Professor in Industrial Chemistry

Background

The Industrial/Technical Chemistry research are at the Department of Chemistry is an internationally recognized research environment conducting fundamental and applied research in areas including refinement of biomass, biotechnology, heterogeneous catalysis, sustainable chemical processes, electrochemistry, separation science and material chemistry.

The research environment has easy access to well-equipped laboratories as well as open state-of-the-art infrastructure via the department and via Chemical and Biological Centre which provides its researchers access to cutting-edge analytical platforms. These include: electron microscopy, NMR, surface analysis using XPS, UPS and LEIPS, vibrational spectroscopy, a range of mass spectrometry facilities dedicated to a range of different topics including biopolymer analysis, metabolomics, environmental trace analysis of elements and small organic molecules. 

Computational resources are available at the High-Performance Computing Centre North. For more information on research infrastructures please visit https://www.umu.se/en/research/research-infrastructure/

We are now seeking to fill the position of a Full Professor in Industrial/Technical Chemistry to establish a new direction, and/or strengthen current research and education, as well as introduce new topics/capabilities in Industrial/Technical Chemistry at the department. This is a permanent position with a starting date no later than 31 December 2025, unless otherwise agreed by the employer. A start-up package to help cover laboratory- and staff-related costs will be provided with the position.

Duties

The Professor is expected to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of Industrial/Technical Chemistry. Furthermore, the Professor is expected to attract external and competitive research funding for the proposed research program, as well as for larger interdisciplinary projects. The professor is expected to contribute to teaching at all levels of education, especially in the newly launched engineering program in technical chemistry with its two paths: sustainability and materials chemistry. The professor is also expected to develop research and teaching in line with international advancements in the field and related to societal needs. Other duties include administrative and managerial tasks at the department.

Proficiency in the Swedish language is not a selection criterion, but the selected candidate is expected to learn Swedish within the first three years of employment.

Eligibility requirements

A person who has demonstrated both research and educational expertise shall be qualified for appointment as a Professor. (Chapter 4, Section 3, Higher Education Ordinance). Research expertise refers to independent research work, the ability to plan and lead research activities and the ability to impart information about research to the outside world. Educational expertise refers to documented experience of planning, implementation, examination, and evaluation of teaching and is shown in a reflective approach to student learning and one’s own teaching role.

The applicant should have proven experience in chemical research in one or more of the following (or related) areas: (i) materials chemistry, (ii) surface analysis and analytical chemistry, (iii) sustainability. These areas may for example be covered through research of new materials for energy production, energy storage, catalysis etc.

The applicant should also have a good level of (written and oral) communication skills in English.

Assessment criteria and their weight

The assessment criteria for appointment as a professor 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 research expertise.

The primary basis for assessment in the employment shall be the level of scientific excellence. In the secondary consideration, the level of pedagogical excellence should be taken into account. Additional aspects to consider include, leadership ability, administrative skills, collaboration with the surrounding community, other relevant skills in relation to the subject matter of the position, as well as other employment duties.

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 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 assessment criterion for all teacher categories is both a good ability to cooperate, and the expertise and suitability required to complete the work tasks. 

Administrative experience and skills demonstrating engagement in academia include educational program leadership and development, (departmental, faculty) committee work, scientific evaluation (journal articles, proposals, promotions), and conference and/or conference session organisation.

The following will also be taken into account during the assessment:

• Ability to collaborate and complete tasks.
• Experience in team or project management
• Communication skills in English (written and verbal), with a focus on presenting ideas and using visual support.

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.

The place of employment is Umeå and the person offered the position is expected to move to Umeå.

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 ten 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 and educational activities (pdf)

You apply via the e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 2025-02-28.