Umeå University, Faculty of Arts

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.

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Postdoctoral position in Museology 

The Department of Culture and Media Studies is part of the Faculty of Arts at Umeå University, and has about 60 employees. A unique combination of disciplines makes the department a creative milieu with an intersection of culture, art, literature and media. Internationally recognized research of high quality is conducted at the department. Many research projects focus on global challenges and digital humanities, in line with a research strategy initiated by the Faculty of Arts.

The department of Culture and Media Studies is advertising a postdoctoral position within the field of museology who presents a research project on the museum exhibition as an arena for creating experience and meaning.  

Museology is defined as the study of the complex relationship between man, society, and the cultural and natural heritage. The discipline of museology generally sees the museum as a venue for competing different values and activities, all linked to the concept and development of cultural heritage. Museum and heritage activities are all about the historical use of, and research on, how and why material or non-material remains are preserved and displayed. Since the understanding of the phenomenon of musealization and heritageization cannot be limited to the museum alone, a museological analysis is usually broad and multifaceted with elements of history of ideas, cultural analysis, philosophy, etc. Thus, museology is a multidisciplinary discipline that uses, but also affects, many other disciplines in the humanities and social sciences.

The museum, as well as museology, has historically developed in an international context, still very important to us. Main topics of museological research at Umeå University has been the museum's significance and role in society, the meaning of things and collections, as well as the museum exhibition as an arena for creating meaning.

In line with these intentions, we want to strengthen research in museum exhibition and communication, and we welcome applications on the topic. The employee will be part of a small team of researchers and lecturers in museology, but due to the interdisciplinary nature of the discipline, there are also excellent opportunities to start cooperation with other related disciplines.

Qualifications and evaluation criteria

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires a PhD degree in museology or a foreign degree equivalent to such a PhD. A precondition is that the applicant has not previously been employed as a postdoc at Umeå University for more than a year within the same, or equivalent discipline. To be eligible for this position, you should have completed your doctoral degree maximum three (3) years before the end of the time of application, unless there are special reasons (e.g. parental or sick leave). Good knowledge of Swedish in speech and writing is a requirement.

Scientific merits forms are the primary basis for evaluation and assessment. Ranking is done according to proven scientific quality and track record. Special merit is given applicants who in his or her research has focused on on the museum exhibition as an arena for creating experience and meaning.

Duties

A postdoctoral position means full-time research for two years, and active participation in the research activities of the Department of Cultural and Media Studies in Umeå. 

The position is placed in Umeå. High personal attendance in the activities of the department, and in the activities of the chair of museology, is a requirement.

The application in Swedish or English must include:

  • A letter of interest that states the candidate's motivation for applying for the present position and his/her qualifications cover letter
  • CV (with complete publication list)
  • project description (maximum five pages)
  • degree certificate
  • five publications that applicant wishes to be evaluated
  • name and contact information to two referees

How to apply
You apply through our recruitment system.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 20170101
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-158-18
Contact
  • Kerstin Smeds, Professor, +46 90 786 62 63 kerstin.smeds@umu.se
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 22.Feb.2018
Last application date 22.Mar.2018 11:59 PM CET

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