Deputy Unit Head for the Botany Unit

The Swedish Museum of Natural History is a government agency tasked by the government to promote knowledge, research, and interest in our world. The agency is a prominent research institution and Sweden's largest museum. For over 200 years, the museum has collected objects and data and conducted research on life on Earth. The collections contain more than 11 million plants, animals, fungi, environmental samples, minerals, and fossils. All research and knowledge are shared in exhibitions, Cosmonova, and in activities at the museum and digitally.

The Botany Unit is responsible for the collections of vascular plants, fungi, slime molds, lichens, algae, mosses, and bacteria. The unit also conducts international-level research in taxonomy, systematics, and evolution, primarily focusing on non-fossil plants and fungi.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

As the Deputy Unit Head, you will work together with, and on behalf of, the Unit Head:

• Take a leading role in research and collection activities.
• Be responsible for parts of the unit's staff, budget, and work environment.
• Plan, lead, and follow up on the unit's work based on the agency's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Be a positive role model who inspires and motivates colleagues and fosters a positive work environment.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, evaluation, and development of staff.
• Represent the employer and implement the agency's priorities within the unit's areas of operation.
• Promote increased collaboration within the research and collections department and between the agency's other departments.
• Coordinate assignments from government agencies and other external actors.

The role includes acting as the deputy for the Unit Head and participating in the museum's management forum. Research within the unit's taxonomic groups, project management, as well as collection and teaching work may also occur. Work with public activities and overarching work at the museum and agency may also be included.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for someone who has:

• Management experience or equivalent leadership experience.
• PhD in systematic biology or equivalent, with a focus on botany/mycology/lichenology or similar.
• Good communication skills and a strong ability to convey goals and visions.
• Good language skills in English and a Scandinavian language, both spoken and written. It is expected that applicants who do not master Swedish will learn Swedish within a year.
• A strong and active interest in and knowledge of botanical-mycological biodiversity (species knowledge).

It is advantageous if you also have:

• Experience in organizational development, budget, and financial follow-up.
• Management and leadership training.
• Experience in systematic work environment management.
• Independent scientific production in collection-based systematics, including taxonomy and nomenclature.
• Experience and understanding of natural science collections and collection activities.
• Experience leading workgroups in research and/or collection activities.
• Experience with digitization.
• Experience in outreach activities.
• Knowledge of Swedish public administration.

We are looking for someone with a structured approach and the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize effectively. You are skilled at building sustainable structures that facilitate collaboration for yourself and your colleagues, and you meet deadlines.

You have a genuine interest in creating and developing strong relationships. By recognizing and highlighting others' perspectives and competencies, you contribute to an inclusive work environment where the group's goals and tasks become clear. Your ability to share your knowledge and listen to others strengthens collaboration within the team.

Courage and determination characterize your leadership. You have the ability to delegate tasks and clarify roles while acting quickly and respectfully in conflict resolution. Making decisions, even uncomfortable ones, is a natural part of your work style, and you provide both positive and constructive feedback when needed.

OTHER

Our goal is to demonstrate the way to increased knowledge and action through research and public activities, so that together we can contribute to a sustainable and bright future. Our long-term ambition is for the employees of the Swedish Museum of Natural History to reflect the diversity that exists in Sweden. We welcome all applicants regardless of gender, background, origin, and ability.

In preparation for the recruitment process, we have made decisions regarding recruitment channels and marketing. Therefore, we kindly ask for no contact with media sellers, recruitment sites, or similar.