Associate professor in Architecture - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Umeå School of Architecture, Umeå University, employs up to three associate professors in the field of architecture. At Umeå School of Architecture, you will be part of a forward-thinking and open environment where holistic, interdisciplinary and experimental approaches are considered crucial to respond to the global challenges and opportunities within architecture. We are looking for candidates who with great freedom can use their experience and expertise to drive research forward and teach in their subject area at all levels. Take the chance to develop architecture in northern Sweden, with colleagues from all over the world. Deadline for applications is November 28, 2022.

Duties

Your tasks will mainly consist of tutoring in combination with research. For an Associate professor in Architecture, the main tasks are to conduct and develop education on all levels but also to contribute to the development of the field at the department in both educational and research related matters. Other tasks include administration, planning, documentation and development of both your own educational methods and research as well as common tasks for the department.

Included in the tasks are to plan education and tutoring of students both at basic-, advanced and Research School level, including related administrative tasks. The Associate professor should contribute to the development of the Architecture field and to the developments of the pedagogic methods at Umeå School of Architecture. You should actively work to take part in the on-going developments within the field/subject area both regarding education, research and professional matters as well as general societal matters which may be importance for the Associate professors’ work at the department.

As part of the contract, competence development time focused towards one’s own research field and pedagogical competence-related matters are included in the work tasks. In the tasks, it is also included to inform about the education, research and development work as well as to initiate and take part in the planning of development related projects.

One should also maintain and develop good work routines and contribute to planning and development of the whole department, and take part in securing a good work environment in the interaction with colleagues at the department, at the Arts Campus, at Umeå University and with external partners.

Eligibility requirements

According to Chapter 4, Section 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance, you are qualified for appointment as Associate Professor if you within an area has demonstrated educational expertise and holds a doctorate or has attained equivalent academic competence or other professional skills relevant to the subject area of the appointment.

A high level of knowledge in English, both in speech and writing, is a requirement.

Assessment criteria and their weight

The degree of scientific and teaching expertise shall, in the first place and to an equal extent, apply as a basis for assessment for employment. Secondly, emphasis will be placed on leadership skills, administrative skills, ability to collaborate with the surrounding society. Beyond that, other skills with regards to the subject content of the position are important will be considered. 

The assessment criteria for appointment as an associate professor 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.

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

Scientific expertise must refer to basic sub-areas of architecture. Documented experience of applying this expertise in at least two application areas is a merit. The ability to competitively obtain research funding is important.

The degree of scientific skill will be assessed on the basis of published scientific work, published in internationally distributed scientific journals and conferences that apply peer reviews, or alternatively other forms of publication channels, publications and presentations linked to the subject area that can be used in a review to assess the degree of scientific skill.

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 skill will foremost include the area of architecture. 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.

Additional assessment criteria

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.

The ability to collaborate with the surrounding society is assessed based on the applicant's experience in collaborating with business stakeholders as well as with researchers and actors from other scientific fields.

The administrative proficiency should include the ability to develop and lead activities and personnel at the department, but also within other relevant operations. Proven ability to create collaboration between undergraduate, advanced and postgraduate education and research within the subject area of the position, and other disciplines, professional practitioners and actors in the field of architecture and in society is considered a strong asset. 

Great emphasis is placed on personal suitability and shown ability to communicate constructively with actors within and outside Umeå University.

Further details

As an employee at Umeå University, you're offered a wide variety of benefits that promote a good work-life balance, read more about benefits here.

The place of employment is Umeå, and the person offered employment is expected to move to Umeå.

Application

When you apply we ask you to answer questions in Varbi. These questions replace a cover letter from you. The application should preferably be written in English, and include the following items:

Attachments

1. 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
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)

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 2022-11-28.