Vacant job

Umeå University aims to provide the next generation of research leaders with the best conditions for pioneering research through the Umeå University Northern Star Fellows initiative. As part of a university-wide initiative, we are giving 10 early-career researchers the opportunity to develop long-term research activities over six years and qualify for promotion to Associate Professor. All calls within this initiative can be found at: https://www.umu.se/northern-star/northern-star-fellows/ (https://www.umu.se/northern-star/northern-star-fellows/)

Read more about Umeå University Northern Star Programme (https://www.umu.se/northern-star/), a brand new excellence program designed to strengthen quality and international competitiveness in research.

As part of the Umeå University Northern Star Programme, the Faculty of Medicine is offering up to three positions as Assistant Professor in any subject within the faculty's research areas and educational programs. The positions will be awarded to the candidate who, in competition, is assessed to have the best qualifications in science and pedagogy, as well as the potential to develop successful research regardless of the field. The appointment comes with a start package including funding equivalent to a doctoral position and operational funds for your research.

We welcome your application by October 1st!

Job Description

The position is aimed at early-career researchers. The purpose of the appointment is to provide an Assistant Professor with the opportunity to develop their independence as a researcher and gain qualifications both scientifically and pedagogically within their field to meet the requirements for a position as Associate Professor. The position of Assistant Professor is primarily, at least 80 percent, focused on scientific qualification. The remaining time should primarily be focused on pedagogical qualification.

Teaching may partially take place using internet-based distance learning methods. Teaching is conducted in Swedish and English. Administrative tasks may be included.

The workplace is Umeå, but work at other locations may occur.

Qualifications

Eligible for appointment as an Assistant Professor is someone who has completed a doctoral degree or has equivalent scientific competence.

To be eligible for the position, the applicant must have documented ability to lecture/teach in English. Those who do not have the ability to teach in Swedish are expected to acquire this ability during the employment period.

Assessment Criteria

Since the position is aimed at early-career researchers, in accordance with Chapter 4, Section 4a of the Higher Education Ordinance, priority should be given to those who have completed a doctoral degree or reached equivalent competence no more than seven years before the time of application for the position of Assistant Professor, according to Chapter 4, Section 4a of the Higher Education Ordinance and decisions made at Umeå University. However, those who have completed a doctoral degree or reached equivalent competence earlier may also be considered if there are special reasons. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, or other similar circumstances, Chapter 4, Section 4a of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Furthermore, the assessment criteria for appointment as an Assistant Professor are: Scientific proficiency, pedagogical proficiency, and administrative proficiency.

A general assessment criterion for teachers at Umeå University is both good teamwork skills, as well as the competence and suitability otherwise needed to perform the duties well.

Weighting of Assessment Criteria

When appointing, the weighting of qualifications will be as follows: Scientific proficiency (3), pedagogical proficiency (2), administrative proficiency (1).

Description of Assessment Criteria

In assessing scientific proficiency, special weight will be placed on originality, independence, and the potential to develop a successful research line within one's field. Postdoctoral research conducted outside the university where the applicant obtained their doctoral degree is highly meritorious. In assessing pedagogical proficiency, consideration will be given to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of teaching, as well as supervision and examination. Administrative proficiency can be demonstrated through experience in undergraduate program planning, skill in developing and leading others, and skill in administration, etc.

For this position, it is particularly meritorious if the applicant, during the three years preceding the application, had their main employment outside of Sweden.

More about the position

The position of Assistant Professor is a fixed-term appointment according to Chapter 4, Section 12 a of the Higher Education Ordinance for six years on a full-time basis, with the right to be considered for promotion to Associate Professor. An application for consideration for promotion must be submitted six months before the fixed-term appointment ends. If an Assistant Professor is not promoted after consideration, the fixed-term appointment will end.

A plan for pedagogical and scientific development is drawn up in connection with the appointment. One pedagogical and two scientific mentors will be appointed to support the implementation of the plans. Promotion criteria for the position are established in connection with the start of employment.

The position will be organizationally attached to a department at the Faculty of Medicine. Department placement is made in consultation with you based on where your research fits best; please state your preferences for department placement in your application. The appointment comes with a start package including funding equivalent to a doctoral position and operational funds of 100,000 SEK per year for six years.

Application

The last day for applications is October 1, 2026. Instructions for application and a list of documents to be attached to the application can be found here.

You apply via our e-recruitment system, which you can access via the application button below. When the application is received, you will receive a confirmation email.

We welcome your application!