Associate professor in Architecture with focus on digital design and manufacturing - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Umeå School of Architecture is pleased to invite applications for the position of Associate professor in Architecture with a focus on digital design and manufacturing. 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 a candidate 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. The deadline for applying is January 8, 2023.

Duties

As an Associate professor, your main responsibilities will be  teaching in combination with research in the field of Architecture with a focus on digital design and manufacturing. You will primarily work to conduct and develop our teaching programme on all education levels, but also actively contribute to the subject development at the department in both educational and research related matters. The primary focus of the research will be architecture with a focus on digital design and manufacturing. In other words, how digital design can contribute to the sustainable development of the built environment. Other tasks include administration, planning, documentation and development of both your own educational methods and research as well as joint departmental activities.

The Associate professor will plan and deliver education of students both at basic, advanced and Research School levels, and conduct related follow-up activities and administration. You will contribute to the development of the Architecture field and to the enhancement of the pedagogical methods at Umeå School of Architecture.  You will actively monitor on-going developments within your own subject area both regarding education, research and the architectural profession, as well as social development matters which may be of importance for the Associate professor’s work within the department. 

The position includes a professional development component with allocated time towards the development of your own research specialization and pedagogical competence. In addition, your tasks include informing stakeholders within and outside Umeå University about the education, research and development work at the department, and initiate and take part in the planning of development projects. As an Associate professor, your goal will further be to maintain and develop good work routines and contribute to the planning and development of the operations within the department, and take part in enabling a good work environment through collaboration with your 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, 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.

A high level of English proficiency, both in speaking and writing, is a requirement.

Assessment criteria and their weight

The assessment criteria for appointment as a 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.

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.

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 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.

Pedagogical expertise will primarily include the area of architecture with focus on digital design and manufacturing.

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.

The administrative proficiency should include the ability to develop and lead activities and personnel at the department, but also within other relevant operations. 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.

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 or artistic and educational activities (pdf)

Applications should be made via e-recruitment system Varbi and be received no later than 2023-01-08.