Senior lecturer in zoophysiology, PAR 2023/13

Ref PAR 2023/13

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv), we have teaching and research activities that stretch from the alpine ecosystem, through forests, cultivated land and streams, all the way into the marine environment. In these environments we study different levels of biological organisation from genes, individuals and populations, to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics, conservation and combinations of these fields to understand past and present ongoing evolutionary processes and the impact of anthropogenic changes on the environment. The strategy of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences is to foster strong internationally networked research and to promote excellence in teaching. More information is available on the website.

The department is placed at three different localities: in Gothenburg Botanical garden, at Medicinareberget in Gothenburg and Kristineberg Marine Research Station. The current position is placed at Medicinareberget. In August, the department moves to a new building, Natrium, located on Medicinareberget.

Subject area 

Zoophysiology

Subject area description 

Zoophysiology is a branch of zoology that describes the life functions of animals and how these are regulated by hormonal and neuronal signals among others, and how they are affected by and acclimate to external factors such as climate change and nutrition. The research at the department has a strong focus on ectotherm vertebrates, primarily fish, and spans from basic research to more applied projects concerning among other things aquaculture and animal welfare. The department is responsible for education related to zoological and human physiology including cell biology at both first and second cycles.

Duties 

The employment is as a senior lecturer in zoophysiology, and we are looking for a person with broad general physiological competence including zoological cell biology. The job assignment includes teaching and research.

Teaching is at both the first- and second cycles, primarily within the biology and pharmacy programs. You are expected to teach basic physiological principles regarding all organ systems, from the cellular level to integrative aspects, from both a general physiological and comparative perspective (including different animal species and environments). You are also expected to teach within more specialized courses in physiology that the department offers. In addition, you are expected to participate in teaching within among other things scientific communication. Teaching is in both Swedish and English.

In addition to lectures and exercises, course planning is also included in the job assignment. Additional tasks include supervision of thesis projects at first-and second cycle in biology and environmental science. As a part of a larger team of teachers you are expected to take an active part in the development and renewal of the teaching methods and the curriculum of courses.

You are expected to run and develop independent research in zoophysiology with a specialization in cell biology. You are expected to apply for external research funding, to build and lead a research group, and to supervise PhD students.

Furthermore, you are expected to contribute to the department by performing administrative assignments. You are expected to cooperate with societal actors and participate in outreach activities. You are expected to contribute to a stimulating and cooperative teaching- and research environment.

If you do not have previous education in higher education didactics, you are required attend mandatory classes within two years of the start of the employment. The university offers courses on teaching in higher education.

You are required to teach in Swedish within two years of the employment. The university offers Swedish courses.

Eligibility 

The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg. 

To be eligible for appointment as a senior lecturer, other than within disciplines in the fine, applied or performing arts, the applicant is required to have demonstrated teaching expertise and been awarded a PhD or has the corresponding research competence or some other professional expertise that is of value in view of the subject matter of the post and the duties that it will involve. 

Ability to teach in English and Swedish (the latter within two years of appointment) is a requirement.

Assessment criteria 

The assessment of applicants will primarily be based on scientific and didactic proficiency, which are equally weighed.

Scientific proficiency should be documented in the form of scientific publishing, participation in scientific conferences, ability to obtain external grants and experience in scientific mentoring. A Swedish docent degree or equivalent merits in zoophysiology is desirable. Research experience in comparative and integrative zoophysiology that includes cell physiological methods and research questions is particularly meritorious.

Teaching proficiency should be documented through experience in academic teaching and supervision in zoophysiology at both first- and second cycle. A special emphasis will be placed on the documented ability to plan, execute and lead teaching as well as development of teaching modules. A well developed teaching philosophy and documented ability to supervise students is meritorious as well as the ability to teach and supervise in Swedish.

The applicants’ personal ability to cooperate internally and externally is considered in the assessment. In addition, proficiency in cooperating with society and outreach to national and international public is important.

In conclusion, in the academic appointment, the applicant that shows, after assessment of proficiency and developmental potential, the best prerequisites to carry out the tasks included in the position, cooperate with other staff and contribute to a positive development of the department is to be chosen.

Employment 

Type of employment: Permanent position. A probationary period may be applied. At the University of Gothenburg, individual salary setting is applied. 

Extent: 100 %

Location: Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Gothenburg

First day of employment: As soon as possible or as agreed

Selection process 

The selection process will include evaluation by external experts, interviews and guest lectures. The assessment of qualifications and experience will take into account documented parental leave, sick leave or other similar circumstances affecting research output and academic seniority. The reasons and extent of absence should be specified in the application.

Contact information 

For further information regarding the position

Åsa Arrhenius, prefekt
Tel: +46 31 786 2625
Mail: asa.arrhenius@bioenv.gu.se

Catharina Olsson, Senior lecturer
Tel: +46 31-786 3677
Mail: catharina.olsson@bioenv.gu.se

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande 

Application 

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. Together with your application the following should be attached:

• Cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and a description of your intentions for research and other activities relevant to the position (maximum 4 pages)
• CV, including a complete list of publications, and record of received research grants (with amounts).
• Description of scientific achievements and a motivation for the selection of (a maximum of ten) scientific publications used in the applications. Describe you own role and input to each selected publication.
• A research plan with a description of current and planned research as well as other planned activities relevant to this position (maximum three pages).
• Description of pedagogical expertise, including information about the extent and level of teaching experience and evaluations of its quality. The description should also include pedagogical reflection and teaching philosophy. (Maximum three pages)
• Description of experiences of leadership, administration and cooperation with the local community.
• Copies of the most relevant publications in full format (maximum ten publications).
• Certificates and other documents to be considered.

The application should be written in English as it will be reviewed by international experts with English as a working language. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. Any documents that are not available in electronic format should be mailed in two copies to:

Faculty Office for Science
Attn: Linda Forsberg
University of Gothenburg
Box 460
S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden

Applications must be received by: March 15th, 2023

Information for International Applicants 

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: 

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services 
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ 

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.