ERC Consolidator Grant Project CAMELOT
We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position (SKO 1352) in Science-Policy Engagement and Climate Futures at the Oslo Business School at Oslo Metropolitan University.
The position is based in the academic unit Public Administration and Governance at Oslo Business School (Faculty of Social Sciences) at OsloMet. The group pursues research related to organization, public policy and leadership in the public sector. OsloMet provides a stimulating research environment, with a strategic focus on sustainability, democracy, and expertise for an unpredictable world.
About the Project
The position is part of ERC-funded research project examining how individuals, public institutions and societies develop the capacity to anticipate and respond to long-term climate risks (“Capacities for More Effective Long-term Governance Capacities - CAMELOT). CAMELOT focuses on the cognitive, emotional, and social foundations of “governance capacities” — that is, the ability to engage with uncertain, future-oriented challenges such as climate tipping points. A particular focus of the project is understanding how imagination and future-oriented thinking contribute to effective long-term climate governance. The project combines theoretical development with innovative empirical research, bringing together perspectives from climate governance, political science, futures and sustainability research. The project involves collaboration with international partners and includes empirical work across multiple European countries. CAMELOT is led by Manjana Milkoreit.
The Position
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to play a central role in CAMELOT, with significant opportunities to shape the empirical and conceptual development of the research. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative science-policy engagement processes that examine how governance actors develop the capacity to anticipate, imagine, and respond to long-term climate risks. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with the Principal Investigator and international collaborators in developing and implementing empirical research activities and publishing and disseminating research findings.
Residence in Oslo, Norway is expected. The workplace will be on the premises of OsloMet, Pilestredet campus.
Research Focus
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to an innovative research program examining how governance actors develop the capacity to anticipate, imagine, and respond to long-term climate risks associated with climate tipping points. The project investigates whether and how participatory science-policy engagement processes can strengthen future-oriented thinking, agency, and decision-making across multiple governance scales. The successful candidate will help design, implement, and evaluate a novel science-policy engagement process that combines climate modeling, role-play simulations, future storytelling, and participatory workshops. The project brings together climate science, governance research, and participatory futures approaches to investigate how actors understand uncertain futures and develop capacities for long-term governance.
The research involves collaboration with policy makers and public institutions across multiple governance levels, including national governments, city governments, and regional organizations. Empirical work will combine surveys, workshop-based research, participant observation, interviews, and qualitative analysis to examine how future imagination and anticipatory capacities influence governance responses to complex climate risks.
Your main duties and areas of responsibility will be to
- co-design and implement innovative science-policy engagement processes
- design and administer surveys and participatory research activities
- coordinate and facilitate workshops with governance actors across multiple European governance contexts
- conduct rigorous qualitative and mixed-methods analyses of workshop, interview, observation, and survey data
- contribute to the conceptual development of the project's work on imagination, anticipation, and long-term governance capacities
- lead and co-author academic publications arising from the project
Qualification requirements
- Ph.D. in a relevant field or discipline (e.g., political science, sustainability science, environmental governance, human geography, sociology, science and technology studies, environmental psychology, communication, futures studies, or related disciplines); the doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation by the closing application date; appointment is dependent on the dissertation and public defense of the doctoral dissertation being approved
- demonstrated experience with participatory research methods, stakeholder engagement, or related approaches (design, facilitation or evaluation)
- strong qualitative analytical skills
- demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals
- ability to work as part of a team
- willingness to engage with the practical and organizational aspects of a large-scale research project, including travel and coordination of workshops and stakeholder activities
- ability to fluently communicate research ideas and results in English, including written outputs and conference presentations
General criteria for appointment to teaching and research positions are set out in the Regulations relating to the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges.
It will be an advantage if you have
- experience with mixed-methods research
- experience with participatory futures and foresight methodologies
- experience working in interdisciplinary research settings
- familiarity with climate change, environmental governance, sustainability transformations, or related topics
- evidence of involvement in collaborative or transdisciplinary research projects
We offer
- Engaging professional opportunities at Norway’s third largest university
- Participation in research groups and a creative and inspiring academic community
- A central role in an ERC-funded project with high scientific ambition
- Individual mentoring and professional development opportunities
- Collaboration with an international network of researchers and practitioners
- A friendly and inclusive workplace allowing for a good work-life balance
- Loan and pension benefits with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (loan only for permanent positions and for temporary positions over one year)
- A workplace in the center of Oslo
- Good welfare schemes and a wide range of sports and cultural offers
The salary for the position is in accordance with the Basic Collective Agreement for state employees and OsloMet’s pay policy for Postdoctoral Researcher in code 1352, salary 584 500 – 745 000 NOK per year. A higher salary may be considered for particularly well-qualified applicants. From the salary, 2% will be deducted in pension contributions for the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK).
The position is offered for three years, with the opportunity for a fourth year.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHi5avzdHIkApplication Process and Expert Committee
If you wish to apply for the position, you must do so through our recruitment system.
An expert committee will conduct the assessment of relevant applications. Applicants will be assessed on their methodological and analytical strengths, experience with participatory and stakeholder-engaged research, publication potential, collaborative abilities, capacity to lead complex empirical research activities, and motivation to contribute to the scientific and practical objectives of CAMELOT.
Before the application documents are sent to the expert committee, all applications will be reviewed by the faculty. Applications from unqualified candidates will not be forwarded to the expert committee for assessment. If the number of applications requires it, an internal screening committee at OsloMet will carry out an initial selection of candidates. The selected applicants will then be assessed by the expert committee.
It is important for OsloMet to reflect the population of our region, and we welcome all qualified applicants. We are actively working to develop ourselves further as an inclusive workplace and to adapt the workplace if you need it. If you have periods in your life where you have not been in work, education or training, you are also welcome to apply with us.
Please upload the following documents by the application deadline:
- Application letter (max 2 pages). Please describe your motivation for applying for this position and explain how your background, research, and experience is relevant to the project.
- CV.
- All pages of academic certificates/diplomas.
- A complete list of publications.
- Copies of up to three academic works to date. This can include unpublished manuscripts. If a paper/article is co-authored, you must additionally submit a declaration of co-authorship specifying your individual contribution. A doctoral dissertation or monograph counts as three papers/publications.
- Names and contact information for 2-3 reference persons (name, relationship to candidate, e-mail, and phone number). Reference letters are not needed at this stage.
We only consider applications submitted through our electronic recruitment system, and all documents must be uploaded for your application to be considered. The documents must be in a Scandinavian language or English. Translations must be authorized, and you will be asked to present originals if you are invited for an interview. OsloMet verifies documents to give candidates a proper evaluation and ensure fair competition. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For relevant positions, OsloMet conducts background checks of applicants in cooperation with an external provider, in order to verify information contained in available documents. Background checks are always carried out with the candidate’s consent, and employment in these positions is conditional upon an approved background check. Relevant applicants will receive further information about this.
Other information
If you would like more information about the position, feel free to contact: