Vacant job

About the Workplace

The Department of Law is seeking a University Lecturer in Legal Science. We are looking for you with a strong research interest and a clear research profile, as well as excellent ability and broad subject competence to teach in Swedish and English within one or several central legal areas of the law degree programme. You should be eager to help build research environments.

The position is permanent with a location in Umeå. Start date summer 2027 or by agreement. Probationary employment may apply. Application deadline: October 15, 2026.

About the Workplace

The Department of Law currently has just over 60 employees. The department is responsible for education within the law degree programme and a large number of standalone courses, as well as participating in several other educational programmes at the university. We provide education at all levels with a strong focus on problem-based learning. The department offers three master's programmes and education at the doctoral level. Students appreciate the proximity to their teachers and our accessibility.

Research at the department covers many different legal areas. A large part of the research is organized into research themes with the aim of developing the quality of research and basic education, as well as creating a good foundation for new projects. More information about our operations can be found on our website: Department of Law (#).

Main Duties

The main duties include teaching in Swedish and English at undergraduate and advanced levels, along with associated administration. Depending on your competence and current needs, the teaching may involve courses on various programmes, such as the law degree programme and standalone courses offered or participated in by the department. Teaching includes supervision and examination of essays and theses, as well as course responsibility and course administration. The duties also include participating in development work and joint activities at the Department of Law. Teaching is often conducted in teaching teams where you, together with colleagues, plan and carry out the teaching.

An important aspect of all teaching at the Department of Law is its scientific connection. The basis for the employment is therefore both an independent research career and a willingness and ability to see and contribute to the entire operation by supporting and developing the department's research. The duties therefore include successfully conducting own research and developing an own research profile, in collaboration with the department's researchers and doctoral students. You will contribute to the development of the department's research and research environments, apply for external research funding, follow developments within your own subject area, and actively participate in joint research activities.

The position includes 20% competence development time. This time is usually used for research. In addition to teaching and research, the duties include teaching-related administration, staff and planning meetings, as well as meetings related to both research and teaching.

The place of work is Umeå, and we expect university lecturers to be present at the workplace and actively participate in the department's operations.

Qualifications

Eligibility for employment as a University Lecturer is according to Chapter 4, Section 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and the Employment Regulations for Teachers at Umeå University. The candidate must have demonstrated pedagogical skill and either hold a doctoral degree or have equivalent scientific skill or other professional skill that is significant for the subject content and tasks of the employment.

A doctoral degree in Law (Juris Doctor) or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a doctoral degree is required for this position.

Evaluation Criteria and Weighing of Criteria

The evaluation criteria for the position are scientific, pedagogical, and administrative skill.

In weighing the criteria, particular weight shall be attached to scientific skill. Great weight shall be attached to pedagogical skill. Weight shall be attached to administrative skill.

When assessing scientific skill, particular weight shall be attached to the ability to independently conduct and publish original, high-quality research. Particular weight shall also be attached to experience in developing an own successful research line, scientific production, and the ability to apply for and obtain external research funding in competition. Great weight shall be attached to experience of presenting at conferences and the ability to communicate research to the surrounding society. When assessing scientific skill, all these factors shall be valued based on the productivity expected in relation to the time since the doctoral defense.

When assessing pedagogical skill, particular weight shall be attached to documented experience of teaching and supervision at undergraduate and advanced levels. Great weight shall be given to experience of teaching within one or several legal areas in the mandatory part of the law degree programme, or having subject competence corresponding to the content of the mandatory part of the law degree programme.

When assessing administrative skill, great weight shall be attached to experience of programme and course responsibility, as well as course planning and administration.

Particular weight shall be attached to the ability to teach in both Swedish and English.

A general prerequisite for teachers at Umeå University is good teamwork skills, as well as the competence and suitability otherwise required to perform the duties well.

Application

Qualification requirements and evaluation criteria can be found in the Employment Regulations for Teachers at Umeå University (#).

You can find the Faculty of Social Sciences' instructions for applying for and expert assessment of employment as a University Lecturer here (#).

The recruitment process may involve interviews, trial lectures, and reference checks.

Other Information

We offer you a number of employee benefits that promote a good balance between work and private life, as well as good development opportunities. For more information, visit Employee Benefits (#).

We look forward to receiving your application!