Associate professor in Integrative Organism Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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

Duties

Duties relate to research and teaching within the subject of integrative organismal biology. The candidate(s) shall conduct independent research and training at research level that focuses on the cellular mechanisms that generate an organism and/or mechanisms that regulate metabolism or adapt an organism to its environment. The fundamental aspect of the candidate's research is that it involves questions concerning the whole organism. The research approach should primarily be hypothesis-driven and with a significant experimental element, which may 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 integrative organism biology subject. Teaching will take place in both Swedish and English. 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 a non-Swedish-speaking candidate, you are expected to acquire spoken Swedish to a good level within a two-year period to e.g., be able 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

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.

When selecting applicants for the position, the following weighting of each skill aspect shall apply: Scientific skill 70%, pedagogical skill 20%, administrative skill, and skill to manage and develop activities and personnel at the university, 10%. 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.

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

When assessing the scientific skill, special emphasis will be placed on independent research efforts in integrative organismal biology, which focus on the cellular mechanisms that generate an organism and/or mechanisms that regulate metabolism or adapt an organism to its environment. In addition, the timeliness, quality, and originality of the scientific research efforts will be considered.

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.

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 must relate to the subject area of integrative organismal biology at basic and advanced educational level. Experience in teaching, administration and management at the course and program level, including developing educational quality, subject relevance and student accessibility is viewed positively. Documented experience of professional pedagogical competence development is expected.

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 assessment basis is both good cooperation skills, as well as the competence and suitability in general that is needed to perform the tasks well.

Administrative skill shall refer to the ability to develop and lead activities and personnel at the university as well as the ability to create collaboration between research and education at all levels. The applicant should have documented ability to flexibly work, communicate and collaborate within the academy and collaborate with society.

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 2023-03-28.

More information

Further information about the employment is provided by Professor Mattias Alenius mattias.alenius@umu.se, Associate Professor Francesca Aguilo francesca.aguilo@umu.se, and by the head of the Department of Molecular Biology, Professor Matthew Francis 090-785 67 52, matthew.francis@umu.se.