Associate senior lecturer position in Environmental Sciences

Job description

The Department of Biology and Environmental Science at Linnaeus University is seeking an Associate Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science. We are looking for a candidate who can complement our existing research and teaching in environmental science and contribute to the long-term strategic development of the department.

Current research in environmental science at the department is primarily conducted within the Linnaeus University Centre for the Environment (CENWIN). Research within CENWIN is strongly connected to geochemical and microbiological research questions, with a focus on the occurrence, transport and transformation of potentially harmful substances in natural systems, including their geochemical behaviour and links to both natural and anthropogenic sources. It also encompasses environmental risk analyses, particularly in relation to contaminated sites. In addition, environmental science research and teaching at the department include broader perspectives such as industrial ecology, climate change, environmental technology, circular economy and environmental behaviour.

The department offers a Bachelor’s programme in Environmental Science, which prepares students for professional roles requiring broad environmental competence grounded in natural sciences, such as environmental inspectors, consultants, coordinators and strategists. The programme includes courses in geology, environmental chemistry, ecology, climate change, ecotoxicology, environmental law, sustainable development and circular economy, environmental management systems, and life cycle assessment. In addition, we offer a one-year Master’s programme in Environmental Risk Assessment with a focus on contaminated sites, as well as a two-year Master’s programme in Environmental Science that is closely integrated with the research profile of CENWIN.

We expect the successful candidate to establish and lead independent research in environmental science, preferably with links to one or more of the areas outlined above, and to actively seek synergies with existing research environments within the department and across the university. At least 50% of the position will be allocated to research activities. The appointment will also include teaching within our environmental science programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, delivered through both campus-based and online formats. Additional responsibilities include the supervision of students, course development, and active participation in the wider activities of the department

Qualifications

Eligibility for appointment as associate senior lecturer requires a doctoral degree and an established research profile in environmental science or in closely related fields considered relevant to the focus of the position (with the exception of geochemistry and microbiology). To be eligible, applicants must have been awarded their doctoral degree no more than seven years prior to the application deadline. Periods of absence due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, or other comparable reasons shall not be included in the calculation of the seven-year period.

Eligibility for this position also requires:

– an active and independent research profile in environmental science;

– a documented ability to receive external funding in competition:

– a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals relevant to the position profile;

– documented pedagogical skills and experience in teaching and supervising students in higher education, preferably across undergraduate, advanced, and doctoral levels;

– demonstrated ability to collaborate within research teams and with external research partners

Assessment criteria

In addition to the formal requirements described above, other assessment criteria include:

– documented ability to develop courses at the university level,

– ability, or willingness to learn, to teach in Swedish,

– documented experience of digital teaching and learning platforms,

In the overall assessment of the applicant’s skills and competences, special emphasis

is placed on the applicant’s potential for a successful career as an academic teacher

and researcher, as well as the ability to create sustainable work relationships and

collaboration. Strong emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

When recruiting new academic staff, the university shall select the applicants who, following an overall qualitative assessment of their qualifications and competence, are deemed to have the best potential to carry out and develop the relevant duties and to contribute to the successful development of the university’s operations.

After four years of employment as an Assistant Professor, the following assessment criteria will be applied when considering promotion to Associate Professor.

In the assessment of research competence, particular emphasis will be placed on the independence, scope, and quality of the candidate’s research. Teaching competence must have been demonstrated through teaching activities and includes the development, planning, delivery, and evaluation of teaching, as well as supervision and examination. Teaching competence should demonstrate a reflective approach to student learning and to the candidate’s own role as a teacher.

The overall assessment criterion is that the candidate demonstrates strong development during the period of employment as an Assistant Professor, both in their ability to conduct independent research and in their teaching competence. The assessment of this development will be based, among other factors, on the description of the planned research activities and research ambitions submitted by the candidate upon appointment.

In addition, the assessment will be based on:

– Demonstrated ability to independently plan and conduct research projects, secure research funding, and publish scientific research.

– Formal pedagogical qualifications, including training in higher education teaching and doctoral supervision.

– Teaching qualifications demonstrated through teaching experience, course development, pedagogical development at undergraduate and graduate levels, and responsibility for courses or substantial components of courses.

– Ability to collaborate with other researchers and/or experts in related disciplines to advance the field of knowledge.

Contact

Head of department: Anna Augustsson (anna.augustsson@lnu.se), +46-(0) 480-446220

HR-partner: Marianne Palmér (marianne.palmer@lnu.se), +46 (0) 480-447303

Would you like to know more about the faculty of Health and Life science?  Learn more at: https://lnu.se/mot-linneuniversitetet/Organisation/fakulteten-for-halso–och-

livsvetenskap/

Welcome with your application no later than August 9th, 2026.