PhD candidate in Musculoskeletal Health and Aging

Area of work

The Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology has a vacancy for a fixed–term post as a research fellow in the fields of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging. The fixed-term post has a duration of three years and the desired starting date is 01/01/2025

The PhD candidate will be associated with the project “Associations of musculoskeletal pain disorders across the life course with health and function at old age: A population-based cohort study”, and the research group Aging, Health and Welfare. In this project, we will study the associations of chronic musculoskeletal disorders during midlife with impaired physical function and risk of falls after the age of 65 years. We will also study to what extent socioeconomic factors, gender, and medication use may affect the associations.

The PhD candidate will get access to longitudinal data in the Tromsø Study, a large Norwegian population-based study with many measurement points. The data comprises detailed information about musculoskeletal disorders and background factors, as well as self-reported falls and clinical examinations of physical function at the 7th survey of the Tromsø Study (e.g., walking tests, strength tests, and balance tests). The PhD project is a collaboration effort between OsloMet and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, and the PhD candidate will work closely with experienced researchers from these institutions.

As a PhD candidate at OsloMet, you will have the opportunity to apply for a grant for a longer research stay abroad. 

Qualification requirements and conditions

• master’s degree or equivalent corresponding to 120 credits/ECTS or equivalent in health science or medicine
• skills and experience in quantitative research methods and statistics at master’s degree level
• experience in performing statistical analysis of quantitative data, preferably as part of a master’s thesis
• written and verbal proficiency in English language 
• admission to the doctoral programme in health science is a prerequisite for the PhD position. In order to gain admission to PhD programmes at the Faculty of Health Science, applicants must have achieved a grade of B or higher in their master’s thesis/second degree level subject and an average grade corresponding to B or higher in the master’s degree. In exceptional cases, applicants with a grade of C may be considered. In such cases, relevant experience from own research projects and/or scientific publications will be emphasised. Please see information about the criteria on the admissions website
• the final plan for organised research training must be approved and agreed no within three months after hiring

The general criteria for appointment as a PhD candidate can be found in the regulations (Regulations relating to employment terms for posts such as postdoctoral fellow, PhD candidate, scientific assistant and specialist candidate - Lovdata).

It would be benefical for the applicant to have

• motivation to carry out research within chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders and aging
• knowledge and clinical experience of chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders and aging
• experience of using the statistical software programs SPSS and/or Stata
• excellent skills in authoring scientific works
• authorisation to practice as a physiotherapist in Norway

Personal characteristics

• excellent analytical skills and the ability to innovate
• excellent implementation skills
• ability to work independently and in a focused manner over time, on work that requires analytical and writing skills
• excellent communication and collaboration skills
• the willingness and commitment to contribute to a positive working community of PhD candidates and researchers within the department

Personal suitability will be emphasised.

It is important for OsloMet to reflect the population in the region and we would like to invite all qualified applicants to apply. We are working actively to further develop as an inclusive workplace and will adapt the workplace as required. We also welcome applications from those who have had periods in which they were not in employment, education or training.

What we offer

• an exciting educational post at Norway’s third-largest university
• access to further professional development in a creative academic and research environment
• participation in an active research community with regular meetings and a strong external network
• a developing workplace
• beneficial pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• beneficial welfare schemes and a wide range of sports and cultural offers 
• free Norwegian language classes to employees and their partners/spouses 

Practical information about relocation to Oslo and living in Norway

The post is remunerated in accordance with the Norwegian State Salary Scale and OsloMet’s salary policy under code 1017 as a PhD candidate, salary grade 54, which corresponds to a starting salary of NOK 532,200 per annum.

The application process

If you would like to apply for the post, you need to apply electronically using the “apply for the position” button.

You must upload the following documents before the application deadline expires:

• application, CV and copies of all pages of degree transcripts and diplomas
• education from abroad should be approved in advance and the approval letter should be enclosed. Further information can be found at: Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills | HK-dir (hkdir.no)
• second degree thesis/master’s thesis
• any scientific works or links to full articles
• list of any publications or presentations at international seminars/conferences

We only process applications submitted via our electronic recruitment system and all documents must be uploaded in order for your application to be processed. Documents must be submitted in English or a Scandinavian language. Any translations must be notarised. Original versions must be presented if you are invited to attend an interview. OsloMet will carry out document control to ensure that candidates are subject to a proper evaluation and fair competition. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

An appointment will be made based on the principles set out in the Norwegian Civil Servants Act (lovdata.no), as well as legislation governing the export of knowledge, technology and services. Background checks may be carried out in order to verify information provided in the CV and submitted documents. Background checks will not be carried out without the applicant’s consent and relevant applicants will receive further information about the process.

OsloMet has endorsed the principles set out in the DORA Declaration and the institution is committed to adhering to the recommendations therein.

Further information

If you would like further information about the position, please contact:

• Professor Elisabeth K. Bjelland, elisabeth.krefting.bjelland@oslomet.no[EB1], +47 922 38 389
• for administrative questions: HR Adviser Sana Jafri, sana.jafri@oslomet.no
•  

Application deadline: August, 11th, 2024. 
Ref: 24/19185