job description
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The Department of Foreign Languages invites applications for a Ph.D. position in Chinese and/or Japanese for a term beginning August 1, 2025, or as mutually agreed. The fixed term of the position is four years. The position is open to projects in the psychology of learning and teaching Chinese and/or Japanese as foreign languages, as well as other topics related to the use of these two languages in education and society from a multilingualism perspective.
The Department of Foreign Languages has nine different languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Latin American Studies. Teaching and research involve the disciplines of language/linguistics, literature, historical/cultural studies and teaching. The Department has about 60 permanent academic staff, about 20 doctoral and postdoctoral fellows, and 11 administrative staff. For more information about the department, see http://www.uib.no/en/fremmedsprak.
The PhD candidate will be a member of the research group “Multilingualism in My Mind” led by Prof. Åsta Haukås. The group’s main research areas include the psychology of language learning and teaching, and the development of multilingual and intercultural awareness and identity in language learners of all ages, teacher education students, and language teachers in a variety of educational settings. In addition, topics related to multilingualism in society will be explored. Doctoral research projects are expected to advance our knowledge in one or more of the above areas, with a focus on Chinese and/or Japanese, and possibly in combination with other languages.
About the PhD position and research training
The primary purpose of a PhD position is to obtain a doctoral degree that qualifies one to engage in independent research and other work requiring specific competencies.
The duration of a doctoral position is four years. The time allocated to the research project itself is 2.5 years, while other career-enhancing tasks, such as teaching, dissemination of results and university management, account for a total of one year. Plans for this part of the position will be developed in collaboration with the Department. The remaining six months will be devoted to formal training. As a PhD student, you are required to participate in the PhD program of the Faculty of Humanities. The PhD program includes a training component equivalent to 30 ECTS.
Qualifications and personal qualities
Applicants must hold a Norwegian Master’s degree or an equivalent foreign degree with a specialization in Chinese or Japanese studies, Chinese or Japanese as a foreign language, or Chinese or Japanese language education. Obtaining a master’s degree by the application deadline is a condition of employment. Foreign degrees will be evaluated according to the regulations of the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) and the PhD program plan of the Faculty of Humanities.
Applicants must be able to work independently in an organized manner and have strong collaborative skills.
Applicants must be fluent in written and oral English and have documented proficiency in Chinese or Japanese.
Proof of skills in Norwegian or other Scandinavian languages is preferred.
Experience in communications work is preferred.
Applicants will be evaluated according to the admission requirements of the PhD program in the Faculty of Humanities, p. 2.1.
Applicants must submit a proposal for a research project that will result in a doctoral dissertation, as well as a plan for the project’s progress.
Applications will be assessed on the basis of the academic quality and feasibility of the proposed PhD project and the candidate’s academic qualifications. Strategic considerations, motivation and the applicant’s personal qualifications will also be taken into account.
We can offer
A stimulating and professionally challenging work environment.
The gross annual salary for a full-time position is NOK 560,000 (code 1017). Further salary increases according to the seniority of the position.
Participation in the Norwegian Civil Service Pension Fund.
Good benefits package.
How to apply
Applications must be sent electronically via the link on this website: ‘Apply for this position’. Applicants must use the electronic resume form. Application materials must include
Applicants must submit a draft proposal for a research project that falls within the scope of “Multilingualism in My Mind” and is related to Chinese and/or Japanese and that will result in a doctoral dissertation, as well as a progress plan for the project. The project proposal should be no more than 5 pages/12,000 words (including spaces) (excluding bibliography). The project proposal should describe the research project, including the background of the research, the main research questions, the theory, and the methodology. The project proposal must also clearly state how the doctoral project fits into the profile of the research group “Multilingualism in My Mind”.
A bibliography for the proposed project.
A plan for progress throughout the duration of the project, including the timing of the career advancement work and the mandatory training component.
Brief description of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
Curriculum Vitae.
Transcripts and diplomas of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. They must contain information on the ECTS credits of the Master’s degree or an official personalized confirmation letter from the awarding institution containing this information.
A short abstract (maximum three pages) of the master’s thesis or equivalent.
Documentary proof of English language proficiency
Documentary evidence of proficiency in Chinese or Japanese
A list of any scientific works (list of publications)
Papers published in the name of the individual (maximum three).
Relevant certificates/certificates.
Names and contact information of two referees. One of them must be the main supervisor of the master’s thesis or equivalent thesis.
The application form and attachments must be in Norwegian, another Scandinavian language or English. Documents in other languages must be accompanied by a certified translation into English or a Scandinavian language. Please ensure that all attachments are in Word or PDF format and uploaded to Jobbnorge before the application deadline.
From time to time, the Expert Committee may request additional documents.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.
For more information on the appointment process, please click here.
Official Regulations
Applicants who already hold a PhD position at the University of Bergen are not eligible to apply for the position.
Applicants who have previously held a recruitment position at another institution may have a shorter period of employment.
The PhD position requires the applicant to have a permanent workplace at the University of Bergen and to follow the guidelines applicable to the position at all times.
General Information:
For more information about the position, 请通过电子邮件[email protected]或电话 (+47) 55 58 23 86 contact Martin Paulsen, Head of Department. For questions about subject areas and research groups, 可通过电子邮件[email protected]与Åsta contact Prof. Haukås.
For questions or inquiries about the electronic application process, 请发送电子邮件至人文学院[email protected].
Diversity is our strength and makes us better at what we do. Therefore, UiB needs qualified employees regardless of gender, race, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and age.
We encourage men to apply. Where multiple applicants have broadly equivalent qualifications, the relevant provisions of the Moderate Gender Quota shall apply.
The University of Bergen follows the principle of openness of information when recruiting staff for academic positions.
Information about an applicant may be disclosed even if the applicant has requested not to be named on the list of applicants. Applicants must be informed if their request is not met.
Applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds or blank resumes are encouraged to apply. You may be given preference if these circumstances are stated in your application. As part of our commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity, we ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited to interview.
offer requirements
Applicants must hold a Norwegian Master’s degree or an equivalent foreign degree with a specialization in Chinese or Japanese studies, Chinese or Japanese as a foreign language, or Chinese or Japanese education. Obtaining a master’s degree by the application deadline is a condition of employment. Foreign degrees will be evaluated according to the regulations of the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) and the PhD program plan of the Faculty of Humanities.
Applicants must be able to work independently in an organized manner and have strong collaborative skills.
Applicants must be fluent in written and oral English and have documented proficiency in Chinese or Japanese.
Proof of skills in Norwegian or other Scandinavian languages is preferred.
Experience in communications work is preferred.
Applicants will be evaluated according to the admission requirements of the PhD program in the Faculty of Humanities, p. 2.1.
Applicants must submit a proposal for a research project that will result in a doctoral dissertation, as well as a plan for the project’s progress.
Applications will be assessed on the basis of the academic quality and feasibility of the proposed PhD project and the candidate’s academic qualifications. In addition, strategic considerations, motivation and the applicant’s personal qualifications will be taken into account.
offer benefits/salary
A stimulating and professionally challenging work environment.
Full-time position with a gross salary of NOK 560,000 per annum (code 1017). Further salary increases according to the seniority of the position.
Participation in the Norwegian Civil Service Pension Fund.
Good benefits package.