Researcher in Design for Democracy

About the position

The Department of Informatics offers a two-year full-time position (100%) as a Researcher under the project Design4Dem.

The project is housed at the Department of Informatics (IFI) and it involves collaboration with Peace Research Institute (PRIO) and Center for Development and Environment (SUM) within funded UiO:Democracy research group Design for Democracy. The funding period for this research fellow position is two years, starting on January 1, 2025 and ending on December 31, 2026.

The University of Oslo (UiO) shapes the future through knowledge, responsibility and commitment to a sustainable future. The university has shaped Norwegian society for over 200 years and is one of the leading European universities. In addition to outstanding education, UiO also identifies the grand challenges of our times and allocates the funding for independent, pioneering and long-term research with social impact. Currently, it funds three interdisciplinary initiatives UiO:Democracy, UiO:Energy, and environment and UiO:Life Science. It is through UiO:Democracy interdisciplinary collaboration that this position is funded.

Knowledge development in a changing world - Science and technology towards 2030

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

About the Design for Democracy research group

Digital technologies have the potential to support and strengthen democratic processes. They can expand information access, facilitate democratic participation, and empower participatory democracy. However, certain technologies have contributed to democratic erosion and political and social polarization, presenting challenges for transparency, accountable governance, inclusion, and individual freedoms. With democratic backsliding an increasing concern across the globe, a question therefore arises: are there pathways towards designing technologies that strengthen and consolidate participatory democracy rather than undermine it?

Our research group Design for Democracy, with activities at the intersection of design, technology and democracy, proposes an interdisciplinary research agenda to better understand the effects and implications of technology on democracy through design and the co-shaping between people and technologies. 

Can you help shape a different, more engaging techno-socio-political interactions? Then this position might be for you.

Qualification requirements:

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe's leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in HCI, Interaction Design, Transition Design, Technology and Development studies, or Systemic design. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date of this position announcement. 
• A research proposal is required. The research project proposal should be positioned in relation to the project description above and engage with some of the Design4Dem project questions: 
     • How do the worldviews of technology designers influence the design and application of new technologies and how do they impact the effects of technology on democracy? 
     • What are the political, economic and social effects of emerging technologies like AI and how do they support or challenge democracy? 
     • How to support inclusive, participatory democratic practices into the design of technologies (platforms) for democracy?
• The candidate must demonstrate experience with the role of technology in democratization processes.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Desired qualifications:

• Interest and experience with transdisciplinary work
• Design experience
• Ability to collaborate and to work independently
• Good publishing record in peer-reviewed conferences and journals

Personal skills:

• Good communication skills
• Out-of-the box thinking and problem-solving 
• Personal values aligned with democratic ones (tolerance and inclusion are important ones) 

We offer:

• Salary NOK minimum 575 400 – 679 700 per year depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• Project description 
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”. 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, 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.

Formal regulations:

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

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

Contact persons:

For further information about the position please contact the position committee members: Professor Alma Leora Culén (almira@ifi.uio.no), Associate Professor Jasmin Niess (jasminni@ifi.uio.no), Researcher Jason Miklian (jason.miklian@sum.uio.no) 

For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Therese Ringvold, e-mail: therese.ringvold@mn.uio.no