Researcher/Data Scientist

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Job description

Applications are invited for a 1 ½ year position as data scientist (position code 1108) in the research project "PATHWISE: A Learning Analytics Approach to Enhance Academic Integration and Curriculum Development for First-Year Students". The position is affiliated to the research group “Knowledge, Learning and Governance in Higher Education and Work’ (HEDWORK) at the Department of Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Oslo.


The PATHWISE project is a two-year research project funded by the University of Oslo. The project is part of a broader effort at UiO to exploit the potential of digital data (learning analytics) for curriculum purposes, student guidance and quality enhancement in higher education. The project aims to contribute new knowledge to creating institutional and pedagogical measures that can support students' academic integration, completion, and positive study experiences during the study year. The project will employ a longitudinal design, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods, to collect and analyze digital traces, background variables, curriculum offers and guidance structures, as well as participation in study and other activities in study context. Digital traces will be collected based on activities of first-year students from the central digital platforms at UiO, including the Study Administration System, the Student web, and the LMS used at UiO (Canvas). For more information, visit the PATHWISE project Norwegian and English website. 


The data scientist is expected to contribute to the PATHWISE project by assisting in the data collection of digital traces and other quantitative data and testing learning analytics methods to ensure access study administrative data and students’ digital activities. The main responsibility and task will be to fetch, wrangle, prepare and help analyze digital data and statistical data from digital platforms, by using statistical and analytical methods plus AI tools. In addition, the data scientist should help interpret and visualise the data, in order to present the results in a clear and interesting way. The data scientist will collaborate closely with researchers, study administrators and technical experts. 


The announced data scientist position will be connected to the research group HEDWORK. The group comprises researchers with different interdisciplinary backgrounds and offers an internationally oriented and stimulating research environment, with a connection to research communities in learning sciences and educational technology, and educational research worldwide. 


More about the position

The appointment is a full-time position for a period of up to 1 ½  years.


Qualification requirements

  • Applicants must hold a master’s degree in computer science and/or a field with relevance to higher education research, such as educational technology, educational measurement. 
  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English or Norwegian/Scandinavian language

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

  • Some experience with researching or developing digital applications for educational use
  • Programming Skills – knowledge of programming languages like R, Python, and database query languages. Familiarity with Java, or C++ is an added advantage.
  • Statistics – Good applied statistical skills, including knowledge of statistical tests, distributions, regression, etc. 
  • Data Wrangling – proficiency in handling imperfections in data 
  • Knowledge of machine learning. 
  • Experience with data visualization tools like DundasBI, Tableau 

Personal skills

In the assessment of applicants, emphasis will be put on:

  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Strong collaborative and communication skills
  • High personal motivation for research
  • Ability to work focused and independently

We offer

  • salary NOK 548.600-624.500 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1108)
  • a professionally stimulating working environment
  • attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

  • cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)

  • A text of maximum 2 pages where the applicant reflects on how their research interests aligns with the overall project. Particular focus should be given to the envisioned approaches of analysing and integrating multiple data types to examine students’ activities and experiences with the study and academic environment, over time. 

  • CV (summarizing education, positions, research experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)

  • copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)

  • Master thesis and complete list of other research publications

  • list of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented academic qualifications, the project description, and the quality of the project as well as the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.
 


Formal regulations

Please see Rules for the use of research posts at UiO

According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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 an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. 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, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.


Contact information

For questions about the position, please contact:

Professor - Crina Damsa, e-mail: [email protected]