Assistant Professor in Geology (f/m/d)

Assistant Professor in Geology

The University of Gothenburg offers a research environment where internationally recognised excellence meets an open and collaborative culture. Early-career researchers are given the conditions to grow, build networks, and contribute to research with global relevance. This position is part of the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment initiative Gothenburg Global Scholars.

The Department of Earth Sciences has approximately 75 employees working across the fields of Geology, Physical Geography and Ecosystem Sciences. The three priority research themes are "The Geosphere", "Earth Surface Processes" and "Climate and Climate Change". Within Geology, belonging to “The Geosphere” research theme, there are established strengths in hydrogeology, geochemistry, geophysics and structural geology. Cooperation with strong specializations in other fields, such as climatology, alpine and polar ecology as well as GIS and remote sensing, is encouraged. The mission is to develop and deliver research, education, and services to society that enhance the understanding of the Earth System processes and the impacts of human activity. The University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and a family-friendly environment.

Geology at the Department of Earth Sciences encompasses studies on understanding today’s geodynamic processes of the solid Earth, as well as the evolution of Earth and other terrestrial planets over the entire history of the solar system. Research is rooted in advancing basic science while meeting societal needs. The diverse geology of Western Sweden serves as a natural laboratory for studies, complemented by a global network of field studies. The Department is a significant collaborator for geotechnical companies in the wider Gothenburg area due to expanding activities in tunnel and building construction, increasing need for water and energy resources.

The geology group offers excellent research infrastructure including state-of-the-art analytical facilities, such as:

• A micro-geochemistry laboratory
• A stable isotope laboratory
• Water analysis facilities
• A micro-Raman laboratory
• An ice- and microplastic laboratory

These are complemented by advanced remote sensing and visualization facilities. Current research activities include:

• Mineral resources for a green economy
• Ice dynamics
• Development of new geochemical and petrophysical tools
• Groundwater resources
• Soil and groundwater contamination
• Subduction zone processes and links to natural hazards
• Climate change in the geologic past
• Geothermal energy

Duties

The tenure-track Assistant Professor position is primarily research-focused, with research comprising up to 80% of the workload. The position includes a fully funded PhD position attached to it, financed by the department.

The appointee is expected to:

• Establish and lead an independent research programme within their chosen field in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Gothenburg and with national and international partners
• Pursue research at the highest international level guided by scientific expertise and priorities
• Build a competitive research group supported by external funding
• Publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals
• Actively secure external research funding

Teaching will comprise up to 20% of the workload. The Assistant Professor will:

• Contribute to the development of new curricula
• Teach classroom-based and field-based courses in the subject area of geology within the Earth Science program
• Supervise students at all academic levels, including Bachelor’s and Master’s student projects
• Supervise doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers

The position also includes:

• Participation in administrative duties at the Department and Faculty levels
• Shared collegial responsibility for relevant analytical infrastructure

Eligibility

Eligibility for appointment as Assistant Professor is governed by the Higher Education Ordinance and the Appointments Procedure for Teachers at the University of Gothenburg.

Qualification requirements for employment as an Assistant Professor are fulfilled by someone who:

• Has been awarded a doctorate in Geology or a closely related field, or has the corresponding research competence
• Primary consideration is given to someone who has been awarded a doctorate or achieved the equivalent competence within seven years of the deadline for application. However, someone who has been awarded a doctorate or achieved the equivalent expertise at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds (sick leave, parental leave or other similar circumstances)

The ability to teach in English is a requirement.

Assessment criteria

The assessment criteria for appointment as Assistant Professor are governed by the Higher Education Ordinance and the Appointments Procedure for Teachers at the University of Gothenburg. Assessment will be based primarily on research expertise, secondly on teaching expertise, and thirdly on collaborative and administrative competence.

Research expertise

• Demonstrated through internationally recognized research, primarily evidenced by a strong record of peer-reviewed publications
• The ability to obtain external research funding constitutes an integral part of the assessment
• The applicant must have a research profile within the field of geology
• Particular emphasis will be placed on demonstrated connections to one or more of the Department’s core research areas:
  • Micro geochemistry (with a focus on critical raw materials)
  • Hydrogeology (including contaminant behaviour in soils and groundwater)
  • Structural geology (with a focus on rock and ice microstructures)

Teaching expertise

• Documented pedagogical qualifications are considered meritorious
• Relevant qualifications include teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate level within the subject area of geology, the ability to develop pedagogical activities, and experience of supervision

Collaboration with the community at large and Administrative Competence

• Experience in outreach and engagement with society beyond academia is considered meritorious, demonstrated through:
  • Dissemination of information
  • Community outreach
  • Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Leadership and administrative experience are considered advantageous, including:
  • Experience in academic leadership or management at unit, department, faculty or university level
  • Participation in boards, committees or other roles relevant to the functioning of the University
  • Experience of leadership in relevant networks/associations/organizations

The assessment of general suitability includes an evaluation of whether the applicant has the personal qualities required to fulfil the duties of an Assistant Professor, to interact with other staff, and to contribute to the development of the Department’s activities.

Employment

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment for five years Extent: Full-time (100%) Location: Department of Earth Sciences, Gothenburg Starting date: By agreement

An appointment as Assistant Professor is a fixed-term career-development position aimed at providing the opportunity to develop independence as a researcher and to strengthen scientific and pedagogical qualifications to meet the requirements for eligibility for appointment as Senior Lecturer. The appointment may be extended, but for no more than a total of two years, if additional time is required due to sick leave, parental leave, or other special circumstances.

Promotion to Senior Lecturer

An Assistant Professor is entitled to be considered for promotion to a permanent position as Senior Lecturer in the same subject area as the Assistant Professorship, provided that the individual is qualified for such an appointment and is deemed suitable following an assessment based on the established criteria for promotion to Senior Lecturer.

Other information

The position of Assistant Professor is a career-development appointment and constitutes a step in an academic career path designed to enable researchers to develop their independence and establish their own research profile, with the right to be assessed for promotion to a permanent position as Senior Lecturer. At the University of Gothenburg, Senior Lecturers are also eligible to be assessed for promotion to a permanent position as Full Professor.

To support a healthy work–life balance, the University offers academic freedom, flexible working arrangements, and generous annual leave. Employees are also entitled to a range of benefits, including a wellness allowance, supplementary parental benefits, and an occupational pension scheme.

If the applicant does not have formal training in academic teaching, they will be given the opportunity to undertake such training as part of their employment. Participation in these courses is mandatory.

If the applicant does not have proficiency in Swedish at a minimum of level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), they will be offered language courses as part of their employment. Participation in these courses is mandatory.

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