Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics has around 100 employees and is responsible for educational programs in mechanical engineering, energy engineering, construction technology, as well as electronics and computer technology. Our research and postgraduate education are mainly focused on the areas of applied physics, energy technology, and applied electronics. We are now looking for up to two associate professors to strengthen the department in the field of mechanical engineering.

Duties

As successful candidate, you are expected to take responsibility for teaching existing and new courses in the Bachelor of Science program in mechanical engineering, mainly courses related to computer-aided design (CAD), finite element modeling (FEM), prototyping and machine elements. The development of the program, as well as existing and new courses, is seen as a natural part of the work. You are also expected to conduct research related to the subject area and to apply for external research funding. Up to 20% of the time spent for teaching at first cycle and second cycle level can be used for competence development in a way that strengthens the connection between research and education. After three years, you will have the opportunity to apply for up to 75% research time from the faculty in competition with other researchers. A part of the work also involves collaboration with the surrounding society to keep the teaching closely linked to developments in industry. Teaching at advanced level is expected to have a good connection to research.  

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.

To be eligible for this position, you must have documented experience of teaching and research in the field of mechanical engineering as well as a good ability to communicate in English.

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.

In the selection of candidates, for this employment, emphasis will primarily and equally be put on the degree of scientific expertise and pedagogical skills. In addition regard will be given to the degree of administrative skills, management skills and the ability to cooperate with surrounding community and communicate research and development progress. Also other skills relevant to the area of the position and the tasks that will be part of the employment will be taken into account.

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 societyer assessment criteria stated in the profile

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

Particularly meritorious is teaching experience in one or several of the subjects computer-aided design (CAD), finite element modeling (FEM), prototyping or machine elements.

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.

Administrative skills can be demonstrated through experience in staff planning, in planning undergraduate teaching and other administrative tasks, as well as skills in leading and developing others. It is of great importance that the applicant shows good own initiative and exhibits a high degree of independence. 

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 2023-05-31.

More information

Thomas Olofsson, Head of Department, E-mail: Thomas.olofsson@umu.se, tel.: 090-786 67 10

Ronny Östin, Deputy Head of Department, E-mail: ronny.ostin@umu.se, tel.: 090-786 63 37

Type of employment Permanent position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment Snarast
Salary Månadslön
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-457-23
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-7865365
  • SEKO, 090-7865296
  • ST, 090-7865431
Published 22.Mar.2023
Last application date 02.Jun.2023 11:59 PM CEST

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