Stipendiat i flerspråklighet og tverrspråklig påvirkning

About the Position

The University of Stavanger invites applicants for a position as PhD Fellow in Multilingualism and Cross-linguistic Influence at the Faculty of Arts and Education, Department of Culture and Language. The position is available from 01.03.2027.

The PhD fellowship leads to a doctoral degree and gives you the opportunity to develop research expertise in an active and stimulating academic environment. Through the doctoral education, you will acquire knowledge, skills and experience that qualify you for a further career in research, higher education, and other knowledge-intensive sectors.

The successful candidate will be admitted to the PhD programme in Educational Science and Humanities. The programme includes an independent research project culminating in a doctoral thesis, participation in national and international research communities, and the dissemination of research findings. For more information about the PhD education at UiS, please visit our website.

The position is for three years of pure research training or four years with research training combined with other career-promoting work. The final arrangement will be clarified during the recruitment process.

As a PhD Fellow at UiS, you will receive supervision and support for your academic and professional development through mentoring, skills development, and career planning.

Research Topic

The successful candidate will be affiliated with the research group FLUENT (Multilingual Development and Change in Contemporary Society) and the Department of Culture and Language. FLUENT investigates multilingualism from different perspectives, including language acquisition, formal linguistics, and educational sciences. The research group is interdisciplinary and welcomes a range of theoretical and methodological approaches.

This PhD position is an open call for doctoral projects in multilingualism, with a particular focus on cross-linguistic influence (CLI) in bilingual and multilingual speakers. The overall aim is to increase our understanding of how languages influence one another in the multilingual mind, and to what extent grammatical systems are shared across languages.

Although cross-linguistic influence is a well-established phenomenon, many questions remain unanswered. In particular, more research is needed on how language-specific properties and linguistic distance between languages affect cross-linguistic influence. Further research is also needed on how different types of multilingual speakers (for example, children and adults, early and late bilinguals) and individual factors such as language proficiency, language exposure and language use influence these processes. Because much previous research has relied on offline methods, such as grammaticality judgment tasks, relatively little is known about how cross-linguistic influence manifests itself while multilingual speakers process language in real time.

The PhD project should contribute new empirical knowledge on cross-linguistic influence using offline, online or combined methodological approaches. Applicants are encouraged to develop their own project within this broad research area.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

• the extent to which cross-linguistic influence varies as a function of linguistic distance between languages
• the extent to which cross-linguistic influence varies across different linguistic domains, such as syntax, morphology, vocabulary and phonology
• the extent to which cross-linguistic influence varies across different types of multilingual speakers, for example children and adults, early and late bilinguals, or third language learners
• the extent to which individual factors, such as language proficiency, language exposure and language use, influence cross-linguistic influence
• the extent to which cross-linguistic influence manifests itself similarly or differently in multilingual speakers’ linguistic knowledge and in real-time language processing

Projects may investigate a broad range of language combinations. Projects including Norwegian in combination with one or more other languages are particularly encouraged, although projects involving other language combinations are also welcome. Stavanger's multilingual population provides excellent opportunities for recruiting participants with diverse linguistic backgrounds.

The dissertation will be written in English.

Qualifications

You must have a strong academic background with a five-year master's degree in linguistics, multilingualism, psycholinguistics, applied linguistics, Nordic linguistics, English linguistics, or equivalent qualifications that provide a basis for undertaking doctoral studies, preferably obtained recently.

Your master's thesis grade and weighted average grade for the master's degree must both correspond to a grade of B or better.

If you have completed your education at an institution that uses a grading scale other than A-F, please provide documentation explaining how your grades correspond to the Norwegian grading scale. You may use these conversion tables to calculate your admission score.

We will also place emphasis on whether you:

• interest in research on multilingualism, language acquisition and/or language processing
• experience in linguistic research, preferably including experimental or quantitative methods
• demonstrate high academic integrity and a strong commitment to quality in your work
• are curious and motivated to carry out the research project and contribute to academic communities and collaboration across disciplines
• demonstrate potential for research within the field and have the personal qualities required to complete the doctoral programme within the employment period
• are able to work effectively both independently and in collaboration with other researchers
• demonstrate the ability for critical reflection, innovative thinking, and independent problem-solving, and work in a structured and goal-oriented manner
• have good collaboration and communication skills and contribute to a constructive working environment
• have good command of English, both written and spoken

English Language Requirements

Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required for admission to the PhD programme.

International applicants who do not qualify for one of the exemptions listed below must document their English language proficiency by submitting a valid test result from one of the following tests:

• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): minimum score of 90/4.5
• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System): minimum score of 6.5
• Cambridge English: Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic): minimum score of 62

You are exempt from this requirement if you:

• have completed at least one year of university studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States
• have completed a master's degree taught in English in an EU/EEA country or in India
• qualify for an exemption according to the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) GSU list
• do not fall within any of the exemption categories listed above, but have resided in Norway for the past five years.

