Dear DION Members,
DION was invited to respond to the consultation process about new NTNU regulations for teaching and research positions and recruitment positions planned to take effect as of January 2025. Public consultations are an essential part of the legislative and regulatory process. This allows stakeholders across the organization, including temporary academic staff like us, to provide feedback on and influence the guidelines and regulations that affect us.
The full call for consultation (høringsnotat) can be read here, along with attachments. An unofficial English translation is provided for the call for consultation and the proposed regulations for recruitment positions
Key changes in the new regulations for PhDs and PostDocs:
- Career- enhancing work (karrierefremmende arbeid) replaces duty work (pliktarbeid): PhD candidates and PostDocs must now have a career plan and be offered career guidance. How this is provided at NTNU and other tips on career development can be found on websites for PostDocs and for PhD candidates
- Norwegian language learning requirement: Completing 15 credits of Norwegian language courses is considered career-promoting work for PhDs and PostDocs, equivalent to a 10-week extension.
- Educational competence for PostDocs: PostDocs must develop basic university teaching competence by completing a 200-hour programme and teaching assignments over two semesters.
- PostDoc employment duration: PostDoc positions will now range from 3 to 4 years. Two-year MSCA PostDoc positions will be employed using the ‘researcher’ position code.
- Deadlines for admission to PhD degree program: A complete application must be submitted no later than three months after beginning as a PhD candidate, and a signed agreement for admission to the degree program must be completed no later than six months after beginning as a PhD candidate.
- Right to extensions for elected positions and unpaid committee work: This practice has been in place and is now written into the regulations.
Note that the new regulations with respect to career- enhancing work, Norwegian language and educational competence will apply to all PhDs and Postdocs employed from 1 August 2025. For current employees, the terms will be seen in the contract of employment.
We encourage all members to read the regulations and share their thoughts, suggestions, or concerns about the proposed changes. If you have any suggestions for improvement of the new career development websites, these may also be added. Inputs will be collected in anonymous survey before Oct 16th 23:59. DION will compile feedback and send a response on behalf of all temporary scientific employees. Each faculty will give their own response to this hearing, so feel free to also provide feedback via the various channels you have at your own Department/Faculty!
We look forward to hearing from you!
Best regards,
DION Board