Associate professor in Environmental Science - ,

The Department of Ecology and Environment Science currently has 140 employees. The department's main duties are undergraduate education, research and collaboration with the surrounding society. The research is conducted in the subject areas of ecology, environmental sciences, and earth science. In total, the department is responsible for 320 full-time students in undergraduate education in biology, ecology, earth science, environmental science and environmental health. We are now inviting applicants for a position as an Associate Professor in Environmental Science with a focus on sustainability science who has research and teaching experience in the subject area. Last day to apply is April 30, 2022

Duties

The applicant is expected to conduct research and teach in our courses within the field of Environmental Science (primarily courses with a focus on sustainable development and sustainability science). The applicant is expected to conduct research related to the department's research activities. Supervision of doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows can be included in the tasks. The teaching duties include teaching and course development work primarily at an advanced level but also at an undergraduate level as well as supervision and examination of degree projects.

During an initial period of 3 years, the position will include 50% research and 50% teaching. After this initial period, the distribution between research and teaching may change.

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 and the work description.

Excellent level of proficiency in both spoken and written English is a requirement.

Assessment criteria and their weight

The assessment criteria for appointment as a 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 the selection of candidates, the merits will be weighted according to the following criteria: Scientific expertise (2); Pedagogical skills (2); Administrative and other skills relevant to the duties included in the employment (1).

Scientific expertise

Scientific expertise 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

The scientific expertise must relate to Environmental science with a natural science perspective. Further, documented experience of research related to sustainability science or sustainable development is strongly meritiing. Documented experience in supervising PhD-students and Masters-students is also strongly meriting, as is documented ability to attract external grants and to publish in high-ranking journals.

Pedagogical expertise

The pedagogical expertise 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 expertise should be related to Environmental Science from a natural science perspective, and in particular to sustainable development and environmental change. It is meriting with pedagogical experiences from both Bachelor and Master levels, and experiences of teaching in an interdisciplinary context.

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 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.

A proven capacity for public engagement and science communication is also meriting.

Administrative skills should refer to the ability to develop and lead activities and staff at the university as well as the ability to create collaboration between research and education at all levels. Well-documented ability to lead, organize and develop teaching or research activities is an advantage. The applicant should have a documented ability to work, communicate and collaborate within the academy in a flexible way, and have a proven capacity for public engagement and science communication. It is of great importance that the applicant has a good ability to cooperate, and shows initiative and a high degree of independence.

Application

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

1. A personal cover letter, including contact details, where you briefly describe how you meet the specified requirements (max 2 pages)
2. 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. 3.5 in Umu Application template)
5. CV/Umu Application template
   Fill in the required application template (word). Submit it attached to your application in the Varbi system as your CV. Following information must be provided in the application template:
   • basic information
   • 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 regarding interacting with the surrounding society and popularizing science
   • 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 2022-04-30.

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