Published: 2026-11-10

Strong interest in Northern Star Fellows: "A real success"

NEWS More than 2,000 applications have been submitted for the assistant professor positions in the new Umeå University Northern Star Fellows excellence programme. The applications have come from many parts of the world. "It has been a real success," says Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University.

Text: Johanna Fredriksson

Umeå University Northern Star Programme is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the quality, excellence and international competitiveness of research across the University. One part of the programme is a global recruitment initiative for a total of ten assistant professor positions across all four faculties at Umeå University. The initiative is called Northern Star Fellows.

The application period opened in July 2026 and closed on 1 October. A total of 2,085 applications were received from researchers across all academic fields. The number of applications reflects the strong interest in the positions at Umeå University.

"The outcome has exceeded our expectations. I am very pleased with this initiative and that so many promising early-career researchers have shown an interest in Umeå University," says Tora Holmberg.

How the applications were distributed

A total of ten positions were advertised: two at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, two at the Faculty of Social Sciences, three at the Faculty of Science and Technology and three at the Faculty of Medicine.
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities received 414 applications.
The Faculty of Social Sciences received 527 applications.
The Faculty of Science and Technology received 904 applications.
The Faculty of Medicine received 239 applications.

The applicants come from Scandinavia and other parts of Europe, as well as parts of Africa and Asia, and from the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

"From what we have seen so far, a large proportion of the applicants are highly qualified. We can simply conclude that it has been a real success," says Tora Holmberg.

Positions will be offered next year

The next step is an extensive selection process in which the applications will undergo external expert review. The review will provide a basis for the subsequent processing and selection of candidates to progress to the next stage.

Offers of employment are expected to be made to the selected candidates in spring 2027, with responses expected before the summer holiday period. When the new assistant professors will be able to take up their positions in Umeå will vary.

The next part of the excellence programme is to recruit internationally active professors as visiting professors at Umeå University. A call or nomination process is planned to begin in 2027.

"Through strategic recruitment of both assistant professors and internationally distinguished visiting professors, the Northern Star Programme creates the conditions for renewal, continued development and enhanced quality in the University’s research," says Tora Holmberg.

What Northern Star Fellows are offered

A six-year appointment as an assistant professor at Umeå University.

The majority of working time dedicated to their own research, with a smaller proportion devoted to teaching.

A resource package providing funding for a doctoral student or equivalent.

Operating funds tailored to the needs of the academic field.

The opportunity for promotion to associate professor.

Research support throughout the entire process, from applications to the management and archiving of research data.

Access to research infrastructure and national and European collaborations.

Support for professional and career development, including through the University’s ReaL research leadership programme.