As a PhD Fellow at UiS, you will receive

• a PhD education at a university with a strong societal mission and ambitious academic goals
• an ambitious and inclusive research environment. We strive to include employees at all levels in strategic decisions and promote an informal atmosphere with a flat organisational structure.
• free Norwegian language courses if you do not have proficiency in Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish at level A2 at the time of employment.
• access to Lifekeys, a digital service that supports mental health and well-being
• salary in accordance with the State Salary Scale, code 1017, NOK 580.000 gross per year, with salary progression during the employment period. A statutory 2% contribution is deducted for membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens pensjonskasse), which provides favourable pension and insurance schemes
• favourable membership terms at SiS Sports Centre and the university sports club
• employment with an Inclusive Workplace organisation committed to reducing sick leave and promoting and inclusive working life
• access to the Hjem-jobb-hjem programme, offering discounted public transportation to and from work
• relocation support
• access to comprehensive health services, generous parental leave arrangements and a well-developed welfare system.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity is a strength at the University of Stavanger. Different experiences, perspectives and backgrounds contribute to better solutions and a positive working and learning environment. We welcome applicants with diverse qualifications, life experiences and perspectives, and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of gender, age, disability, cultural background, or whether they have experienced periods outside the workforce. UiS is committed to supporting employees in different stages of life and to providing reasonable accommodation for employees with individual needs.

In accordance with applicable regulations, at least one qualified applicant with a disability, a gap in their CV, or an immigrant background will be invited for an interview. If this applies to you, you may indicate this in the application portal. Read more about the scheme here.

How to Apply

Apply for this job by clicking "Apply for this job" button on this page.

In Jobbnorge, you must register at least your application, relevant education and work experience, as well as language skills. In your application letter, please describe your research interests, your motivation for applying for the position, and how your background is relevant to the research project.

The following documentation must be uploaded as attachments to your application:

• project proposal, see template available on our website.
• CV with a complete overview of your education, experience, and any scientific or scholarly work
• diploma and transcript of records documenting completion of a master's degree. If you have not yet completed your master's degree, you must submit an up-to-date transcript of records
• Diploma Supplement or equivalent documentation, and a confirmed grade conversion scale if required
• documentation of English language proficiency, if required
• publications or other relevant research work
• references and other documentation considered relevant to the application

The documentation must be provided in a Scandinavian language or in English

Applications will be assessed based on the information available in Jobbnorge when the application deadline expires. Please ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements described in the announcement, and that all required documentation has been uploaded. If the total size of the attachments exceeds 100 MB, the files must be compressed before upload.

UiS only considers applications and attachments submitted through Jobbnorge.

Information about applicants may be made public even if an applicant has requested not to be included on the public list of applicants, cf. Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act. If such a request is not granted, you will be notified.

Terms of Employment and Recruitment Process

UiS is subject to the Norwegian Security Act. Employees are expected to demonstrate security-conscious behaviour and comply with applicable security and export control procedures. In the appointment process, attributes such as reliability, sound judgement and loyalty will be emphasised.

Employment as PhD Fellow is regulated in Regulations to the Universities and Colleges Act, chapter IV. Admission to the doctoral programme is governed by the Regulations for the degree of Philosophia Doctor (PhD) at the University of Stavanger.

Your qualifications for the position, based on the documentation registrered in Jobbnorge by the application deadline, will be assessed by an internal committee. Based on the committee's assessment, selected candidates will be invited to an interview. References will also be obtained for relevant candidates. Read more about the recruitment process on our website.

The PhD work will primarily be carried out at the University of Stavanger. It is a condition of employment that the successful candidate resides in a location that enables regular presence at and active participation in the academic environment during normal working hours.

The position is advertised in both Norwegian and English. In the event of any discrepancy between the texts, the Norwegian version shall prevail.

UiS - challenge the well-known and explore the unknown

The University of Stavanger (UiS) has about 12,000 students and 1,900 employees. The university has high ambitions. We strive to have an innovative and international profile, and be a driving force in knowledge development and in the process of societal change. Our common direction is driven by consideration for sustainable change and equitable social development, through new ways of managing natural resources and facilitating better cities and local communities. Energy, health and welfare, learning for life are our focus areas.

In constant collaboration and dialogue with our surroundings, regionally, nationally and internationally, we enjoy an open and creative climate for education, research, innovation, dissemination and museum activities. Academic life at the University of Stavanger is organised into six faculties comprising various departments/schools and National Research Centres, as well as the Museum of Archaeology. We are a member of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities. The university is located in the most attractive region in the country with more than 300,000 inhabitants. The Stavanger region has a dynamic labour market and exciting cultural and leisure activities.

Together with our staff and students we will challenge the well-known and explore the unknown.

The Faculty of Arts and Education is the region’s most important institution for educating teachers for kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, upper secondary schools and higher education. The Faculty also provides basic education in sport, languages, religion and history, as well as eight Master’s programmes and two doctoral programmes.

The Faculty has three national centres: The National Centre for Reading Education and Research (the Reading Centre), the National Centre for Learning Environment and Behavioural Research (The Learning Environment Centre) and the Knowledge Centre for Education (KSU), as well as the Filiorum Centre for Early Childhood Research. The Faculty collaborates with the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training and local government authorities in respect of further and continuing education. The Faculty has a total of around 3,000 students and 320 employees divided between the Faculty administration, Department of Early Childhood Education, Department of Education and Sports Science, Department of Cultural Studies and Languages, Reading Centre, Learning Environment Centre and Knowledge Centre for Education.

The Department of Cultural Studies and Languages is responsible for the university’s teacher education programme for lower and upper secondary education (grades 8–13) and the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). The institute also offers programmes in Nordic studies, English, religious studies, history, Norwegian for international students, and Master’s degree programmes in History and Historical Culture, Nordic Studies and Reading Science, as well as English and Literacy Studies. In addition, the institute is responsible for the cross-faculty one-year programme Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), the English-taught Master’s programme Public Environmental Humanities, and a part-time programme in Museum Education. In collaboration with other units at the faculty, the institute offers doctoral education in Educational Sciences and the Humanities. The institute currently has approximately 70 employees and around 800 students.