PhD candidate in the field of work-oriented rehabilitation in sickness absence management - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology, has a vacancy for a full-time, three-year, fixed term position as a PhD candidate in the field of work-oriented rehabilitation in sickness absence management of individuals diagnosed with musculoskeletal disorders. The PhD position will be affiliated with the musculoskeletal health research group (www.muskhealth.com) and the Centre for Intelligent Musculoskeletal Health (www.oslomet.no/cim). The project is a continuation of the MI-NAV project that ended in 2023 (www.muskhealth.com/minav).

The desired start date is 1 January 2025.

Field of research

Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the main causes of long-term sickness absence in Norway. The project aims to improve sickness absence management for individuals who are on long-term sick leave as a result of musculoskeletal disorders. The project consists of three parts: 1) examining whether current prediction models for early identification of individuals at risk of long-term sickness absence can be improved using machine learning methods for big data relating to absence due to illness in Norway, 2) developing and testing a chat bot that will train healthcare professionals in delivering a stratified work-oriented conversation-based intervention (SVAI) to individuals who are signed off sick as a result of musculoskeletal disorders and 3) developing a feasible implementation strategy for SVAI in the primary health services.

As a PhD candidate at OsloMet, you will have the opportunity to apply for a grant for an extended research stay abroad.

Qualification requirements and conditions

• master’s degree (120 credits) or equivalent within health, medicine or technology
• experience with statistical analyses and/or machine learning methods
• excellent knowledge of the primary health service in Norway
• excellent written and spoken Norwegian and English
• Admission to the 2025 doctoral programme is a prerequisite for the post. In order to gain admission to PhD programmes at the Faculty of Health Science, applicants must have achieved a grade of B or better in their master’s thesis and an average grade corresponding to B or better in the master’s degree. In exceptional cases, applicants with a grade of C may be considered. In such cases, relevant experience from own research projects and/or scientific publications will be emphasised. See further information about criteria on the admissions website (https://www.oslomet.no/studier/hv/phd- hv/helsevitenskap-phd)
• the final plan for organised research training must be approved and agreed no later than three months after taking up the post

The general criteria for appointment as a PhD candidate can be found in the regulations  (Regulations relating to universities and university colleges – Lovdata).

It would be advantageous for applicants to have

• experience working with patients diagnosed with musculoskeletal disorders
• knowledge of sickness absence management in Norway
• experience of programming
• experience with statistical analysis of big data

Personal characteristics

• excellent implementation skills
• ability to work independently and as part of a team
• excellent analytical skills
• excellent creative skills and the ability to innovate 

Personal suitability will be emphasised.

It is important for OsloMet to reflect the population in the region and we would like to invite all qualified applicants to apply. We are working actively to further develop as an inclusive workplace and will adapt the workplace as required. We also welcome applications from those who have had periods in which they were not in employment, education or training.

What we offer

• an exciting educational post at Norway’s third-largest university
• access to further professional development in a creative academic and research environment
• a dynamic and innovative research community with high levels of activity
• a developing workplace
• knowledge and experience of advanced statistical methods
• excellent borrowing and pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• excellent welfare schemes

The post is remunerated in accordance with the Norwegian State Salary Scale and OsloMet’s salary policy under code 1017 as a PhD candidate, salary grade 54, which corresponds to a starting salary of NOK 532,200 per annum.y

The application process

If you would like to apply for the post, you need to apply electronically using the “apply for the position” button. You must upload the following documents before the application deadline expires:

• application, CV and copies of all pages of degree transcripts and diplomas
• education from abroad should be approved in advance and the approval letter should be enclosed. Further information can be found at: Recognition of foreign higher education (Bachelor, Master and PhD) | HK Director (hkdir.no)
• motivation letter outlining relevant experience for the post
• master's thesis
• any scientific works or links to full articles
• list of any publications or presentations at international seminars/conferences

We only process applications submitted via our electronic recruitment system and all documents must be uploaded in order for your application to be processed. Documents must be submitted in English or a Scandinavian language. Any translations must be notarised. Original versions must be presented if you are invited to attend an interview. OsloMet will carry out document control to ensure that candidates are subject to a proper evaluation and fair competition. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

An appointment will be made based on the principles set out in the Norwegian Civil Servants Act (lovdata.no), as well as legislation governing the export of knowledge, technology and services. Background checks may be carried out in order to verify information provided in the CV and submitted documents. Background checks will not be carried out without the applicant’s consent and relevant applicants will receive further information about the process.

OsloMet has endorsed the principles set out in the DORA Declaration and the institution is committed to adhering to the recommendations therein.

Further information

If you would like further information about the position, please contact:

• Professor Britt Elin Øiestad, telephone +47 672 36 452
• Associate Professor Tarjei Langseth Rysstad, telephone +47 672 36 452
• Professor Michael Alexander Riegler, telephone +47 401 06 386

Application deadline: 11 August 2024

Ref: 24/19382