Assistant Professor in Biodiversity Studies Using eDNA

We are now opening an Assistant Professor position in Biodiversity studies at the Department of Plant Physiology. We are looking for someone who works with plants or forest trees and the biodiversity they host and can link biodiversity data to plant physiological processes. We are looking for someone who uses approaches including eDNA, amplicon sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, or metatranscriptomics. A person who can use our genomics/bioinformatics and molecular resources to help explain e.g. climate change impacts on forest ecosystems at a molecular level.

The position presents a unique opportunity to conduct independent research. Join our supportive environment and work at the forefront of multidisciplinary plant science.

Background

The Position is funded by an external grant from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation https://www.slu.se/en/wiforce/ and is fully funded for 6 years. The successful applicant will enter the tenure track of the department. The grant also funds a generous starting package.

Duties

The position is time-limited to six years, with the possibility to apply for promotion to associate professorship after the six-year period. The working time consist 75 % dedicated to research and  a maximum of  25 % to teaching, primarily for pedagogic development.

Your duties will primarily be to lead a research group in Biodiversity studies using environmental genomics. This includes all aspects of scientific leadership, including applying for funds, supervising PhD students and postdocs, and communicating the findings. You are expected to establish an independent line of research within the field and to generate synergies with other research groups at Umeå Plant Science Centre.

The position is time-limited to six years, with 75 % of the working time dedicated to research and  a maximum of  25 % to teaching, primarily for pedagogic development.

Eligibility requirements

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or has achieved equivalent research expertise is qualified for appointment as assistant professor. Priority should be given to candidates who have been awarded their doctorate or have achieved equivalent research expertise no more than five years before the deadline for the application for appointment as assistant professor. 

However, a person who has been awarded a doctorate or has achieved equivalent competence earlier can also be considered if special reasons exist. Special reasons refer to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave or other similar circumstances (Chapter 4, Section 4a of the Higher Education Ordinance).

The applicant is expected to conduct independent biodiversity research using EDNA (environmental DNA) or similar techniques.

Assessment criteria

The assessment criteria for appointment as an Assistant professor shall be the degree of such expertise required as a qualification for employment.

Thereafter the degree of pedagogical expertise as well as administrative and other experience of significance with regard to the employment’s research field and the employment tasks that may be included in the position. 

Scientific expertise

Scientific expertise shall be demonstrated through independent scientific productivity. The criteria for assessment are:

• Breadth and depth of research – quality and extent
• Originality in research
• Productivity
• Contributions to the international research community
• Commissions of trust within the research community
• Ability to competitively obtain research funding
• Collaboration with the surrounding community

Pedagogical expertise

The criteria for evaluation of pedagogical expertise are:

• ability to plan, implement and evaluate teaching and an ability to supervise and examine students at every level of education
• ability to vary teaching methods and examination forms 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.

Other assessment criteria

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.

The criteria for evaluation of administrative expertise are:

• Participation in working groups or committees (department, faculty or university level)
• Experiences of collaboration outside the academy
• Experience of organizing research and educational activities
• Experience in collaboration with industry is a merit.    

Assessment criteria and their weight

In the selection of candidates, the degree of research expertise shall be decisive. In addition, the degree of educational expertise as well as administrative and other competences of importance shall be taken into account with regard to the subject content of the employment and the duties to be included in the employment. 

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:

1. CV/Umu Application form
   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 form:
   • 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 form).

Instructions and descriptions of assessment criteria

Applications should be made via e-recruitment system Varbi and be received no later than 2025-02-18.

Applying for promotion to Associate professor

As assistant professor, upon request, can be promoted to Associate professor if he or she meets the requirements for employment as an Associate professor and upon review is determined to meet the qualifications for such employment according to the evaluation criteria that shall be applied for promotion to Associate professor. This promotion entails a permanent position as Associate professor.

The application for promotion shall be submitted six months before the fixed-term appointment ends. If an Assistant professor after evaluation is not promoted, the fixed-term appointment ends.

Established criteria for promotion can be found in the employment profile decided by the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology on October 29, 2024.