Advertiser: Statistics Norway

Field(s) of specialization: Labor; Demographic Economics - Health; Education; Welfare - Applied microeconomics

Position type(s): Postdoctoral Scholar

Location of job: Postboks 2633 St. Hanshaugen, Oslo, 0177, Norway

Degree required: Doctorate

Job start date: Flexible

Job duration: 2 years

Salary: 675,000 to 780,000 NOK

Letters of reference required: 2

Application deadline: 3 Jan 2027 midnight UTC (accepting applications)

Posting end date: 3 Jan 2027

Interviews: Interviews will be conducted remotely by video starting January, 2027.

Ad text:

The Research Department at Statistics Norway invites applications for a two-year fixed-term postdoctoral position in economics, funded by the Research Council of Norway through "Match effects and matchmaking in education" (MatchEd, project no. 358940). The position is based in Oslo, Norway, with an anticipated starting date of September 1, 2027.

The Research Department conducts economic research using extensive Norwegian administrative data. The department has an established group of researchers working in applied microeconomics, including the economics of education, and close connections with the University of Oslo and the international research community.

About the project

MatchEd explores how the assignment of students to schools, programs, and tracks affects academic outcomes, motivation, and equality of opportunity. Beyond estimating whether some schools or programs benefit particular students more than others (match effects), the project aims to identify the mechanisms behind this heterogeneity and to translate these insights into evidence-based guidance for designing fairer and more effective assignment systems. The project exploits centralized admission systems (e.g., deferred acceptance with priority-based cutoffs) linked to population-wide registers.

The project is led by Edwin Leuven (Statistics Norway and the University of Oslo) and Sturla Løkken (Statistics Norway).

Job description

The successful candidate will conduct empirical research using Norwegian administrative data and collaborate with other project members on research papers intended for publication in international economics journals. The position provides opportunities to pursue original research within the scope of the project, with no teaching obligations.

Qualifications

Applicants will be evaluated primarily on research potential, the quality of their research, and the relevance of their interests to the project.

Candidates should have:

• A PhD in economics or a closely related field, completed by the starting date. Candidates who expect to complete their PhD before taking up the position are welcome to apply.
• Strong training in applied microeconometrics, particularly causal inference.
• Experience working with and analyzing individual-level microdata.
• The ability to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively with other researchers.
• Excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of Norwegian is not required.

Prior research in the economics of education is an advantage but is not required.

What we offer

• A two-year fixed-term position as Researcher/Postdoctoral Researcher (position code 1109), with a salary in the range NOK 675 000 – 780 000 per year, depending on qualifications. A higher salary may be considered for particularly well-qualified applicants.
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK) and access to Norway’s comprehensive social insurance system and public services.
• Full-time research position with no teaching obligations.
• Research funds for travel and conference participation.
• Flexible working conditions.
• A stimulating and collegial research environment with opportunities for professional development.

Additional information

Applicants should submit: a cover letter, CV including a complete list of publications, research statement, job market paper, up to three additional research papers (optional) and letters of reference. We may conduct background checks and verify submitted documents when relevant.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova), information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, even if the applicant has requested non-disclosure. If the request is not granted, we will inform you before the public applicant list is made.