PhD Vacancy

The Department of Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies at the University of Oslo invites applications for a 3 year postdoctoral research fellowship (SKO 1352). The position will be part of a new research project “Standardising Minority Languages”, funded by the Research Council of Norway and the University of Oslo.

Project description

The aim of the project is to carry out in-depth analyses of the standardisation of European Regional or Minority Languages, expanding the focus from macro-level processes and linguistic aspects of standardisation to include investigations of how users relate to standardisation processes. Developing a standard for a minority language is not a neutral process; this has consequences for the status of the language and how the language users position themselves in relation to the new standard. Language standardisation can be seen as a form of technology, and the project will use Nexus Analysis and theories from the tradition of science and technology studies (STS) to analyse the role of social actors and users in the standardisation of historical minority languages in Europe. STS has dealt with different aspects of the standardisation of technologies. These insights will be applied to the case of language standardisation, and the project will explore issues such as: how the users of the standard are configured, the exclusionary effects of standards, the positions of non-users, and the political role of standards.

The research group will consist of Principal Investigator Pia Lane, 1 postdoctoral fellow and 2 PhD students. The PI will analyse the standardisation processes related to the Kven language, whereas the post doctoral fellow and the PhDs will analyse the standardisation processes related to other languages protected by the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

More information about the project can be found at http://www.hf.uio.no/iln/english/people/aca/pial/index.html. Applicants are expected to present a research project closely linked to the main project; a project description may be downloaded here.

The person appointed is expected to join the research group and contribute to development of the academic environment. The main purpose of the position of postdoctoral fellow is qualification for work in senior academic positions.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in an academic area which is relevant to the proposed project (i.e. sociolinguistics, social studies of science and technology, social anthropology, sociology). The applicant’s project must be closely linked to the main project, he or she must have personal suitability and motivation for the position.

The department is looking for strongly motivated and competent candidates, with high academic qualifications in the relevant area of research.

Benefits

Successful candidates will be offred:

• Salary level 57 – 64 (NOK 455 900 – 518 800, depending on level of expertise);
• Professional development in a stimulating academic environment;
• Good pension and social welfare benefits.

Emphasis will be placed on the following when assessing applications:

• The applicants’ academic and personal qualifications in order to execute the project and contribute to the main project;
• Good collaboration skills and an ability to join interdisciplinary academic communities.

Application

Applicants must submit a project description, including a schedule of activities. It is to be assumed that the project will be completed within the 3-year period. The appointment is for a period of 3 years. The person appointed will have required duties amounting to 10 % of their position.

Only candidates who have submitted their doctoral thesis prior to the application closing date may apply for the position. A prerequisite for taking up the position is the successful completion of a doctoral degree.

The following documents must be enclosed with the electronic application:

• An application letter;
• Curriculum vitae (with full information about education, former positions, pedagogical and administration experience);
• List of publications and conference presentations;
• 3–5 page project description, including a progress plan. Applicants are expected to be able to execute the plan during the appointment period;
• Certified copies of certificates;
• Names and contact information of two references;
• Copies of doctoral dissertation and relevant publications.

Interviews will be part of the appointment process.

Please submit your application at https://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/application/706741/62043?iso=gb.

Further information

More information about the Department of Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies is available at http://www.hf.uio.no/iln/english/about/.

See also Regulations concerning Postdoctoral Research Fellowships.