Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

We seek an Assistant Professor in any area of mathematics or mathematical statistics for a tenure-track position. The position comes with discretionary funds and a guaranteed opportunity to appoint a PhD student within the first three years. The deadline for applications is June 27, 2021.

Background

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics conducts research in computational mathematics, discrete mathematics, mathematical modelling and analysis, as well as mathematical statistics. Our teaching activities encompass all levels and include mathematics, mathematical statistics and computational science. We are responsible for a five-year engineering program in industrial economics. We also run, in collaboration with neighboring departments, two cross-disciplinary research environments, Icelab (link) and UMIT Research Lab (link). 

Description of the employment

The person we seek will conduct research and contribute to the continued development of the research environment in their respective field. The person can reinforce an existing research area at the department or establish a new research area within mathematics or mathematical statistics. Included in the work tasks are developing pedagogical merits that include teaching in undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as supervision of PhD students and postdocs. The person employed is expected to actively seek external funding for his or her research activities.

Employment is limited to 6 years and consists of 70 % own research and competence development, as well as 30 % teaching. The position comes with discretionary funds of 200 000 SEK that the applicant can use freely for their research. The applicant is guaranteed an opportunity to appoint a PhD student within the first three years.

The position is a “tenure-track” that provides the opportunity to develop and establish long-term research. An Assistant Professor has the right, upon request, to be considered for promotion to Associate Professor.

Eligibility requirements

According to Chapter 4, Section 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance: A person qualified for appointment as an Assistant professor is a person who has been awarded a PhD or has the corresponding research expertise. Primary consideration should be given to a person who has been awarded a PhD or achieved the equivalent expertise within five years prior to the deadline for application for employment as an Assistant professor. However, a person who has been awarded a PhD or achieved the equivalent expertise at an earlier date may also be considered if there are exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances are sick leave, parental leave or other similar circumstances.

The subject for the doctoral degree should be Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, or a closely related subject.

Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.

Assessment criteria and their weight

In the selection of candidates, the degree of research expertise shall be decisive. In addition, the degree of educational expertise as well as administrative and other competences of importance shall be taken into account with regard to the subject content of the employment and the duties to be included in the employment. Moreover, the degree of skill for development and leading activities and personnel at the university as well as the ability to cooperate and interact with the surrounding society and inform about research and development work will be considered.

Scientific expertise

Scientific expertise shall be demonstrated through independent scientific productivity. The criteria for assessment are:

  • Breadth and depth of research – quality and extent
  • Originality in research
  • Productivity
  • Contributions to the international research community
  • Commissions of trust within the research community
  • Ability to competitively obtain research funding
  • Collaboration with the surrounding community

A documented ability to secure external research funds is advantageous.

Pedagogical expertise

The criteria for evaluation of pedagogical expertise are:

  • ability to plan, implement and evaluate teaching and an ability to supervise and examine students at every level of education
  • ability to vary teaching methods and examination forms 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 expertise can be attained through education in university pedagogy, other education of relevance for teaching at a university level or documented and proven experience teaching at the university level.

Further details

Applicants who do not speak Swedish at the time of employment are expected to learn this within six years from the start of employment.

Application

The application should preferably be written in English, and include the following items:

  1. A personal cover letter, including contact information
  2. Certified copies of relevant university degrees and diplomas
  3. Copies of five research publications relevant to the position, numbered according to the publication list
  4. Attachments to a pedagogical portfolio (see p. 3.6 in Umu Application form)
  5. Certificates or documents from appraisals from e.g. the Head of Department, Director of Studies, colleagues, external assessors and students.
  6. CV/Umu Application form

    Fill in the application form (word). Submit it attached to your application in the Varbi system as your CV. Following information must be provided in the application form:

basic information that includes academic and professional qualifications

  • a list of articles published
  • an account of research experience
  • an account of pedagogical experience and activities
  • an account of experiences of developing and managing activities and staff
  • an account of experiences regarding interacting with the surrounding society and popularizing science
  • a research plan (maximum 3 pages)
  • references, including contact details

See instructions for what to include in the application, as well as how to describe scientific and educational activities (pdf)

Applications should be made via e-recruitment system Varbi and be received no later than 2021-06-27.

Contact information

For further information, contact Associate Head of Department, Patrik Rydén, 090-786 95 65, patrik.ryden@umu.se, and/or Head of Department, Åke Brännström, 090-786 78 62, ake.brannstrom@umu.se.

Applying for promotion to Associate professor

As assistant professor, upon request, can be promoted to Associate professor if he or she meets the requirements for employment as an Associate professor and upon review is determined to meet the qualifications for such employment according to the evaluation criteria that shall be applied for promotion to Associate professor. This promotion entails a permanent position as Associate professor.

The application for promotion shall be submitted six months before the fixed-term appointment ends. If an Assistant professor after evaluation is not promoted, the fixed-term appointment ends.

Established criteria for promotion can be found in the employment profile decided by the dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology on May 11, 2021.

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest institutions of higher education with over 34,000 students and 4,000 faculty and staff. We are characterised by world-leading research in several scientific fields and a multitude of educations ranked highly in international comparison. Umeå University is also the site of the pioneering discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 genetic scissors - a revolution in genetic engineering that has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

At Umeå University, everything is nearby. Our cohesive campus environment makes it easy to meet, collaborate and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture where we rejoice in each other's successes.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment Upon agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100 %
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-614-21
Union representative
  • SACO, +46 90-786 53 65
  • SEKO, +46 90-786 52 96
  • ST, +46 90-786 54 31
Published 17.May.2021
Last application date 27.Jun.2021 11:59 PM CEST

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