Postdoctoral Research Fellow position at the Department of Geography

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow position

There is a vacancy for a postdoctoral research fellow position at the System Dynamics Group, Department of Geography, University of Bergen. 

The position is for a period of four years and is subject to internal financing.

About the project/work tasks:

The System Dynamics Group provides education and conducts research in System Dynamics, i.e., model-based studies of complex, dynamic systems. The group hosts two core educational programs, M.Phil. and PhD in System Dynamics, which are among the leading programs in the field worldwide. 

In addition, the group contributes to the cross-faculty master’s programme in Sustainability (MAHF-SDG Sustainability) at the University of Bergen. Within this programme, the group is responsible for teaching a course that trains students in applying systems thinking and modelling to complex sustainability problems, as well as supervising master’s students throughout their year-long thesis projects. 

This position supports these educational activities and further contributes to the group’s research priority in model-based policy analysis for sustainable development.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• Applicants must hold a Norwegian PhD or an equivalent degree within System Dynamics or must have submitted their doctoral thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded.
• Applicants should demonstrate a record of high-quality, peer-reviewed publications.
• Applicants must demonstrate research expertise in applying and advancing System Dynamics theory, methods, techniques and tools.
• Applicants are expected to contribute to the research priority of model-based policy analysis for sustainable development. Thus, experience in applying System Dynamics to sustainable development challenges and familiarity with Sustainability Science and its research community are required. 
• Applicants with teaching experience in System Dynamics and sustainability-related courses are preferred.
• Applicants must submit a research proposal outlining a research and publication plan for the four years of employment.
• Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner, as well as demonstrate strong collaborative skills.
• Applicant must be proficient in both written and oral English.

Potential candidates may be invited to the department for an interview and might be asked to hold a trial lecture on a given topic.

The successful candidate is expected to live and work in Bergen and participate in common activities at the Department.

Applicants are advised to familiarize themselves with the teaching and research profile at the Department, please see https://www4.uib.no/en/research/research-groups/system-dynamics and https://www4.uib.no/en/studies/programmes/sustainability-masters/plan

About the position of postdoctoral research fellow:

The position of postdoctoral research fellow is a fixed-term appointment with the primary objective of qualifying the appointee for work in top academic positions. The fixed-term period for this position is 4 years. Individuals may not be hired for more than one fixed-term period as a postdoctoral research fellow at the same institution.

A research proposal of 4-5 pages, excluding references, must accompany the application. The proposal should outline a research agenda and contain a progress plan for the different parts of the research work, as well as a plan regarding publishing.  It is a requirement that the project is completed in the course of the period of employment. 

A budget must be set up for operating expenses.  

We can offer:

• A good and professionally challenging working environment.
• Gross annual salary as Postdoctoral research fellow, code 1352, of NOK 657 000, -. Further increase in salary will depend on seniority. A higher salary may be considered for a particularly well qualified applicant.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Good welfare benefits

Your application must include:

• A brief account of the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
• A research proposal outlining a research and publication agenda for the four years of employment.
• The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must 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).
• Any publications in your name.

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.

The closing date is May 11, 2026.

Applications sent by e-mail or without the requested documents will not be evaluated.

General information:

Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting: Professor Birgit Kopainsky; Birgit.kopainsky@uib.no.

Practical questions about the application process should be directed to: Adviser HR 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.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

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.Further information about our employment process can be found here.