UiB - Knowledge that shapes society

Through robust and close interaction with the world around us – globally, nationally and locally – we shall be instrumental in building a society based on knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Do you want to take part in shaping the future?

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Researcher

Are you a political scientist with an academic interest in gender and politics, and a solid background in survey research? Apply for this position at the Department of Government, University of Bergen, as a researcher on an exciting, cutting-edge ERC-funded project. We are hiring a motivated and skilled researcher for a two-year position, offering the opportunity to work at the forefront of research on political leadership, voter attitudes, and political careers, with a particular focus on gender, age, experience, elite perceptions, and the role of populist sentiments in shaping representation. 

The Department of Government, one of seven departments within the Faculty of Social Sciences, specializes in political science, studies of public policy, public administration, democracy and participation, as well as political institutions and organisation. Research at the department is structured around dedicated research groups. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the department’s general academic profile. 

About the project/work tasks:

The position is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) through the ERC Consolidator Grant project “Gender-Gap in Political Endurance: A Novel Political Inclusion Theory” (SUCCESS), led by Professor Ragnhild Muriaas. The SUCCESS project investigates gender gaps in political persistence—why women and men may experience different trajectories in political careers and the consequences of such differences. The overall aim of the project is to develop new theoretical and empirical insights into how inclusion in political life unfolds over time.

As a researcher on this project, you will play a key role in designing, implementing, and analysing comparative surveys and survey experiments targeting both citizens and political representatives across countries. You will be part of a dynamic research team and affiliated with the “Citizens and Democracy” research group, which has strong ties to DIGSSCORE, one of Norway’s leading research infrastructures for digital social science, and the national infrastructure KODEM, which is a new, national infrastructure for coordinated data collection in the Norwegian Citizen Panel, Panel of Elected Representatives, The Panel of Public Administration and the Norwegian Journalist Panel.

Main responsibilities

• Design and analyze surveys and survey experiments on themes related to political inclusion, political careers and political leadership. 
• Participate in survey data collection across up to six countries.
• Optional participation in related qualitative fieldwork.
• Contribute to project publications and conference/workshop presentations.
• Optional involvement in innovative outreach components, including a “political career-game” and a short film.
• To actively contribute to the academic life and participate in research activities and events at the Department of Government.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

We are looking for a candidate who brings strong methodological skills, intellectual curiosity, and a collaborative spirit.

• PhD (or equivalent) in political science, public administration, political psychology or sociology, or must have submitted his/her doctoral thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded. 
• Experience from survey research and experimental design. 
• Proficiency in R or STATA. 
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. 
• Excellent written and communication skills in English.

Desirable qualifications:

• A strong publication record in relevant areas.
• Experience with cross-national data collection.
• Familiarity with gender and representation literature.

In evaluating candidates, we will emphasize the relevance and quality of previous research, as well as personal qualities that contribute to a positive and collaborative working environment. While knowledge of a Scandinavian language may be beneficial, it is not a requirement. Successful candidates are expected to live and work in Bergen and participate actively in the academic community.

We can offer:

• A good and professionally challenging working environment.
• Salary at pay grade NOK 624 500, -. For particularly highly qualified applicants, a higher salary may be considered. Further promotions are made according to length of service. 
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• A position in an inclusive workplace (IW).
• Good welfare benefits.

Your application must include:

• A brief account of your research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
• The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these should be the main advisor from the PhD programme. 
• CV
• Transcripts and diplomas and official confirmation that the doctoral thesis has been submitted.
• Relevant certificates/references.
• List of any works of a scientific nature (publication list).
• Publications (if not easily available online).

The application and any attachments along with certified translations in English or another Scandinavian language must be uploaded to JobbNorge.

Closing date: May 18, 2025.

General information:

For further details about the position, please contact: 

Professor Ragnhild Muriaas, Dept of Government, ragnhild.muriaas@uib.no, + 47 55 58 94 48 (work) / + 47 96 51 40 15 (mobile) 

Practical questions about the application process should be directed to HR Advisor Gudrun Horvei, gudrun.horvei@uib.no.

Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.For further information about the recruitment process, click here.