Postdoctoral Position in Education

Ref PAR 2021/7

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 49 000 students and 6 400 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Faculty of Education at the University of Gothenburg has received significantly increased block funding for research. The funds will be used to stimulate our research environments and create opportunities for a new generation of researchers to step forward.

The Department of Education, Communication and Learning is part of the Faculty of Education at the University of Gothenburg. At the department, extensive and internationally recognized research is conducted in areas that concern life conditions of children and youth, the preschool and children’s learning, the consequences of digitalization for preschool, school and education as well as in the area of adult learning at the workplace and elsewhere. Education is provided in the first, second and third cycles (Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD level). The Department’s primary programmes are those in preschool education and primary education with a specialization in afterschool programmes.

Education is a third-cycle subject focusing on processes, both formal and informal, through which individuals are formed and changed within social, cultural and historical contexts. It includes various dimensions of upbringing, education, teaching, learning and other processes. 

Job assignments

The tasks assigned to the postdoctoral position are to contribute to different parts of the research project SATSA (Structural approach in teaching as foundation for sustainable arithmetic learning, financed by the Swedish Research Council, grant no. 2020-03712). The project focuses on quality in teaching in preschool class (education for 6-yearolds) concerning how numbers, quantity and arithmetic strategies are taught, taking a structural approach as an outset for sustainable arithmetic learning. In the project we will survey and investigate teaching in elementary arithmetic in Swedish preschool class through observation studies and interventions grounded in a structural approach. The postdoctoral position includes designing and conducting observations and interventions, systematic analyses through both statistical and qualitative methods as well as reporting results in international and national scientific journals.

The main work duties of a postdoctor are in research, but they can also include teaching. The teaching duties may not extend a fifth of the total work time.

Eligibility

The eligibility for employment as a postdoctor is stated in the University of Gothenburg’s employment procedure.

To qualify as a postdoctoral fellow, the applicant must have completed a Swedish doctoral degree or must have a foreign degree corresponding to a Swedish doctoral degree. Preference will be given to candidates who have been awarded the degree no more than three years before the application deadline and who have not held a post-doc position within the same or similar subject area at the University of Gothenburg for more than one year. Applicants with a degree obtained earlier than the stipulated three years may be eligible if special reasons exist. Special reasons refer to periods of sick leave, active service in the national defense, positions of trust in labour unions and student organisations, parental leave and other similar circumstances.

Assessment

The assessment for employment as a postdoctor is stated in the University of Gothenburg’s employment procedure.

The selection of successful candidates will be made on the basis of an assessment of the documentation provided by applicants. Applicants will be ranked on the basis of an overall assessment of relevant skills and potentials for scholarly development.

In the evaluation special weight will be given to the following criteria:

• Scientific skills demonstrated through independent research within the field of early childhood mathematics education
• Documented experiences of practice-based research in preschool or in the early years of primary school
• Experiences of and skills in using statistical and qualitative methods in research
• In-depth knowledge of theories in the area of young children’s arithmetic learning

As part of the appointment procedure, the personal qualifications of applicants relevant for the work duties, for the ability to collaborate with colleagues and staff, and for the ambitions to develop the department, will be taken into account. The successful candidate is expected to be active in the research environment, in seminar activities and contribute to developing the research by submitting applications for external funding of research.

Employment

The employment is limited to two years, full time, located at the Department of Education, Communication and Learning. Starting date upon agreement.

Appointment procedure

The selection process may include interviews and taking references. Specify salary requirements and references in the application.

The Department of Education, Communication and Learning seeks to take advantage of the qualities that a balanced gender profile and ethnic and cultural diversity contribute to our activities.

For further information

Regarding the application:
Camilla Björklund, professor in Education
+46 (0)31-786 2182
camilla.bjorklund@ped.gu.se

Regarding the application procedure:
Kristin Martinsson, Administrative manager
+46 (0)31-786 2344
kristin.martinsson@gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg: http://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job-opportunities/union-representatives

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. Please note in particular that the following documents must accompany the application:

• Personal letter with a short description of relevant background including references and salary requirements
• Letter of intent of maximum one A4 page
• Curriculum Vitae, including a complete list of publications
• Presentation of scientific merits including a list of a maximum 10 selected scientific publications that the applicant wish to refer to. The selected publications are attached under the heading “Scientific publications”.
• Research plan
• Short presentation of merits within leadership, administration and third stream activities
• Diplomas, certificates or other documentation.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. Any documents that are not available in electronic format should be mailed to:

Göteborgs universitet
Institutionen för pedagogik, kommunikation och lärande (IPKL)
Kristin Martinsson
Box 300, 405 30 Göteborg
Sweden

The reference number of the application should be clearly stated when mailing complementary documents.

Closing date: 1 March 2021

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