Professor in Environmental Chemistry

Wifo; Umeå kommun; On-site; SEK 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Wifo in Umeå, Sweden is seeking a Professor in Environmental Chemistry to enhance research capabilities and methodologies. This permanent position offers the opportunity to conduct innovative research and secure external funding, while contributing to educational levels.

The ideal applicant will have a PhD in a relevant field, demonstrating both research and teaching expertise. A supportive environment is provided to raise the candidate's academic profile rapidly.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated research and educational expertise.
• Experience of planning, implementation, examination, and evaluation of teaching.
• Ability to supervise and examine students at every level.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in Environmental Chemistry.
• Attract external research funding for ongoing projects.
• Contribute to teaching across all education levels.

Skills

Research expertise

Teaching expertise

English communication skills

Ability to attract research funding

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

To strengthen and diversify our research environment, the Department of Chemistry now seeks a Professor in Environmental Chemistry to introduce new expertise, methodologies, and perspectives, and to complement and extend existing strengths. This is a permanent position with a starting date no later than June 2027 (or as otherwise agreed). A generous start‑up package to support the establishment of the research program will be provided.

Background

Environmental Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry is an internationally recognized research environment conducting both fundamental and applied research. Themes include anthropogenic organic and organometallic contaminants, sustainable chemicals, and mitigation technologies. The department hosts excellent research infrastructure, including state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and dedicated mass spectrometry facilities for environmental trace analysis (link). Researchers also have access to advanced analytical platforms at the Chemical and Biological Centre (link), as well as field and mesocosm resources at Umeå Marine Sciences Centre, the Krycklan Catchment Study, and the Climate Impacts Research Centre (link). Computational resources are provided through the High Performance Computing Center North (link). National infrastructures such as MAX IV, NMR for Life, NAISS, and SITES are readily accessible.

Duties

The Professor is expected to conduct cutting‑edge research in the field of Environmental 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. 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.

Research and teaching can readily be conducted in English. 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. A university‑sponsored course is provided.

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.

• characterization of pollutant sources
• transport, fate and effects of anthropogenic contaminants
• environmental analytical chemistry
• exposome science including metabolomics
• mitigation technologies

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 criteria 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 and 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

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:

• CV/Umu Application form
  Fill in the required application template. 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
• Copies of relevant university degrees and diplomas
• Copies of ten research publications relevant to the position, numbered according to the publication list
• Attachments to a pedagogical portfolio (see p. 3.5 in Umu Application template)

You apply via the e‑recruitment system Varbi no later than 24 August 2026.

Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment. We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.