Associate Professor in Philosophy - ,

The Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Umeå University’s Faculty of Humanities conducts education and research in the fields of archaeology, philosophy, history, history of ideas, religious studies and theology. The department is now seeking an associate professor in philosophy. The position is full-time, 100 % and permanent.

Description
Philosophy offers study programmes and degrees at first-cycle (undergraduate), second-cycle (Master’s) and third-cycle (doctoral) level. In addition to separate philosophy courses, the department administers the Bachelor’s Programme in Philosophy and Social Analysis, and parts of the core education subjects within teacher education.

Tasks
The position involves teaching both on campus and on internet-based courses. A substantial part of teaching is focused on ethics (including metaethics). In addition, the teaching content may focus on the following core philosophical areas: history of philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, political philosophy, logic and philosophy of science.

During the first two years, the position includes 60 % teaching/administration and 40 % skill development. After the first two years, the position includes 80 % teaching/administration and 20 % skill development. Skill development is normally devoted to research and work with applications for external research grants and associate professors are expected to contribute to the development of the subject area by actively applying for external research funding. Apart from teaching, administrative tasks related to teaching as well as staff and planning meetings and meetings regarding the subject area are included in the employment.

Qualification requirements
A person who has demonstrated educational expertise and holds a doctorate in philosophy or has attained equivalent academic competence or other professional skills relevant with regards to the subject area of the employment will be considered eligible for the position.

The ability to teach in Swedish (or another Scandinavian language) is a requirement for the position.

Assessment criteria
Research and educational expertise in the area of philosophy, experience of administrative activities, development work and leadership duties and good ability to work with others represent the evaluation criteria in the selection of the candidate.

The research expertise must have been demonstrated by independent research production. 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

Educational expertise must have been demonstrated through documented experience of teaching on a scientific basis within higher education. The criteria for assessment 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

These skills can be obtained through higher education teacher training, other training relevant to teaching within higher education and/or documented, proven experience of teaching in higher education. 

Weighing the evaluation criteria against each other
Particular importance will be given to the research and educational expertise. In weighing these two evaluation criteria, equal importance will be given to both. In addition, importance will be given to the other evaluation criteria.

A substantial part of teaching is focused on ethics (including metaethics). Particularly large importance will be given to teaching expertise and research expertise within this area.

In addition, the teaching content may focus on the following core philosophical areas: history of philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, political philosophy, logic and philosophy of science. Large importance will be given to teaching expertise within a wide range of these areas.

The planning and execution of teaching and examination is largely carried out in teams of teachers. Importance will be given to a good ability to work with others.

The qualification and evaluation criteria can be found in the Appointments procedure for teachers at Umeå University: https://www.aurora.umu.se/globalassets/dokument/universitetsforvaltningen/personalenheten/regler-och-riktlinjer/vid-anstallning/appointments-procedure-for-teachers-at-umea-university-reg-no-1.1-1672-18_200309.pdf.

Application
Information about which documents must be submitted with the application can be found in the Guidelines for applications for employment and promotion at Umeå University’s Faculty of Arts: https://www.aurora.umu.se/globalassets/dokument/enheter/humfak/for-vara-anstallda/personalfragor/guidelines-for-applications_employment_promotion_faculty-of-arts-ads-published-from-190923.pdf.

For this position, a research plan is not required to be submitted.

The application must be submitted through Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 11 January, 2021.

Further information
The position is full-time, 100 % and permanent. Starting date is 1 August 2021 or according to agreement. The place of work is Umeå. In order to carry out teaching, attend planning meetings and fulfill other tasks that are part of the employment, a high level of attendance at the department is required.

There are currently fewer female than male associate professors in philosophy, and we therefore especially encourage applications from female applicants.

For more information about the position, contact the Coordinator of the Subject Area, Lars Samuelsson (+46 90-7866241, lars.samuelsson@umu.se) or Head of Department, Jonas Nilsson (+46-90-7869990, jonas.nilsson@umu.se).

More information about the department and the philosophy subject can be found at: https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-historical-philosophical-and-religious-studies/.

We look forward to receiving your application!