Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History

Job description

Two positions for Postdoctoral Research Fellows (SKO 1352) in Conservation Science are available at the Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History (IAKH), University of Oslo.

Both positions are for a fixed term of four years within the scope of the project POLYCHROME ‒ “The Survival of Damaged Medieval Polychromed Heritage in the Nordics”. POLYCHROME is funded by the European Research Council between 2024 and 2029 (Grant Agreement number 101125383). Webpage link to come.

Successful candidates will join a multi-disciplinary research team, with primary responsibilities related to imaging and examination of medieval polychromed objects in museums and churches across Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Duties include extensive travel in a mobile laboratory, especially in the first two years of the project, as well as data treatment, data interpretation and publication. Data gathering must adhere to the strict timeframe for POLYCHROME that has been agreed between the European Research Council and the University of Oslo.

Duties also include teaching and administration (25% of both positions) and can include training for basic teaching qualifications.

Successful candidates should be in place no later than 1 April 2025. International candidates are expected to relocate to Oslo.

The main purpose of postdoctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Imaging Science or Heritage Science
• Documented relevant experience with digital X-radiography and non-invasive imaging techniques applied to heritage objects
• High degree of IT literacy, e.g., with specialised scientific and/or digital imaging software
• Fluent oral and written English-language skills
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position
• Potential to contribute to the aims of POLYCHROME within the allotted timeframe
• Defence and approval of the doctoral dissertation before the closing date for applications

The doctoral dissertation must be approved for public defence by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on a successful defence of the doctoral thesis.

Qualifications that count in the assessment of applicants

• Documented relevant experience of hyperspectral imaging and/or portable FTIR and XRF instruments
• Hands-on experience in a museum or heritage organisation
• Documented success with inter- and cross-disciplinary collaborations
• Documented success of working within deadlines
• Communication skills and enthusiasm for popular dissemination, public outreach and innovation
• Driving license (Class B) valid for Scandinavia
• Preferably competence in a Scandinavian language

The aforementioned criteria and qualifications will be evaluated in relation to the career stage of individual applicants. Candidates with relevant experience with medieval polychromed objects and paintings will be prioritised. 

We offer

• Salary NOK 575 400 – 657 300 per annum depending on qualifications
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Attractive welfare benefits

How to apply

The application must include

• Application letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and motivation for the position. 
• Curriculum Vitae (with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities)
• List of publications
• Copies of diplomas and degree certificates

Diplomas, certificates, doctoral dissertation and other academic works may be requested later.

Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, jobbnorge.no. 

Applicants with education from a foreign university must attach an explanation of their university’s grading system. The candidate’s doctoral dissertation and academic works may be requested during evaluation.

The short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

Formal regulations

See also Regulations concerning Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships.

Following the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) § 25, Chapter 2, information about the applicant may be used in the public list of applicants even if the applicant opts out from the entry in the public application list.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

The University of Oslo has an Acquisition of Rights Agreement for the purpose of securing rights to intellectual property created by its employees, including research results.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

For questions about the position:

• Professor Noëlle L. W. Streeton, POLYCHROME Principal Investigator
• Professor Jon Vidar Sigurdsson, Head of Department

For questions on how to apply:

• HR Adviser Mira Kramarova

Apply for position