A Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship (SKO 1352) in ‘Cultural heritage and conflicts’ is available at the Norwegian Institute in Rome, University of Oslo. The position is available for a period of 3 years with start date January 2nd, 2019.

The successful candidate is expected to become part of the research environment, join networks and contribute to the development of the Norwegian Institute in Rome and collaborating Departments at the University of Oslo. Apart from research, the post-doctoral fellow will contribute to the development of innovative research-based teaching. The main purpose of postdoctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines. The Post-Doctoral fellow will be based at the Norwegian Institute in Rome for the designated period.

The Post-Doctoral position is part of the Heritage Experience Initiative (HEI) project, which apart from The Norwegian Institute in Rome also includes the Department of Culture Studies and Oriental Languages, and the Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History at the Humanities Faculty, University of Oslo. Starting in 2019, HEI is an ambitious endeavour to develop research with a direct societal impact and new models for teaching. This will be achieved by integrating researchers, students, and heritage professionals across disciplines, conceptual and methodological approaches, academic and professional skills, empirical contexts, and institutions.

The Post-Doctor at The Norwegian Institute in Rome will have particular responsibilities concerning the sub-field of inquiry ‘Cultural heritage and conflicts’ within HEI, the tentative project plan is here. Applicants are to submit a research proposal concerning the use and destruction of cultural heritage in conflict situations.

In spite of increasing regulation, the use of cultural property as an asset in conflicts, illicit economies and illegal enterprises is growing. A premise for proposed projects should be issues concerning the wilful destruction of and steps to protect cultural property and scientific source materials in times of conflict, and/or the prevention of looting, smuggling, and trade in cultural objects. At the core of this field is the need to understand the role and politics of cultural heritage in conflicts, to investigate how and why heritage is used as a resource in conflict, and the relationship between conflicts and looting, trade and collecting. The effect, enforcement and purpose of heritage legislation and international agreements are important issues, as are the role of academics and the involvement of future heritage practitioners in this field of research.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in a field relevant to “Cultural heritage in conflicts” (e.g., archaeology, critical heritage studies, religion, history of ideas, cultural studies, criminology) or equivalent.
• The proposed research project must be relevant to:

– Heritage in conflicts within The Heritage Experience Initiative’s sub-field “Cultural Heritage and Conflicts”
– the Mediterranean region and/or the Middle East

• Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English (evt.). Command of a Scandinavian language and/or Italian is an advantage.
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position.

In the evaluation of the applications, emphasis will be placed on:

• The project’s scientific merit, research-related relevance and level of theoretical and methodological sophistication.
• The project’s relevance to the Norwegian Institute in Rome’s mission statement.
• An assessment of the applicant’s academic and personal ability to carry out the project within the allotted time frame
• The applicant’s potential for contributing to the Institute’s and collaborating UiO Departments’ academic development.
• Weight will be ascribed to documented pedagogical qualifications through education and experience, outreach activities, good co-operative skills, international experience, and the ability to successfully join in academic collaboration within and across disciplines.

• Salary level 490 900 – 569 000 NOK per year, depending on qualifications
• A professionally stimulating working environment

The application must include

• Application letter
• Curriculum Vitae with grades listed
• List of publications
• Project proposal (approximately 3-5 pages). The project description must present a feasible progress plan. It is expected that the applicant will be able to complete the project during the period of appointment
• Diplomas, certificates, doctoral thesis and other academic works will be requested from short-listed applicants later.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project description, and the quality of the project as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.
It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Head of Department Professor Christopher Prescott

Head of Administration Anne Nicolaysen