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

At the Department of Chemistry at Umeå University, more than 200 people are active in research and undergraduate education (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-chemistry/). Organic Chemistry has long been a cornerstone among the research areas of the department and mainly includes research in medicinal chemistry, method development in synthetic organic chemistry, computational chemistry and chemical biology. We are now looking for an associate professor in Organic Chemistry. Last application date is 30 September 2023.

Duties

The employment primarily involves research and teaching. The holder of this position is expected to independently conduct research in organic chemistry. Teaching is conducted at both undergraduate, advanced, and doctoral levels. Teaching in other areas of the field of chemistry may also occur. Responsibilities in teaching also include course development, supervision, examination, as well as administrative tasks such as being responsible for courses. In addition, supervision at the doctoral and postdoctoral levels may be included. Furthermore, administrative tasks and assignments within the department and the Faculty of Science and Engineering are part of the position. Personnel and operational management are included as the lecturer is expected to lead their own research group.

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.

We are looking for someone with a doctoral degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or equivalent scientific competence. Strong experiences in independent research within one or more of the following areas are required: synthetic organic chemistry, physical organic chemistry, or medicinal chemistry with a focus on synthesis.

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 an overall assessment, scientific and pedagogical proficiency together should constitute the primary assessment criteria. When weighing these two criteria, they should be given equal importance. Additionally, administrative skills, the ability to develop and lead operations and personnel, and the capacity to collaborate with the surrounding community, such as informing about research and development work, should be taken into consideration.

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

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.   

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 refer to the ability to develop and lead operations and personnel. Documented ability to work independently and in teams, as well as documented ability to collaborate with the surrounding community, are advantageous qualifications.

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 30 September 2023.