Associate Professor in Special Needs Education/Educational Theory - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to be our new colleague and participate in educating the teachers of tomorrow?

The Department of Primary and Secondary Teacher Education at the Faculty of Education and International Studies has a vacancy for an Associate Professor in Special Needs Education/Educational Theory from 01.08.20.

The Department of Primary and Secondary Teacher Education is in the process of implementing five-year master’s degree programmes for primary and secondary teachers and is a central participant in school development projects. We are looking for capable and committed colleagues to help us to achieve our ambitions in these and other areas.

The department manages the national specialist teacher education in special needs education, in addition to subject specialisations and master’s degree programmes in the field of special needs education for work in primary and lower secondary school and upper secondary education.

The department has broad knowledge in the field of special needs education and in organisational development and change management in primary and lower secondary school, upper secondary school, and for the educational and psychological counselling service. These are also research areas that we want to develop further.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Teaching and supervision at bachelor’s and master’s level, and continuing education, possibly also PhD-level
• Carrying out own research and development work
• Participating in the development of major research projects and applications for external funding together with colleagues in the academic community
• Participating in research collaborations with national and international partners
• Following up students in practical training
• Contributing to building the department’s expertise in the field of special needs education and in organisational development and change management for the education sector
• Further developing special needs education as a subject and field of research in educational theory and practice
• Contributing to developing and managing subject specialisations/master’s degree specialisations in special needs education based on the vision of an inclusive school
• Disseminating research both to academic communities and to society in general
• Liaising with schools and school owners
• Actively contributing to the development of the department and OsloMet as a whole
• Performing academic-administrative tasks

Qualification requirements:

Persons appointed to Associate Professor (førsteamanuensis) must have a doctorate degree in Special Needs Education/Educational Theory, preferably with thesis and publications within the following areas: loss of senses, mental disabilities, communication, language and reading, difficulties in mathematics, and inclusion.

Persons appointed to Associate Professor (førstelektor) must have a university degree equivalent to a master’s degree in Special Needs Education/Educational Theory, as well as documented extensive research and development work that in quality and scope corresponds to the workload and level of a doctorate degree within the following areas: loss of senses, mental disabilities, communication, language and reading, difficulties in mathematics, and inclusion.

The applicant must document relevant educational theory and practice for higher education. Applicants who are unable to document basic teaching qualifications on appointment must acquire these qualifications within two years. OsloMet offers a course in English on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (UHPED), which meets this requirement, in collaboration with the University of Oslo.

Proficiency in oral and written English and a Scandinavian language is required.

If a lack of applicants or any other reason makes it impossible to hire in the position of Associate Professor, it may be relevant to hire in the position of a University Lecturer (universitetslektor). Preferably these will be applicants who have begun qualifying for an Associate Professorship. Persons appointed as a University Lecturer must have a degree equivalent to a master’s degree within a relevant field.

General criteria for appointments to academic positions are covered by the Regulations for appointment and promotion to academic posts.

When assessing and ranking the qualified applicants, emphasis will be placed on:

• Documented relevant teaching qualifications and/or teaching experience from work in primary and secondary school, upper secondary school, and/or teacher education
• Experience from special needs work in the educational and psychological counselling service and/or the national service for special needs education (STATPED)
• Research and development work of relevance to the position includes special needs work in kindergartens, or primary and secondary education
• Experience of research networks and externally funded projects
• Good knowledge of the Norwegian school system
• Teaching and supervision experience at different degree levels
• Teaching skills
• Good digital skills
• Strong ability to communicate and cooperate with students and colleagues
• Personal qualities that can make positive contributions to the working environment

Personal qualities necessary for the position:

The ability to:
• motivate and inspire students
• communicate well, build relationships, and collaborate with students and colleagues
• be collectively oriented with a focus on development and quality
• handle a varied workload at a high tempo

OsloMet evaluates teaching qualifications in conjunction with interviews.

It is important for 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 adapt the workplace if required. You are also welcome to apply if there have been periods when you have not been in work, under education, or in training.

Expert assessment
Applicants will be assessed by an expert committee. Please upload the following documents along with your application by the application deadline:
• CV, references and all pages of your certificates/diplomas
• Complete list of scientific publications
• Up to 10 scientific publications, including your PhD thesis

In order for your application to be processed, you must upload all the documents. The documents must either be in English or a Scandinavian language. Translations must be authorized. Originals must be presented if you are invited for an interview. OsloMet checks documents in order to give you as a candidate a proper evaluation and ensure fair competition.

We offer:

• An exciting job opportunity at Norway’s third largest university
• Participation in research groups
• Opportunities for academic development in a professional research environment
• Participation in a dynamic professional environment and unique academic community
• Interaction with a diverse student group
• Loan and pension arrangements through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Beneficial welfare schemes and a wide range of sports and cultural offers
• Free Norwegian language classes to employees
• Working location in downtown Oslo with multiple cultural offers

Practical information about relocation to Oslo and living in Norway

The position is remunerated in accordance with the Basic Collective Agreement for the Civil Service and OsloMets salary policy as Associate Professor (førsteamanuensis/førstelektor) position code 1011/1198. The salary is from NOK 532 300,- to 691 400,- per year. A higher salary may be considered for particularly well qualified applicants.

Other information:

For more information about the position, feel free to contact:
• Head of Studies, Janne Herseth, +47 67 23 70 85
• Head of Section, Emilia Andersson-Bakken, +47 67 23 75 86
• Head of Section, Cecilie Dalland, +47 67 23 75 77

If you wish to apply for the position, please do so via our application portal.