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

The Department of Molecular Biology is seeking an associate professor within the subject area of bacterial genetics. The successful candidate shall perform independent research, be active in driving research education, and educate at undergraduate level within this subject area.

Duties

Work tasks include research and teaching within the subject area bacterial genetics, with special relevance within the areas of natural science and technology. The employee shall carry out independent research in bacterial genetics with a focus on molecular, cellular, and evolutionary processes in bacterial genetic model systems and these should be applied to questions of relevance to natural science and technology. The research method should be hypothesis driven and have a significant experimental element that can include quantitative methods. The employee should also teach and examine students on basic and advanced levels and should be able to be a subject representative for the bacterial genetics subject with a focus on natural science and technology. The work tasks concerning the teaching responsibilities can include development of courses related to the subject and responsibility for an education program. The work tasks can also include administrative and organizational tasks within the department and faculty.

For non-Swedish speaking applicants, these are expected to acquire spoken Swedish at an advanced enough level to participate in administrative planning within the faculty.    

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.

Documented experience of modern methods in molecular biology to address research questions in the subject area is a requirement

Assessment criteria and their weight

When selecting applicants for the position, the following weighting of each skill aspect shall apply: Scientific skill 50%, pedagogical skill 30%, administrative skill, and skill to manage and develop activities and personnel at the university, 20%. In addition, the degree to which the applicant can collaborate with the surrounding society and to present information regarding research and development work will be considered.

The assessment criteria for appointment as an 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.

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

In the evaluation of the scientific expertise, special consideration will be placed on research contributions in bacterial genetics with a focus on molecular, cellular, and evolutionary processes in bacterial genetic model systems that address research questions relevant to natural science and technology, as well as the independence, contemporaneity, quality, and originality of the scientific contributions.

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.   

The pedagogical expertise should be related to the subject area of bacterial genetics at basic and advanced levels with special relevance for areas within natural science and technology. Experience in teaching, administration, and leadership at course and program levels, including to develop the quality of the education, relevance of the subject area and student accessibility is a merit. Documented experience of pedagogical competence development is expected.

Further qualifications

The applicant is expected to have a current and active research profile with evidence of recent research funding that together complements the department’s research activities. Applicants with a primary focus in medical and veterinary bacterial infection biology and bacterial mediated infection diseases are given a lower priority since this competence already exists at this department and at other departments. Additionally, applicants with their primary focus in research related to X-ray crystallography or NMR are given a lower priority since the infrastructure for such activities exist at other departments.

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.

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. The following information must be provided in the application template:
   • basic information (contact details, employment and education history)
   • 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 2023-02-27.