Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
We are seeking an Associate Professor in Environmental Science with a natural science perspective, who has research and teaching experience in the field. The application deadline is 2025-04-30.
Duties
The successful candidate is expected to teach in our environmental science courses and conduct independent research that aligns with the department’s research activities. The position may also include supervision of doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers. Teaching responsibilities further encompass course and program development, as well as supervision and examination of theses at the bachelor's and master's levels.
For an initial period of three years, the position will consist of 100% teaching, of which 20% is allocated for professional development, including the opportunity to conduct independent research. After this initial period, the distribution between research and teaching may be adjusted.
Eligibility requirements
According to Chapter 4, Section 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance, a person shall be qualified for appointment as Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor if he or she within an area has demonstrated educational expertise and holds a doctorate or has attained equivalent academic competence or other professional skills relevant with regard to the subject area of the appointment.
Proficiency in Swedish and English, both spoken and written, are required.
Assessment criteria and their weight
The assessment criteria for appointment as an associate professor/senior lecturer shall be the degree of the expertise required as a qualification for employment. As much attention shall be given to the assessment of teaching expertise as to the assessment of scientific expertise.
In the selection of candidates, emphasis will primarily be put on pedagogical skills and expertise. Next, the degree of scientific expertise will be taken into account. In addition, regard will be given to management skills, communication and collaboration skills and other skills relevant to the area of the position and the tasks that will be part of the employment.
Scientific expertise
Scientific expertise shall be demonstrated through independent scientific productivity. The criteria for assessment are:
breadth and depth of research – quality and scope
originality of research
productivity
contributions to the international research community
assignments within the research community
the ability to competitively obtain external research funding
collaboration with the surrounding society
Scientific expertise shall pertain to the field of environmental science from a natural science perspective, focusing on human activities that impact the environment and health.
Pedagogical expertise
The pedagogical expertise for employment as associate professor should be demonstrated by documented experience of teaching with scientific foundation at university level. The criteria for evaluation are:
an ability to plan, implement and evaluate teaching and an ability to supervise and examine students at every level of education
an ability to vary teaching methods and examination formats in relation to anticipated study results and the nature of the subject
experience of collaboration with the surrounding society in planning and implementation of education
participation in the development of learning environments, teaching aids and study resources
a reflective approach to student learning and one’s own role as a teacher
Teaching expertise shall relate to environmental science from a natural science perspective, with a focus on human activities that impact the environment and health. Documented experience in sustainable development and environmental legislation, as well as teaching using an interdisciplinary approach, is considered a merit.
Pedagogical expertise can be attained through education in university pedagogy, other education of relevance for teaching at a university level or documented and proven experience teaching at the university level.
Further qualifications
A general basis for assessment for all teaching categories is both good cooperative skills and the expertise and suitability in general required to complete the work duties satisfactorily.
Criteria for assessing administrative expertise include:
Experience in program or course responsibility and undergraduate education planning
Experience in supervision (students, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers)
Participation in working groups or committees at the departmental, faculty, or university level
Experience in communication and collaboration outside academia
Experience in organizing research and educational activities
Further details
As an employee at Umeå University, you're offered a wide variety of benefits that promote a good work- life balance, read more about benefits here.
Application
When you apply, we ask you to answer questions in Varbi. These questions replace a cover letter from you. The application should preferably be written in English, and include the following items:
Attachments
CV/Umu Application template. Fill in the required application template (word). Submit it attached to your application in the Varbi system as your CV. The following information must be provided in the application template:
basic information (contact details, employment and education history)
an account of research experience (including a list of articles published and a brief research plan)
an account of pedagogical experience and activities
an account of experiences of developing and managing activities and staff
an account of experiences regarding interacting with the surrounding society and popularizing science
references, including contact details
Copies of relevant university degrees and diplomas
Copies of five research publications relevant to the position, numbered according to the publication list
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
