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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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 one or more of the following areas: epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophy of science and logic. In addition, the teaching content may focus on history of philosophy and ethics (including metaethics).

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 one or more of the following areas: epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophy of science and logic. Particularly large importance will be given to teaching expertise and research expertise within these areas.

In addition, the teaching content may focus on the following core philosophical areas: history of philosophy and ethics (including metaethics). Large importance will be given to teaching expertise also within 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 15 February, 2021.

Further information
The position is full-time, 100 % and permanent. Starting date is 1 January 2022 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 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!

Type of employment Permanent position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 1 January 2022 or according to agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-1519-20
Contact
  • Lars Samuelsson, +46 90-786 62 41, lars.samuelsson@umu.se
  • Jonas Nilsson, +46 90-786 99 90, jonas.nilsson@umu.se
Union representative
  • SACO, +46 90-786 53 65
  • SEKO, +46 90-786 52 96
  • ST, +46 90-786 54 31
Published 14.Dec.2020
Last application date 15.Feb.2021 11:59 PM CET

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