Vacant job

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest higher education institutions, with over 41,500 students and approximately 4,600 employees. The university offers a diverse range of high-quality education and world-leading research across several scientific fields, including the groundbreaking discovery of the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, fostering a dynamic and open culture.

The societal transformation and major green investments we see in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, this means conducting research on – and within – a society in transition. It also means delivering education for regions that need to expand rapidly and sustainably. Simply put, this is where the future is being created.

Are you interested in learning more? Read more about Umeå University as an employer.

We are looking for an HR Administrator for the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science at Umeå University. This is a fixed-term position for 8 months, full-time, with a start date of August 1, 2026, or as agreed. The application deadline is June 15, 2026. We warmly welcome your application!

About the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science

Here, students, teachers, and researchers within the environmental and nature fields come together, with a broad scope in both education and research. The department offers courses in ecology, biology, earth sciences, and environmental science at both undergraduate and advanced levels. We conduct theoretical and applied research with extensive field and laboratory work, where our researchers investigate, for example, the effects of climate change on Arctic and boreal environments. We offer doctoral education in ecology, environmental science, and physical geography. We have approximately 120 employees, as well as postdocs, guests, and others affiliated, representing about 25 different nationalities.

We are a positive and secure team of seven staff members within the support function, working with a high degree of service orientation and independence. We value our good work environment and support each other in our work.

Job Description

As an HR Administrator, you will have a broad and independent area of responsibility that requires good communication skills and structure. Your main tasks include:

• Administrative support during recruitment.
• On- and off-boarding of employees.
• Support and guidance for research leaders and incoming international employees regarding residence permits.
• Management of postdocs and grant holders.
• Holiday administration.
• Issuance of certificates to employees.
• Other personnel administrative tasks at the department as they arise.

The role involves relaying information to relevant parties within the organization, both by disseminating information and by providing feedback or reporting.

The tasks may change over time.

Qualifications

We are looking for you who have at least a high school diploma with a focus on social sciences, economics, or equivalent. Good knowledge of English and Swedish, both spoken and written, is required as communication with international employees occurs frequently. You must also have good IT skills.

A degree in Human Resources Management from a university or college is meritorious. Previous experience of HR work within a university, authority, or other large and complex organization is also considered an advantage. Knowledge of the university's organization and regulations is also a merit, as is experience working in an international context.

You are service-oriented, meticulous, and structured. You have good collaboration skills, take initiative, and have good planning abilities. You work independently and take responsibility for your work. These personal qualities are highly valued.

Application

We welcome your application via the recruitment system Varbi by June 15, 2026. Your application should be written in Swedish and include:

• CV and a cover letter (max 1 page)
• Certificates and transcripts
• Contact details for two reference persons

Contact

If you have questions about the position, please contact the Head of Department, Professor Christian Bigler, [email protected], 090-786 97 29, or HR Coordinator, Joanna Jonsson, [email protected], 090-786 60 75.

Umeå University aims to offer an equal and inclusive environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lays the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position.

To staffing and recruitment agencies and to you who are sales representatives: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact with staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sales of additional job advertisements.