Researcher in Population Analysis and Forecasting

The Research Department at Statistics Norway is inviting applications for a researcher specializing in population studies, demographic analysis, and population projections. The department has a strong track record of producing high-quality, policy-relevant research and offers an excellent environment for applied researchers. We provide a well-developed research infrastructure and maintain close ties to both policymakers and the broader research community.

The position is with the Population and Public Economics research group, which conducts research on a wide range of topics such as population projections, demography, economics, and regional science. The position combines two main components:

• Conducting applied research aimed at publication in leading international journals
• Contributing to the development and publication of population projections for Norway. 
  

Within this broad scope, the position offers opportunities to pursue an independent research agenda, initiate new projects and apply for external research funding. The group has an extensive network of collaborators both in Norway and internationally, and the successful candidate will be expected to participate in projects with national and international partners.

The population projection project is currently undergoing a major methodological renewal, including the development of a microsimulation-class model to better capture heterogeneity, interactions, and uncertainty in demographic behaviour. These advances offer exciting opportunities to engage with cutting-edge methods in demographic forecasting and modelling.

We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in demography, statistics, economics, sociology or other social sciences with strong quantitative skills.  Experience with projections and forecasting of demographic components is an asset, but expertise in microsimulation, small area estimation, spatial analysis, machine learning and stochastic modelling is also highly valued.

The position offers strong opportunities for publishing in leading international journals and for developing a distinctive research profile within an active and collaborative environment. At the same time, the group places strong emphasis on delivering analyses that inform policymaking, decision-making and planning across the public and private sectors.

Job description

• Conduct applied research aimed at publishing at a high international level.
• Contribute to the development of new research projects and applications for external funding.
• Contributing to the development and production of official population projections for Norway.

Qualifications

• A completed PhD in demography, economics, statistics, sociology, or another relevant discipline prior to employment. Applicants who hold a master’s degree but plan to submit their doctoral dissertation in the near future will also be considered. The dissertation must be submitted before the start of employment.
  
• Strong skills in statistics and quantitative methods are required.
  
• Experience with projections and forecasting of demographic components will be considered an asset.
  
• Research and publications in topics related to population analysis and demography are considered an asset.
  
• Participation in international research collaborations and professional networks is desirable.
• Experience in securing research funding is desirable.
  
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, with strong proficiency in both written and spoken English.
  
• Proficiency in written and spoken Norwegian (or another Scandinavian language) is an advantage. Candidates who do not speak a Scandinavian language are expected to learn Norwegian within a reasonable time.
  

Personal skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in teams.
• Goal-oriented and committed to delivering high-quality work.
• Strong ability to implement and complete tasks efficiently.

We offer

• A permanent position as researcher (position code 1109, 1110 or 1183) with a salary in the range NOK 660,000 – 845,000 per year, depending on qualifications. A higher salary may be considered for particularly well-qualified applicants.
• Flexible working conditions. 
• Membership in Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens pensjonskasse, SPK).
• A stimulating and collegial research environment with opportunities for professional development.
• More information about the Unit for Population and Public Economics is available at: Population and public economics - SSB

Additional information

• Please ensure that your application, CV and diplomas are registered in the applicant portal before the application deadline. We will perform background checks and control of documents when applicable. 
• More information about the Unit for environmental, resource and innovation economics is available here: www.ssb.no/en/forskning/miljo-ressurs-og-innovasjonsokonomi.
• 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. If the request is not met, we will inform you before the public applicant list is made.  
• We see inclusion of colleagues with different skills and abilities, combination of different subjects in your education, life experiences and perspective as an asset to solving different tasks and problems. If you need technical assistive products, physical adaptation of the workstation or a change in job description/routines or working hours this can be arranged.
• When there are applicants with physical impairments, employment gaps in their resume or immigrant background that are qualified for the position, at least one applicant in each of these groups will be invited to an interview for the position. 
• As an applicant you must fill certain criteria to be applicable for being considered in one of these groups. You can read more about the requirements here: https://arbeidsgiver.difi.no/positivsaerbehandling. If one of these groups apply to your situation/background and you tick a box, the information will be used as a basis for anonymous statistics that all government business include in their annual reports

Kontaktinformasjon

Sturla Løkken, Project leader - Population Projections, +47 97149517, sturla.lokken@ssb.no
Marte Rønning, Head of research, +47 92238664, marte.ronning@ssb.no

Arbeidssted

Akersveien 26
0177 Oslo

Nøkkelinformasjon:

Arbeidsgiver: Statistisk sentralbyrå

Referansenr.: 5041180219
Stillingsprosent: 100%
Permanent
Søknadsfrist: 30.12.2025