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Gothenburg University meets societal challenges with versatile knowledge. 58,000 students and 6,800 employees make the university a large and inspiring workplace. Strong research and attractive education attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, Gothenburg University contributes to a better future.

HDK-Valand is now seeking a University Lecturer in Design Studies with a focus on Child Culture Design. You will be part of the Design unit. Here you can read more about HDK-Valand: HDK-Valand – Academy of Art and Design, Gothenburg University (https://www.gu.se/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-anstallningar)

Note! For further information, qualifications, and eligibility requirements, as well as to apply for the position, see the full advertisement at here (https://www.gu.se/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-anstallningar).

Subject

Child Culture Design

Subject Description

HDK-Valand's design programs currently consist of four programs: Design at the undergraduate level and Child Culture Design (CCD), Embedded Design (Emdes), and Design MFA at the advanced level. HDK-Valand conducts design research, among other things, within the framework of national and international collaborations and also has a doctoral program in the field of design. We also offer a number of standalone design courses.

At HDK-Valand, the subject of design encompasses a dialogue between practice-based, theoretical, and societal issues related to design and design practice. We focus on design as an artistic practice that relates to various social, cultural, economic, and technological contexts both in contemporary times and historically.

Our starting point is the holistic view of design activity and artistic competence that characterizes our education and research. It is a perspective that is independent of design orientation and areas of expression.

Child Culture Design

Child Culture Design is an education focused on the child perspective and design. The education is based on interdisciplinary learning where theoretical and practical knowledge collaborates, with children as the central focus. The area of Child Culture Design is constantly growing in both knowledge and demand, both nationally and internationally. The program highlights children's and young people's participation and influence, with a particular focus on play, learning, development, culture, and health – and not least on the tools that enable play.

An important part of the structure within Child Culture Design is that students engage with research and knowledge from other disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, and pedagogy. This knowledge is then applied in design projects. Child Culture Design is a unique area for HDK-Valand where the connection between social science and artistic knowledge is studied from the perspective of children, their development, and role in society.

Responsibilities

As a lecturer in Child Culture Design, you will participate in the work through planning, teaching, supervision, administration, research, and various forms of development work. The work is carried out in dialogue with colleagues. The language of instruction at the undergraduate level is Swedish and at the advanced level, it is English.

The work as a lecturer in Child Culture Design includes giving lectures, leading seminars, discussions, contacting and inviting speakers, constructing assignments, and guiding students through both written assignments and practical projects.

The structure of Child Culture Design includes, in addition to practically oriented courses, the establishment of a multidisciplinary knowledge platform that is a result of targeted lectures, seminars, and literature studies alongside practical project work. You are also expected to be an active part of the team working with the modules “design studies” and “design research,” which are offered jointly for all design programs at the advanced level. Tasks within the institution and faculty may also be included in the employment.

Responsibilities and tasks may change over time.

Research time in the position is included in the employment in accordance with Gothenburg University's working time agreement for teachers.

Distance education may occur in accordance with Gothenburg University's regulations.

Employment

Employment type: permanent, probationary employment may apply

Scope: 50%

Location: Academy of Design and Crafts, Gothenburg

Start date: August 2026 or on a date we later agree upon.

Contact Information for the Position

If you have questions about the position, please contact Head of Department Klara Björk, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Maria Krång, HR administrator, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Trade Unions

Union representatives at Gothenburg University can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande (https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande)

Application

Your application may be reviewed by international experts, and it is desirable that the application and its attachments are written in English. If the application is written in Swedish, it may be translated. In case of any discrepancies between the translated document and the Swedish original, the institution takes no responsibility for the translation or for direct, indirect, or other forms of errors that may occur during the translation.

You apply for the position via Gothenburg University's recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. You as the applicant are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is received by the university no later than the application deadline.

Publications that cannot be attached to the application digitally should be sent to:

HDK-Valand
HR
Box 131
40530 Gothenburg

and must be received by the application deadline.

The application must be submitted by: 2026-03-17

The university actively works for a work environment with equal conditions and values the qualities that diversity brings to the organization.

The university applies individual salary setting.

According to the National Archives' regulations, the university is obliged to store application documents for two years after the appointment decision. If you, as an applicant for a position, specifically request the return of your documents, they will be sent back after the two years have passed; otherwise, they will be disposed of.

To staffing and recruitment companies and to you as a seller: Gothenburg University engages an approved advertising agency in connection with the recruitment of staff. We kindly but firmly decline direct contact with staffing and recruitment companies as well as sellers of job advertisements.