Assistant professor (Tenure Track) at Umeå School of Architecture - Call for expression of interest

About Umeå University

Umeå University (UMU) is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. At Umeå University, everything is close, our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture. 

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of– a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here. Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå University as a workplace, how to get established and our research. 

Umeå School of Architecture (UMA) at Umeå University is an international, research‑active environment that integrates artistic, scientific, and professional approaches to architecture, with a sustained focus on social and environmental sustainability. Situated on the Umeå Arts Campus beside the Ume River—together with the UmArts (Research Centre for Architecture, Design, and Arts), Umeå Institute of Design, Umeå Academy of Fine Arts, and the contemporary art museum Bildmuseet—UMA benefits from daily interdisciplinary exchange in a unique creative cluster. More information about research groups and current projects at UMA can be found at https://www.umu.se/en/umea-school-of-architecture/research/  

UMA is part of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Umeå University (TekNat). TekNat provides a dynamic and collaborative research and teaching environment spanning disciplines such as architecture, design, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computing. Its activities are characterized by strong methodological and analytical expertise, with a focus on advancing fundamental knowledge while contributing to innovative solutions for complex scientific and societal challenges. 

Tasks 

UMA is seeking highly talented researchers who have already produced high-quality, impactful work to nominate them to the Umeå University selection committee for the Swedish Research Council call for Strategic Recruitment of Associate Senior Lecturers. Candidates should demonstrate independence, consistency, and leadership in their research activities. 

This appointment is intended for researchers in the early stages of their academic careers. The goal is to provide an assistant professor with the opportunity to develop research independence and to qualify in both research and teaching for future employment as an associate professor. 

The position is primarily focused on research, with at least 80% of the time dedicated to developing research qualifications. The remaining time will be devoted to acquiring teaching experience and educational qualifications. Other relevant information to consider include:

• Teaching at UMA is conducted in English. 
• Administrative responsibilities may also be included. 
• The primary place of employment is Umeå, Sweden. 
• Promoting a good working culture is important to us and the holder of this assistant professor position is expected to cooperate well at all levels and show good collegiality. 

Qualification requirements 

To be eligible for this position, applicants must hold a doctoral degree or a foreign qualification deemed equivalent. The degree must have been awarded no more than seven years prior to the application deadline. Exceptions may be made to account for documented career interruptions. Such exceptions might refer to sick leave, parental leave or other similar circumstances. 

As an early-career researcher, you should demonstrate scientific and pedagogical excellence, along with strong potential to establish an independent, high-impact research program. 

Applicants are expected to have completed postdoctoral training in architecture or related fields. A proven commitment to mentoring early-career researchers and supervising scientific theses is essential. 

Candidates must show documented proficiency in teaching or lecturing in English.

Those not yet proficient in Swedish will be expected to acquire the necessary language skills during their employment. 

Applicants must not have been employed at Umeå University for more than six months by February 2026. 

Assessment criteria 

Since this position is intended for researchers in the early stages of their careers, according to Chapter 4, Section 4a of the Higher Education Ordinance, eligible applicants should primarily be individuals who have obtained a doctoral degree or achieved equivalent qualifications no more than seven years prior to the end of the application period for the assistant professor position. 

Applicants who obtained their doctorate or equivalent qualifications earlier may also be considered if special circumstances apply, as outlined in Chapter 4, Section 4a of the Higher Education Ordinance. 

Additional criteria for assessment include demonstrated research excellence, teaching proficiency, and administrative competence. 

A general basis for the assessment of an assistant professor at Umeå University is both, good cooperative skills and the expertise and suitability in general required to complete the work duties satisfactorily.

The weighting of assessment criteria 

Upon appointment, qualifications will be weighted as follows: research expertise will carry the highest weight (3), followed by teaching expertise (2), and administrative expertise (1). 

Description of the assessment criteria 

In evaluating scientific qualifications for this position, particular emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s ability to conduct independent research, demonstrate innovation, and contribute original, high-quality work that is relevant to the research at the Umeå School of Architecture at the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Special consideration will be given to documented original publications where the applicant has played a leading role, as well as to externally funded research grants awarded to the applicant as either principal or co-applicant. Additional merits include postdoctoral experience at an institution other than the one where the applicant earned their PhD, and service as a peer reviewer for international scientific journals. 

Teaching experience at both undergraduate and graduate levels is also valued. We expect a genuine interest in mentoring and training the next generation of researchers. In assessing teaching expertise, attention will be given to the applicant’s ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate instruction, as well as their experience in academic supervision and examination. 

Administrative competence may be demonstrated through experience in planning first-cycle education, leadership in academic development, and proficiency in educational administration. 

Further Details About the Appointment 

The position will be organizationally situated at the Umeå School of Architecture at the Faculty of Science and Technology.

A comprehensive teaching and research development plan will be established at the time of appointment. To support the implementation of this plan, the candidate will be assigned both teaching and research mentors. 

This is a fixed-term, full-time position in accordance with Chapter 4, Section 12a of the Higher Education Ordinance, with eligibility for promotion to Associate Professor.

Applications for promotion must be submitted no later than six months prior to the end of the fixed-term appointment. If, after evaluation, promotion is not granted, the appointment will conclude at the end of the fixed term. 

Promotion criteria will be defined following the appointment, in alignment with the candidate’s development plan and departmental expectations. 

Application 

Please submit your expression of interest via email to julio.diarte@umu.se and make sure to write in the subject line "Expression of interest-Assistant Professor (tenure track)". Last application date is April 19, 2026. 

The application should include the following: 

• Short abstract (1500 characters) 
• Research plan in English (max. 6 pages and no less than 4 pages, font 12pt) 
• CV containing research qualifications – positions, prizes and postdoc positions (max 2 pages) 
• Brief presentation of the candidate’s mobility and international experience (max 0.5 page) 
• Publication list – highlight the 10 most important publications. Add a short summary of the significance of each of the 10 most important publications. 

Selected candidates will be invited to a virtual meeting, and interested individuals may then be nominated by UMU to a national selection process for the position. 

For questions, please contact: 
julio.diarte@umu.se  

We look forward to receiving your application!