Postdoctoral Fellow in Digitalization Processes in Public Organizations
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
We have a vacancy for a position as a post doctor at The Department of Computer Science.
The postdoctoral fellowship position is a temporary position where the main goal is to qualify for work in senior academic positions.
The research topic for this position is Digitalization Processes in Public Organizations. The academic discipline for the position is computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) and Information Systems (IS). Envisaged publications will be in high-quality journals within the CSCW, Information Systems, and Public Administration. Qualitative methods such as case studies and action research will be used to conduct the research. The research will follow the principles of engaged scholarship, with a focus on user involvement. The candidate should demonstrate considerable academic activity within the above academic areas.
The position is connected to an ongoing collaboration project between NTNU and NAV (the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration). NAV is the largest public organization in Norway, responsible for one third of Norway’s national budget. NAV has initiated a digital transformation process and has innovated in several service areas. The transformation process makes use of both innovative technologies and innovative organizational forms. The research part of this position consists of empirical investigations of this digital transformation process. The postdoc candidate is expected to contribute to the deliverables in this project and collaborate with partners. 25% of the position is dedicated to coordination and leadership tasks in the collaboration program.
The research contained in this position must be aligned with the overall goals of the research group at NTNU. The postdoc is expected to cooperate with the other members of the group to conduct empirical research and disseminate the results in high-quality outlets selected in cooperation with project team members.
You will report to the Head of Department.
Duties of the position
- Conduct empirical qualitative research on digitalization processes in public organizations.
- Contribute to the state of the art by developing a theoretical framework to describe the findings and inform ongoing projects and practice.
- Publish and present in academic conferences and journals and to practitioners.
- Coordinate and lead collaborative activities in the NAV-NTNU collaboration project.
- Contribute to transfer of knowledge between NAV and NTNU through the organization of events, workshops, and through own presentations.
Required selection criteria
- You must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian PhD.
- You must have a professionally relevant background in digitalization processes in public organizations.
- You must have high-quality publications in the academic areas of computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW), Information Systems (IS), and public administration.
- You must demonstrate fluency in qualitative research methods.
The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant
Applicants must provide evidence of good English language skills, written and spoken. The following tests can be used as such documentation: TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). Minimum scores are:
- TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (Internet-based test).
- IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted).
- CAE/CPE: grade B or A.
Preferred selection criteria
- Knowledge of Norwegian or a closely related Scandinavian language.
- Experience with applying qualitative research methods in organizations.
- Excellent understanding of CSCW, information systems and public administration.
- Documented ability and willingness to conduct research in a multidisciplinary setting.
- Excellent writing skills.
Personal characteristics
We emphasize personal suitability of the individual applicants. We are looking for candidates who:
- Are passionate about research and have a high level of curiosity and willingness to learn.
- Can document their ability to work in a team and deliver high-quality results independently.
- Can demonstrate analytical skills. Potential candidates will be required to write and present an analytical text.
- Can demonstrate the ability to engage with users and beneficiaries of their research.
- Can demonstrate that they can rapidly acquire and apply knowledge in a research area.
We offer
- exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
- an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
- favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- employee benefits
Salary and conditions
As a Postdoctoral Fellow (code 1352) you are normally paid from gross NOK 545 300 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
The period of employment is 3 years, with 25% dedicated to administrative duties (as described above).
The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.
The physical location for the position is Trondheim, Norway. It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.
About the application
The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English or Norwegian.
Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above.
If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result.
The application must include:
- Curriculum vitae (CV) with information about the candidate’s prior training, exams, and work experience.
- Certified copies of transcripts and diplomas for the whole master’s and PhD’s degree. An English translation of all education documents is required unless the documents are in Norwegian.
- A project description of 3-5 pages detailing the candidate’s theoretical and methodological approach to the problem area together with a statement of motivation.
- Names and contact information of at least 2 reference persons.
- A copy of the PhD thesis (in PDF).
- PDF copies of prior publications, with associated bibliographical data.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
If all or parts of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education. Description of the documentation required can be found here. If you already have a statement from NOKUT, please attach this as well.
Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.
In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates.
NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment – DORA.
General information
A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background.
The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.
As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.
According to the Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Babak Farshchian, email Babak.Farshchian@ntnu.no, or the Head of Department Professor Heri Ramampiaro, email heri@ntnu.no.
Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).
If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number 2021/43926 when applying.
Application deadline: 30.09.21
NTNU
NTNU – knowledge for a better world
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.
Department of Computer Science
We are the leading academic IT environment in Norway, and offer a wide range of theoretical and applied IT programmes of study at all levels. Our subject areas include hardware, algorithms, visual computing, AI, databases, software engineering, information systems, learning technology, HCI, CSCW, IT operations and applied data processing. The Department has groups in both Trondheim and Gjøvik. The Department of Computer Science is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering .
