Umeå University 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. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. 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.
Work duties include teaching, research, collaboration with society, and administration. The focus between these duties varies over time. During the employments three initial years, the employee is offered 30% of full time for competence development, which may be used for own research and other competence improving activities. Afterwards 20% will be set aside for competence development.
Eventually the applicant is expected to be willing to take upon them tasks of pedagogical leadership in education.
Eligibility requirements
According to Chapter 4, Section 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance, a person shall be qualified for appointment as Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor if he or she within an area has demonstrated educational expertise and holds a doctorate or has attained equivalent academic competence or other professional skills relevant with regard to the subject area of the appointment.
Very good ability to teach in English is a requirement.
Assessment criteria and their weight
The assessment criteria for appointment as an associate professor/senior lecturer shall be the degree of the expertise required as a qualification for employment. As much attention shall be given to the assessment of teaching expertise as to the assessment of scientific expertise.
In selecting candidates, emphasis will primarily be put on the degree of pedagogical expertise. Next, scientific expertise, ability to collaborate with the surrounding society, administrative skills, collaboration skills, and other relevant skills considering the subject matter and tasks associated with the employment shall be taken into account.
Scientific skills
Scientific skills shall be demonstrated through independent scientific productivity. The criteria for assessment are:
breadth and depth of research – quality and scope
originality of research
productivity
contributions to the international research community
assignments within the research community
the ability to competitively obtain external research funding
collaboration with the surrounding society
It is particularly advantageous if the applicant's scientific production demonstrates a clear connection to didactics of computer science.
Pedagogical skills
The pedagogical skills for employment as associate professor should be demonstrated by documented experience of teaching with scientific foundation at university level. The criteria for evaluation are:
an ability to plan, implement and evaluate teaching and an ability to supervise and examine students at every level of education
an ability to vary teaching methods and examination formats in relation to anticipated study results and the nature of the subject
experience of collaboration with the surrounding society in planning and implementation of education
participation in the development of learning environments, teaching aids and study resources
a reflective approach to student learning and one’s own role as a teacher
Pedagogical skills can be attained through education in university pedagogy, other education of relevance for teaching at the university level or documented and proven experience teaching at the university level.
The applicant shall have ability to teach a wide spectrum of entry level courses in English in, among others, programming, algorithmic problem solving, data structures, programming languages, and the analysis of algorithms.
The applicant shall have the ability to – on their own and together with others – plan, deliver, and evaluate entry level courses with many (> 50) students. Since course contents varies, experience of teaching large courses in a broad spectrum within computer science and with several pedagogical methods is an advantage.
Significant experience in the field of pedagogical leadership is an advantage. Particular weight is placed on the applicant’s ability to engage and support their co-workers.
Further qualifications
A general basis for assessment for all teaching categories is both good cooperative skills and the expertise and suitability in general required to complete the work duties satisfactorily.
The ability to communicate in Swedish at a level that permits the applicant to teach in Swedish is advantageous.
Further details
As an employee at Umeå University, you are offered a wide variety of benefits that promote a good work-life balance, read more about benefits here.
Application
When you apply, we ask you to answer questions in Varbi. These questions replace a cover letter from you. The application should preferably be written in English, and include the following items:
Attachments
CV/Umu Application template. Fill in the required application template (word). Submit it attached to your application in the Varbi system as your CV. The following information must be provided in the application template:
basic information (contact details, employment history and education)
an account of research experience (including a list of articles published and a brief research plan)
an account of pedagogical experience and activities
an account of experiences of developing and managing activities and staff
an account of experiences of interacting with the surrounding society and popularizing science
references, including contact details
Copies of relevant university degrees and diplomas
Copies of five research publications relevant to the position, numbered according to the publication list
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.
