undergo an initial screening before a scientific committee selects around 10 candidates for interview. All candidates selected for interview will be notified as soon as the final decision is taken and unsuccessful shortlisted candidates will be provided with feedback on their application within one month of the final decision.

At least one of the positions will be allocated to an early career scholar that has received the PhD within the last three years. We will also take into account the career stage of the applicants when assessing track record, as well as whether the PhD consisted of an article-based or monograph dissertation.

Generally

Candidates are expected to openly offer all relevant information about themselves during the recruitment process. Background checks may be conducted on candidates to ensure compliance with Norwegian security law and other relevant regulations.

NUPI uses increased transparency in the recruitment process for academic positions. Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to be listed as a candidate. If the request is not followed, the applicant shall be notified of this.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, cultural background, age, disability, or previous periods of leave from the workforce. We strive to have a workforce that reflects societal diversity to the greatest extent possible. NUPI will accommodate specific disability needs for new hires and during the interview process.