Postdoctoral Researcher in Economics of Education

The Research Department of Statistics Norway invites applications for a two-year fixed-term 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. 

Personal skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.  
  
• Ability to work independently  
  
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.  

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. 
• Flexible working conditions.  
• Membership in Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens pensjonskasse, SPK). 
• A stimulating and collegial research environment with opportunities for professional development. 
• More information about the Unit for Population and Public Economics is available at: Population and public economics - SSB. 

Additional information

• Application process: With the application, the candidates should provide 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, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure. If the request is not met, we will inform you before the public applicant list is made.   
• We see inclusion of colleagues with different skills and abilities, combination of different subjects in your education, life experiences and perspective as an asset to solving different tasks and problems. If you need technical assistive products, physical adaptation of the workstation or a change in job description/routines or working hours this can be arranged. 
• When there are applicants with physical impairments, employment gaps in their resume or immigrant background that are qualified for the position, at least one applicant in each of these groups will be invited to an interview for the position. As an applicant you must fill certain criteria to be applicable for being considered in one of these groups. You can read more about the requirements here: https://arbeidsgiver.difi.no/positivsaerbehandling. If one of these groups apply to your situation/background and you tick a box, the information will be used as a basis for anonymous statistics that all government business includes in their annual reports.

Kontaktinformasjon

Sturla Løkken, Head of research, 97149517, sturla.lokken@ssb.no
Marte Rønning, Forskningsleder, +47 92238664, marte.ronning@ssb.no

Arbeidssted

Akersveien 26
0177 Oslo

Nøkkelinformasjon:

Arbeidsgiver: Statistisk sentralbyrå

Referansenr.: 5206500802
Stillingsprosent: 100%
Permanent
Søknadsfrist: 25.11.2026