About the position
Two Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (SKO 1352) are available at the Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas (IFIKK), University of Oslo.
The positions are affiliated with the ERC Synergy project WritingLife: The Ethics of AI-Enabled Synthetic DNA (grant number 101224766 - WritingLife), led by Professor Anna Smajdor. The project is conducted in collaboration with Dr. Adrián Villalba (International University of Valencia, Spain) and Dr. Karen Filbee-Dexter (University of Western Australia, Australia and Institute of Marine Research, Norway).
More information on WritingLife can be found here: WritingLife Exploring the ethics of synthetic DNA
The appointments are for a period of three years and include a 10% component for teaching, supervision, and/or administrative duties. The place of work is Oslo. Relocation is expected.
Applicants are required to upload/attach a research proposal (hf.uio.no) stating research questions and theoretical and methodological approaches, as well as a feasible progress plan.
About the project / work tasks
WritingLife examines the ethical and philosophical implications of synthetic DNA (synDNA), with particular emphasis on developments in artificial intelligence.
One fellowship will focus specifically on the interplay between AI and synDNA (AI SynDNA), and the other on the use of synDNA for data storage (Data SynDNA).
The AI SynDNA project addresses the role of AI in modelling and designing biological systems. The successful candidate will analyse conceptual and ethical issues related to AI-assisted biological design, including questions of authorship, responsibility, and the status of AI systems in scientific practice. The project also engages with broader issues concerning synthetic organisms and implications for governance and biosafety.
The Data SynDNA project addresses the use of synthetic DNA as a medium for data storage. The successful candidate will examine the ethical and conceptual implications of encoding digital information in biological material, including challenges to distinctions between the digital and the biological. The project will also consider applications such as long-term storage of genetic information.
The postdoctoral fellows will:
- conduct independent research within the framework of the project
- collaborate with the project team and international partners
- contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals
- participate in relevant research activities, including seminars and workshops
- contribute to dissemination and project-related activities
Engagement with interdisciplinary research environments at UiO is expected, including with UiO's AI centres Integreat and TRUST.
The successful candidate is also expected to become part of the research environment of the department and contribute to its development. The purpose of a postdoctoral position is for the employee to develop a research profile and competence that qualifies them to apply for an Associate Professor position. The position may also provide other competencies relevant to the postdoctoral fellow's future career.
A career plan shall be developed for the Postdoctoral Fellow, specifying the competencies the Postdoctoral Fellow should acquire. UiO is responsible for following up on the career plan and ensuring that the Postdoctoral Fellow has access to career guidance throughout the postdoctoral term.
Qualification requirements
Mandatory qualifications:
- PhD or equivalent in philosophy, philosophy of science, bioethics or a relevant field (Applicants must demonstrate/document how/ that the degree corresponds to the profile of the post)
- Research competence and analytical skills documented through publications
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
- Personal suitability and motivation for the position
Applicants who have not yet completed their PhD may be considered, provided that the doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the application deadline and the degree is awarded before commencement.
Desired qualifications:
- Some background in AI, biology, or related fields
- Familiarity with ethical and philosophical aspects of emerging technologies
- Good collaboration and communication skills
- Ability to manage workload and meet deadlines
Assessment of applicants
In the evaluation of applicants, emphasis will be placed on:
- the quality, originality, and relevance of the research proposal
- the feasibility of the proposed project, including a realistic progress plan
- the applicant’s academic qualifications and publication record
- potential for contributing to the objectives of WritingLife and to interdisciplinary collaboration
Personal suitability will be given weight in the assessment.
We offer
- Salary in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow, position code 1352 in salary range NOK 595 000 – 677 000, depending on on qualifications (2% statutory deduction to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund)
- A professionally stimulating working environment
- Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (spk.no), which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.
- Attractive welfare benefits
- Opportunities for international collaboration and academic dissemination
- An inclusive working environment
How to apply
The application must include:
- Application letter describing qualifications and motivation, including specification of which position you are applying for (applicants may apply for both)
- CV (education, positions, publications, and relevant experience)
- Research proposal (3–5 pages, maximum 14,000 characters, including a progress plan). See Template for project proposal (hf.uio.no). Applicants applying for both positions must submit two separate proposals
- Contact details for at least two references
Copies of diplomas and certificates may be requested at a later stage.
All documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language.
Applications with attachments must be submitted via the Jobbnorge recruitment system.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
Formal regulations
For formal regulations, see guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo. No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.
According to the Norwegian Freedom of 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 a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.
Inclusion and diversity are strengths. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.
If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, at least one applicant from each of these categories will be invited to an interview.
Om arbeidsgiveren:
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 26 500 students and 7 200 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.
The Department embraces four disciplines: Philosophy, Classical Languages (Greek and Latin), History of Ideas and Art History.The Department is also responsible for the introductory philosophy courses, obligatory for all students attending study programmes at the University of Oslo. The Department has about 110 employees.
