PhD Research Fellow in Information, Library, and Archival Studies

The Department of Archivistics, Library and Information Science has a 3-year fixed-term position available as a PhD Research Fellow in Information, Library, and Archival Studies, a specialization under the Ph.D. program in Social Sciences.

Profile

The PhD position is thematically focused on developments in artificial intelligence and their impact on societal issues in the archival, library, and cultural fields. Within this theme, the position offers flexibility, allowing applicants to select a research question that aligns with the overarching theme while drawing on research interests from one or more of the department’s research groups, broadly outlined as follows:

• Information, Culture and Society (INKULSAM): This group researches cultural, information, and media institutions, focusing on their societal roles, professions, users, and policies.
• Information in Use (INFUSE): This group studies the needs for and the use of information in work, everyday life, education, and leisure activities.
• Mediation of Culture and Literature (LITKULT): This group explores the construction, collection, and mediation of texts and cultural expressions and their contribution to individual and societal development and understanding. Information Systems based on
• Metadata (METAINFO): This group researches systems for organizing, retrieving, mediating, and managing information.

The department is part of the international iSchools network, emphasizing studies and research at the intersection of people, information/culture, and technology. It is a requirement that the project outline follows this thematic approach.

Applicants must prepare a project outline with research questions and methodological specifications to be attached to the application. The project outline must indicate how the project is relevant to one or more of the research groups at the department.

The standard PhD period is three years.

Qualifications

Applicants must have:

• A Master's degree (120 ECTS) in a relevant field with a minimum grade B, including the grade on the Master's thesis. In special cases, a 90-ECTS Master's degree may be accepted. Proficiency in both written and spoken english Ability to work independently and in a goal-oriented manner.

See the program plan for the PhD program in Social Sciences for more information on when 90 ECTS Master's degrees may be accepted.

It is an advantage, but not mandatory for the applicants to have:

• Research or work experience related to artificial intelligence.
• Research or work experience in the archival or library sector. 

Conditions

• Admission to the doctoral program in Social Sciences at OsloMet, specializing in Information, Library and Archival Studies, is required in order to commence the PhD position.
• A final plan for the research training must be approved and agreed upon no later than 3 months after employment.

In the assessment of applicants, emphasis will be placed on the quality of the submitted project outline, the research project’s relevance to the doctoral program and one or more of the department's research groups, and the quality of the applicant's Master’s thesis. The outline should demonstrate the likelihood of completing the project within the three-year period.

The project outline should be a maximum of 10 pages and must include the following elements:

• Research questions, theory, and methodology.
• References to relevant knowledge in the field.
• A project timeline.
• Relevance to at least one of the department's research groups.

It is important to OsloMet to reflect the population of our region, and all qualified candidates are welcome to apply. We make active endeavours to further develop OsloMet as an inclusive workplace and to make adaptations to the workplace where required. You are also welcome to apply for a position with us if you have had periods where you have not been in employment, education or training.

Evaluation Committee

As an applicant, you will be evaluated by an expert committee. The following documents must be uploaded with your application:

• Application letter
• CV
• Diplomas Applicants from institutions outside Norway must include a Diploma Supplement or equivalent documentation describing the study and grading system, and the degree’s qualification level.
• Project outline (maximum 10 pages, including references)
• Master's thesis
• Other scientific works you wish to be considered by the expert committee. Any relevant
• letters of recommendation.

All documents must be submitted by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications are processed only through our electronic recruitment system, and all documents must be uploaded to ensure your application is evaluated. Documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language, and translations must be authorized.

You will need to present original diplomas if called for an interview. OsloMet verifies all documentation to ensure a fair and legitimate evaluation.

We offer

• An exciting job opportunity at Norway’s third-largest and most urban university.
• Participation in one or more of the department’s research groups.
• A supportive research environment for PhD candidates.
• Favorable loan and pension terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Welfare benefits.

Further Information

For more information about the position, contact:

• Head of Department, Kim Tallerås, phone +47 67 23 82 17, e-mail kim.talleras@oslomet.no
• Professor and responsible for the PhD specialization in Information, Library and Archival Studies, Katriina Byström, phone +47 672 38 036, e-mail katriina.bystrom@oslomet.no

The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, job code 1017, with an annual salary of NOK 532,200.