Associate professor in subject matter education with a focus on Physics

Duties

The position is a full-time, permanent employment. During the first three years, it includes both teaching and at least 50% research. In addition to this, time is allocated for professional development in accordance with local agreements, departmental duties by agreement, and other tasks commonly associated with the role of senior lecturer, such as various assignments, supervision of doctoral students, or development work.

Teaching primarily takes place at the first and second cycle levels within the education of teachers, focusing on subject didactics education in physics. Teaching may also include subject didactics education in technology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, or core education subjects. Teaching is carried out together with other teaching staff at the department.

The research is in the field of subject didactics within physics and is conducted both independently and in collaboration with other researchers at the department. The research work includes both participation in specific research projects and working with funding applications. The funding scheme for the research work conducted during the first three years is planned in agreement between the department and the employee.  

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.

Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required.

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, the degrees of scientific and pedagogical expertise shall be taken into account primarily and equally. Secondly, the level of administrative expertise, expertise in leading staff and operations, the ability to collaborate with the surrounding society, and the ability to communicate research and development work shall be taken into account. Other relevant skills shall also be taken into account, depending on the subject content of the position and the duties to be included in the appointment.

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

Scientific expertise shall be demonstrated in subject matter education with a focus on physics.

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 must be attained in subject matter education with a focus on physics. Other qualifications that are considered meritorious are documented ability to teach and assess learning in Swedish, strong collaborative skills in teaching at both first and second cyclelevels, as well as a teaching certificate and/or practical experience from working in Swedish schools.

Pedagogical expertise may be obtained through education in university pedagogy, other education of relevance for teaching at university level, and/or documented, proven experience in 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. The criteria for the evaluation of administrative expertise are:

• Experience as a program or course coordinator
• Demonstrated ability to create collaborations between research and education at all levels
• Participation in working groups or committees (at department, faculty, or university level)
• Experience in organizing and leading research and educational activities
• Proficiency in Swedish, Norwegian, and/or Danish, both spoken and written, is highly meritorious. If the applicant does not have sufficient proficiency in Swedish at the time of employment, they are expected to learn it and be able to teach in Swedish within three years.

Further details

As an employee at Umeå University, you are 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 15 August 2025.