PhD Research Fellow in Outdoor Life (friluftsliv) and Mental Health

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Department of Sport and Social Sciences
PhD Research Fellow in Outdoor Life (friluftsliv) and Mental Health
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The Norwegian School of Sports and Sciences

The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (NIH) is a specialized university and serves as the premier education and research institution of sport science in the Nordic countries. Our mission is to educate, investigate and present a broad range of topics within theoretical and practical sport science. Our Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and PhD programmes aim to be of great relevance.

NIH has approximately 1300 students and a staff of 240 in four departments, six administrative units and two research centres. The campus and sports facilities are located near Sognsvann. For more information on NIH, visit http://www.nih.no     

The Department of Teacher Education and Outdoor Studies

The Department of Teacher Education and Outdoor Studies (DTEOS) is one of four departments at NIH. DTEOS offers a five-year physical education teacher education program (integrated master’s degree), a bachelor’s degree in outdoor education, a one-year supplementary programme in practical pedagogical education, a one-year supplementary programme in adapted physical activity, and a master’s degree in sport pedagogy and outdoor studies. DTEOS holds a national responsibility for research on outdoor studies in Norway and conducts research within the areas of mental health, tourism, sustainability, and mobile technology and social media, among others.  Professors and associate professors at the department do 50% research, in addition to teaching and supervising, while PhD-students and postdoc fellows usually teach 25% as part of a four-year contract.

DTEOS’ ambitions for research on outdoor studies are clear: We will continue to make significant contributions to research on topics related to outdoor life in the post-industrial societies and we will continue asking critical questions regarding outdoor education, leisure, and tourism practices in contemporary society.

Friluftsliv is regarded by the Norwegian government as being central to Norwegian cultural heritage and national identity. It is positioned as a key avenue to strengthening public health and environmental consciousness. At DTEOS, we aim to pioneer more environmentally and socially sustainable approaches to teaching, learning, and being in the outdoors. Our curricula and pedagogies are based on recent, innovative research and a high value is placed on rich and interactive knowledge exchange with students at NIH; leaders and practitioners in the friluftsliv sector; and broader society.

About the position

To strengthen ongoing research within the fields of outdoor studies and mental health, DTEOS invites applications for a PhD-position focusing on mental health and nature-based interventions and programming. More specifically, the pre-defined project will examine the influence of a weekly friluftsliv program that takes place in local nature on young people’s mental health. The academic work will be based at NIH in Oslo, Norway.

The successful candidate will be expected to document competence and experience from the field of mental health and friluftsliv (outdoor education / nature-based therapy), and who may have a background in either social or human sciences. We seek an ambitious applicant who can independently, and in collaboration with others, develop, undertake, and report on high-quality research that can be published in established journals. The successful candidate will be supervised by an associate professor with a background in psychology and mental health, and a professor with many years of experience and research in outdoor studies. The successful candidate will be expected to both conduct empirical studies and contribute to theoretical development related in the area of study.L

Qualification requirements

Formal education and work experience in the areas of mental health and/or outdoor studies is a requirement. The successful candidate will have excellent collaborative skills, a friendly and positive ‘can do’ attitude, and willingness to actively contribute to the overall success of the department. Fluency in one of the Scandinavian languages is an advantage, but not a requirement.

Selection criteria

Minimum requirements for this position are:

• the successful candidate must be qualified for admission to the PhD program at NIH. See our webpage with details about admission requirements
• the master’s degree should be within the fields of outdoor education/recreation, psychology or mental health, with a minimum grade point average of B/2,5.
• work experience with groups in outdoor environments

It is preferred that applicants have:

• publications in friluftsliv/outdoor studies and or mental health
• the ability to teach and write in both a Scandinavian language and in English
• a demonstrated interest in issues relating to mental health and well-being
• outdoor skills / leadership qualifications
• teaching experience at the college / university level
• clinical experience of working with youth

In the ranking of applicants, the whole range of qualifications will be considered and assessed, including communication skills and overall personal suitability for the position.

We offer

• The position’s starting salary is 532.200 NOK yearly, position code SKO 1017.
• The PhD research fellowship period is 4 years with 25 % teaching, or 3 years without teaching. The employment period will be determined based on teaching qualifications
• A research and education institution at the highest international level and with excellent facilities Creative and collegial working environment
• Flexible working hours
• Advantages within the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK) for housing loan, insurance and pension.

Application process

Applicants will be evaluated by the head of department, the two supervisors and one PhD student. Short-listed applicants will be called for interview(s). The electronic application must contain:

• A personal application letter, including motivation for the position
• Complete CV summarizing education, positions held, teaching and research experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities
• A complete list of scientific publications with information about where they have been published, the impact factor and the number of citations.
• Documentation of other activities which the applicant considers relevant to the position and wants to be considered in the assessment. Copies of diplomas, transcripts and certificates
• Contact information for 2-3 referees
• All documentation to be considered is to be uploaded as attachments to the application. Complete documentation in electronic form must be submitted by the closing date for the application.

The application with attachments must be completed through NIH’s electronic recruiting system. Please note that all documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. International applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their university’s grading system.

International applicants, or applicants who hold an international degree, are advised to apply for recognition of foreign higher education: https://hkdir.no/en/foreign-education (hkdir.no).

Formal regulations

Please see the rules and regulations for appointments to Ph.D. Research fellowships at NIH .

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 Norwegian School of Sports and Sciences has a policy of achieving an including and diversed workplace with a balanced gender composition. 

Qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background are encouraged to apply.

Contact information

Head of Department: Professor Reidar Säfvenbom, [email protected]  tel. +47 23 26 24 25 / +47 93 03 95 06

PhD Program: Senior Adviser Gro Styrmo,  [email protected], tel. + 47 23 26 20 31

Contact administration: HR Adviser Elisabeth Olsen, [email protected]

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