Umeå University aims to give the next generation of research leaders the best possible conditions to conduct cutting-edge research through the Umeå University Northern Star Fellows Programme. Through this university-wide initiative, we offer 10 early-career researchers the opportunity to develop their research over the long term through a six-year tenure-track assistant professorship, with the possibility of promotion to associate professor. All open calls in the initiative can be found here:
Learn more about the Umeå University Northern Star Programme, a new excellence initiative designed to strengthen research quality and international competitiveness.
As part of the Northern Star Fellows Programme, the Faculty of Medicine is advertising up to three positions as assistant professor in a subject of choice within the Faculty’s research areas and degree programmes. The positions will be offered to the candidates who, in competition, are assessed to have the strongest merits in research and teaching, as well as the potential to develop a successful research profile regardless of subject area. The positions come with a start-up package, including funding equivalent to a doctoral studentship and operating funds for your research.
We look forward to receiving your application no later than 1 October!
Work description
The position is aimed at early-career researchers and is intended to provide the assistant professor with the opportunity to develop research independence, and to build both scientific and pedagogical merits within their field, to meet the qualifications required for eligibility for an appointment as associate professor. The employment is primarily, at least 80 percent, focused on developing scientific qualifications. The remaining time should mainly be devoted to developing pedagogical qualifications.
Teaching may be partly carried out remotely, by internet-based methods. Teaching is carried out in Swedish and English. Administrative tasks may be included. Umeå is the place of employment, but work at other locations may occur.
Qualification requirements
A person who has been awarded a doctorate or has achieved equivalent research expertise is qualified for appointment as assistant professor.
To be eligible for employment the applicant must have documented ability to lecture/teach in English. A person who lacks the ability to teach in Swedish is expected to acquire this ability during the period of employment.
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 applicants who have been awarded their doctorate or have achieved equivalent research expertise no more than seven years prior to the application deadline for the position as assistant professor, in accordance with Chapter 4, Section 4a of the Higher Education Ordinance, and decisions taken by Umeå University. However, a person who has been awarded a doctorate or has achieved equivalent competence earlier can also be considered if special reasons exist. Special reasons refer to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave or other similar circumstances (Chapter 4, Section 4a of the Higher Education Ordinance).
Furthermore, the assessment criteria for employment as assistant professor are: research expertise, teaching expertise and administrative skills.
General assessment criteria for all teacher categories are a good ability to cooperate and the expertise and suitability required in general to complete the work duties well.
Weighting of assessment criteria
In the assessment, qualifications will be weighted as follows: research expertise (3), teaching expertise (2), and administrative skills (1).
Description of the assessment criteria
In the assessment of research expertise for this position, particular emphasis will be placed on originality, independence, and the potential to develop a successful and independent line of research within the applicant’s field. Postdoctoral research conducted at an institution other than the one at which the applicant obtained their doctoral degree is highly meritorious.
In the assessment of teaching expertise, emphasis will be given to planning, delivery, and evaluation of teaching, as well as supervision and examination.
Administrative skills may be demonstrated through experience in research planning, undergraduate education planning, the ability to develop and lead others, and to administrate, among other things.
For this position, it is particularly meritorious if the applicant has had their primary employment outside of Sweden during the three years preceding the application.
More about the position
The position as assistant professor is a fixed-term appointment, in accordance with Chapter 4, Section 12a of the Higher Education Ordinance, for six years at full-time, with the right to be evaluated for promotion to associate professor. An application for promotion must be submitted no later than six months before the fixed-term appointment ends. If the assistant professor is not promoted following assessment, the fixed-term appointment will cease.
A plan for pedagogical and scientific development will be established at the start of the employment. One pedagogical, and two scientific mentors will be appointed to support the implementation of the plan. Criteria for promotion will be determined at the start of the employment.
The position will be affiliated with a department at the Faculty of Medicine. The departmental placement will be determined in consultation with you, based on where your research is best aligned; you are welcome to indicate your preferred department in your application. The position includes a start-up package with funding equivalent to a doctoral studentship, as well as operating funds of SEK 100,000 per year for six years.
Application Last application date is 1 October 2026. Instructions for the application and a list of the documents to be attached to the application can be found here.
You apply via our e-recruitment system which you can reach via the application button below. When the application is received, you will receive a confirmation email.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
