Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology & Life Science at Oslo Metropolitan University

A Postdoctoral Fellow position in pandemic studies is available at the Oslo Metropolitan University. The researchers who have a PhD degree in the study of COVID-19 or other historical pandemics such as the 1918 influenza, etc., are highly recommended for this position. The university also welcomes candidates who suggest studying COVID-19 vaccination schemes.

Summary

Project Description

The Work Research Institute (AFI) is a social science research institute performing multidisciplinary action-oriented research to provide new systematic knowledge about trends in working life. AFI is part of the Centre for Welfare and Labour Research (SVA) at OsloMet, which consists of four research institutes: Work Research Institute (AFI), Norwegian Social Research (NOVA), Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research (NIBR), and Consumption Research Norway (SIFO), involving nearly 250 researchers and 213 active research projects.  

The candidate will be affiliated to the Work Research Institute, working within the Centre for Research on Pandemics & Society (PANSOC), an OsloMet Excellent Academic Environment. We, at this moment, invite researchers who have a PhD degree for the study of COVID-19 or other historical pandemics such as the 1918 influenza to apply for a position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow to research for a period of 2-2, 5 years. 

Areas of research 

COVID-19 is an ongoing pandemic, with 2.4 million deaths globally at the start of February 2021. The 1918 flu pandemic killed up to 100 million people within a similar period. In both pandemics, not all individuals had an equal risk of illness and death. COVID-19 deaths have been disproportionately among the elderly, while fatalities in 1918 were disproportionately among young adults.

We seek candidates who propose to research COVID-19 and/or the 1918 influenza pandemic or other influenza pandemics focusing on how social, biological, historical, and economic variation shapes the disease experience. Potential research questions could include: How the economically disadvantaged, people of colour, immigrants, or indigenous communities have been disproportionally affected in both pandemics?

What biological, historical and social factors influenced the differential impact of the pandemic among these groups? What role do unequal exposure, differential medical susceptibility, and variation in healthcare access shape pandemic outcomes? How have underrepresented groups used their perceived disadvantages as tools to promote community and individual health?

We would also welcome candidates who suggest studying COVID-19 vaccination schemes – i.e. what groups are nations prioritizing? Will the socially vulnerable have access in addition to the medically vulnerable? Are the countries that had updated pandemic influenza plans before the COVID-19 pandemic faring better? Will uptake of vaccines be widespread, and how will the anti-vaccination movement influence their distribution and acceptance?

It would also be interesting to look at the early responses to COVID-19 – how did so many countries fail to take it seriously in the beginning? Why didn’t we learn from SARS in 2002-2003? Studies on the short and/or long-term impacts of the pandemic disease burden and the lockdown on physical or mental health, non-COVID-19 related deaths, fertility, unemployment and the economy are also warranted.

Successful candidates will be supervised by Research Professor Svenn-Erik Mamelund. He has 25 years’ experience studying the demography of epidemic diseases and has published extensively on the 1918 influenza pandemic, influenza in general and preparedness planning. See recent publications and projects on COVID-19 and influenza: Svenn-Erik Mamelund profile at OsloMet and profile at ResearchGate.

Tasks and responsibilities 

The successful postdoctoral fellow will work on his/her project and will be integrated at the Work Research Institute in general, specifically at the Centre for Research on Pandemics & Society, taking part in regular meetings. The fellow will specifically be introduced to Research Professor Mamelund’ s national and international network of researchers on the field of COVID-19 and influenza pandemics.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is March 03, 2021 

Eligibility

Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant field such as history, historical demography, economics, economic history, medicine, psychology, epidemiology, medical biostatistics-, history- or anthropology and global health, as the minimum requirement.

Candidates that haven’t defended their doctoral thesis at the point of application are also welcomed to apply. However, the criterion for entry is an accepted doctoral thesis.

We are looking for applicants who have 

• If a quantitative project is proposed, excellent skills in statistical methods and in using statistical programs such as SAS, Stata, SPSS etc.,
• Knowledge of societal, medical and historical context and quality and availability of quantitative or qualitative data in the field
• An excellent CV and track record in the relevant fields of pandemic research
• An open and cooperation-oriented nature, with strong abilities for independent academic work
• Collaborative with good communications skills
• Proficiency in written and spoken English

We offer 

• An exciting opportunity at Norway’s third-largest and most urban university
• Participation in a dynamic professional environment and unique academic community 
• Flexible working conditions 
• An inclusive and friendly work environment 
• Unique academic network and the possibility for the right candidate to pursue his/her educational goals under the auspices of Research Professor Svenn-Erik Mamelund
• Beneficial welfare schemes
• Free Norwegian language classes to employees and their partners/spouses
• Working location in downtown Oslo with multiple cultural offers 

Other information

If you would like more information about the position, feel free to contact:

• Research Professor Svenn-Erik Mamelund, masv@oslomet.no
• Research Director Vilde Hoff Bernstrøm, vilde@oslomet.no

• If you have technical questions about uploading the application, please contact HR Adviser Christina Lindskog, licr@oslomet.no
• The position is remunerated following the Norwegian State salary scale Post doctor 1352. The salary is NOK 535 200 – 694 400 per year, pay level 60-74.
• We only process applications sent via our electronic recruitment system, and all documents must be uploaded for your application to be processed.
• The documents must be submitted in English. Translations must be authorized. OsloMet performs document checks to give you as a candidate a proper evaluation and ensure fair competition.

Application Process

• If a quantitative project is proposed, excellent skills in statistical methods and in using statistical programs such as SAS, Stata, SPSS etc.,
• Knowledge of societal, medical and historical context and quality and availability of quantitative or qualitative data in the field
• An excellent CV and track record in the relevant fields of pandemic research
• An open and cooperation-oriented nature, with strong abilities for independent academic work
• Collaborative with good communications skills
• Proficiency in written and spoken English

Expert evaluation

An expert committee will assess applicants. You must upload the following documents together with your application by the final date for applications:

• Cover letter
• A two-page research proposal describes the state of the art, research aims and objectives, data and methods, and how the new research will push the research front and have an academic and societal impact (max. 2 pages). The proposal should also include progress- and implementation plan
• CV, references and all pages of certificates/diplomas
• A full list of scientific publications
• Full texts of the five most relevant publications and a summary of your PhD thesis

You must upload all these documents. Original documents and a valid passport must be presented if you are invited for an interview. OsloMet performs document inspections to give you as a candidate a proper evaluation and ensure fair competition.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

OsloMet needs to reflect our region’s population, and all qualified candidates are welcome to apply. We make active endeavours to develop OsloMet as an inclusive workplace further and to adapt to the workplace if required.

If there are periods where you have not been in work, under-education or training, you are also welcomed to apply.  

Apply Now