Vacant job

Sapere Aude – Dare to be wise – is our motto. Our students and staff develop socially important knowledge that enriches the individual and the world. Our academic environment is characterized by curiosity, courage, and openness, with close connections between people, roles, subjects, and research. The foundation of our operations is gender equality, diversity, and a democratic perspective. We are located in Värmland, a nature-rich and culturally vibrant region where we act as a driver for sustainable development in close collaboration with society.

Karlstad University has approximately 1,400 employees and 18,700 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika. Read more about us at: kau.se/jobb (https://kau.se/jobb)

Description

Within the subject of Risk and Environmental Studies, we offer a bachelor's program in Environmental Science with a focus on risk management, the master's program Risk Management in Society, several standalone courses and commissioned training, as well as doctoral education.

Risk and Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary subject with staff and international guests from many countries. The research is grounded in environmental science, public health science, and risk management. The subject comprises approximately 30 staff members and focuses on society's need to systematically manage threats and risks that affect human health, critical societal functions, and the environment.

The operations span risk analysis, preventive risk management, and measures for sustainable development. A large part of the research is linked to research centers and is conducted in close collaboration with companies, organizations, municipalities, county administrative boards, and government agencies.

Responsibilities

We are looking for you who can teach and conduct research within risk management, with a particular focus on drought and its effects on agriculture and forestry, water resources, etc.

The responsibilities include:

• Teaching and collaboration
• Research on water resources with a focus on drought and its effects on Swedish society.
• Participation in research and collaboration projects at the Centre for Research on Societal Risks (CFSS)
• Active participation in international networks on drought.
• Coordinator for the conference Riscon26

To contribute to a good working environment and the development of operations, you are present and participate in the daily work and community within the subject.

Qualifications

Eligible for this position is someone who has a PhD in Risk and Environmental Studies, Water Resources Science, or related fields. Experience from research and research communication is required.

For eligibility requirements, please refer to Karlstad University's employment regulations: https://www.kau.se/files/2026-03/9_26 Rev anst_llningsordning slutlig-signed_0_1.pdf (https://www.kau.se/files/2026-03/9_26%20Rev%20anst_llningsordning%20slutlig-signed_0_1.pdf)

Assessment Criteria

Of special importance

• Good knowledge of water resources, drought, and its effects on Swedish society
• Experience in conducting research and participating in research projects to be part of an already started/existing research project
• Experience in coordinating research networks on water resources and drought
• Good knowledge of research communication and experience from working within the Centre for Research on Societal Risks
• Personal qualities such as good teamwork skills, initiative-taking, creativity, good communication skills, and the ability to be clear
• Good knowledge of hydrology, GIS, and programming in R and Python

Of great importance

• Pedagogical skill
• Good ability to express oneself orally and in writing in Swedish and English

Meritorious

• Experience of collaboration with relevant societal actors and industry

Terms of Employment

The employment is a fixed-term appointment for the period 1 September 2026 to 30 June 2027, full-time (100%), with the possibility of extension. Self-financing corresponding to approx. 50% of the employment is required.

Application

Applications are made through the university's web-based recruitment tool, Varbi.

You are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement, that any documents in languages other than Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, or English are translated, and that your competence is documented in a way that allows for an objective, qualitative assessment. A complete application must be received by the deadline. An incomplete application may result in your competence not being assessed in all respects.

The application must include:

• CV
• Cover letter describing your qualifications in relation to the content of the position
• Description of merits in research and pedagogy
• Copies of relevant grades, diplomas, and certificates from previous workplaces
• Statement of language skills
• Two references, at least one from a previous or current supervisor

All documents and publications that you wish to be part of your application should be attached to the digital application (not links). Name each uploaded document so that its contents are clearly visible.

Supporting materials that cannot be sent electronically, such as books and publications, should be sent to the address below.

Karlstad University
HR Administrator
651 88 KARLSTAD

Application deadline: 2026-08-12

Reference number: REK2026/137

Welcome with your application!

Karlstad University has made its choice of recruitment agency for this recruitment and therefore declines contact with advertising sales and sellers of recruitment services.

HR Excellence in Research

In September 2020, Karlstad University received the HR Excellence in Research award. The award is given to employers who have a stimulating work environment and good conditions for researchers and who continuously work to develop these. The award shows the university's commitment to fair and transparent recruitment as well as favorable professional development for researchers. Read more at kau.se/hrs4r (https://kau.se/hrs4r).