Associate professor in Computing Science with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Computing Science (http://www.cs.umu.se) is hiring an associate professor in human-computer interaction. Application deadline is 2024-03-18.

The Department of Computing Science is a rapidly expanding department with more than 180 employees from around 20 different countries. We conduct research on a broad range of topics in the area of Computing Science. We also offer a broad selection of courses and study programs at bachelor, master, and doctoral level. Each year, over 1500 students take at least one course at our department. We now seek to employ an associate professor who will take responsibility for the area of human-computer interaction in research and teaching.

Duties

Your duties include research and teaching, particularly on the basic level, in the area of human-computer interaction. You are expected to take responsibility for the area of human-computer interaction and to develop it further, in particular also in our course offerings. Beyond computing science, you will be responsible for course offerings in the cognitive science program and the master’s program in technical computer science and interaction design. Teaching on advanced level, supervision of theses, and teaching outside the area of human-computer interaction may also occur.

In addition, your duties include research in computer science, especially in the area of human-computer interaction. Planning and management of research projects (including applications for research funding) are included where appropriate. Assignments of an administrative nature and management assignments within Umeå University are expected to occur, as well as research dissemination.

The nature of the tasks, as well as the distribution between research and teaching, may change over time depending on needs and available resources.

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.

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.

The primary evaluation criteria will be pedagogical and scientific expertise, with equal weight between the two. Additionally, the degree of expertise in developing and leading activities and personnel at the university, as well as the degree of administrative and other relevant skills related to the subject matter and the tasks included in the position, shall 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

Research needs to be in the area of human-computer interaction (HCI), with a link to computer science.

Of particular interest is research in one or several of these areas:

• cognitive aspects of human-computer interaction;
• human-robot interaction (HRI);
• design of interaction that supports humans in developing their cognitive abilities and skills;
• design and evaluation of interaction with intelligent autonomous systems or smart environments, including users’ understanding and experience of such systems and the effects of their use on individuals and society.

Experience in applying both quantitative and qualitative methods is a merit.

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

Experience in teaching in interdisciplinary settings or to non-computer science students is a merit

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.

Proven leadership experience is a merit. Experience of working in an interdisciplinary setting is a merit.

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 2024-03-18.