Assistant Professor position in Molecular and translational medicine

Subject area

Molecular and translational medicine

Subject area description

Molecular and Translational Medicine is a subject that encompasses basic and applied research aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset, progression and treatment of diseases. Combining experimental biomedicine with clinical research, the field is a key component in the development of precision therapies and personalised medicine.
Advanced methods in molecular biology, genetics, cell and tissue biology, and omics-based technologies (e.g. genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) are integrated with clinical observations and patient-oriented data within the subject. This translational focus means that laboratory research findings are applied to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of complex diseases, such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular conditions, inflammatory conditions and processes, and osteoporosis.

The subject also involves developing new experimental models, biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies, and investigating how molecular networks influence health and disease at a systems level. Research is often conducted through interdisciplinary collaborations, bringing together clinicians, biologists, bioinformaticians, and pharmaceutical scientists to enable the faster transfer of research findings into clinical benefits.

The Department of Medicine conducts strong research in areas such as metabolism, gut microbiota, osteoporosis, inflammatory conditions and processes, pulmonary medicine, endocrinology and cardiovascular medicine. While it would be advantageous for the successful candidate to have experience in one or more of these areas, this is not a requirement. The primary criterion for the position is scientific excellence, and researchers with outstanding documented scientific merit across the entire field of molecular and translational medicine are encouraged to apply.

Duties

The position as an Associate Senior Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Molecular and Translational Medicine mainly involves conducting excellent research in the subject area. The research should have a clear molecular and translational focus with the potential to contribute to a better understanding of the origin, progression and treatment of diseases, as well as to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The research is expected to be conducted independently and in collaboration with other researchers within the department, faculty and the university’s clinical environments, particularly Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

The position mainly involves research, but also teaching and supervision at undergraduate, advanced and postgraduate levels in related subjects. Teaching may include lectures, seminars and supervision of degree projects and doctoral students. Employees who lacks higher education pedagogical training is expected to complete such training within one year of starting the position.

The position provides opportunities for pedagogical development and advancement, with the goal that the employee will meet the requirements for promotion to senior lecturer during the period of employment.

The employee is expected to actively seek external research funding, contribute to a strong scientific environment, participate in the department’s seminars and develop national and international collaborations.

For promotion, the applicant is required to have acquired proficiency in Swedish, both written and spoken, at a minimum of level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), no later than six months before the expiry of the employment as Associate Senior Lecturer (Assistant Professor). The University of Gothenburg will provide Swedish language courses, which are mandatory as part of the employment.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for employing an Associate Senior Lecturer are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.

A person qualified for appointment as an Associate Senior Lecturer (Assistant Professor) is a person who has been awarded a PhD or has the corresponding research expertise. Primary consideration should be given to a person who has been awarded a PhD or achieved the equivalent expertise within seven years of the deadline for application for employment as an Associate Senior Lecturer (Assistant Professor). However, a person who has been awarded a PhD or achieved the equivalent expertise at an earlier date may also be considered if there are exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances are sick leave, parental leave or other similar circumstances. The reasons for the absence, its dates, and its extent must be clearly specified in the application and supported by appropriate documentation.

The ability to teach in English is a requirement.

Assessment criteria

The assessment criteria for employing an Associate Senior Lecturer are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.

In the assessment, scientific proficiency will be given the greatest weight. Teaching proficiency will be given the second greatest weight, and administrative proficiency and the ability to collaborate and cooperate will be given the third greatest weight.

Particular importance will be attached to the ability to conduct and develop research of the highest scientific quality in the field of molecular and translational medicine. In addition, particular importance will be attached to publication in peer-reviewed national and/or international journals, where scientific quality is prioritised over quantity of output.

The ability to obtain external research grants, nationally or internationally, in a competitive environment is meritorious. It is also meritorious if the applicant, in addition to a doctoral degree (PhD), has a medical degree (MD), as this is considered particularly valuable in strengthening the translational research profile.

Significant international experience is highly meritorious and is normally expected for this position. Such experience is usually obtained through postdoctoral stays at foreign universities (or an international PhD degree and postdoc in Sweden), but may also be based on longer research exchanges.

When assessing pedagogical skills, particular emphasis will be placed on documented experience of teaching at undergraduate, advanced and/or research level within the subject area, as well as documented ability to supervise students and/or doctoral students.

Administrative skills refer to experience of academic leadership, such as coordination of research or educational activities, and contributions to the development of the department or faculty.

Great importance will be attached to the ability to collaborate, and to the ability to initiate and develop collaboration with external actors such as healthcare, industry and society.

Employment

Fixed-term employment for 6 years, full-time (100 %). Placement at the Institute of Medicine. Starting date as agreed.

The position as an Associate Senior Lecturer (Assistant Professor) is a fixed-term employment and is defined as a qualifying (career-development) position at the University of Gothenburg. The purpose of the appointment is to provide the appointee with the opportunity to develop independence as a researcher and to build qualifications in both research and teaching in order to meet the eligibility requirements for appointment as a Senior Lecturer. The appointment may be renewed, for a maximum total period of two years, if additional time is required to achieve the purpose of the appointment due to sick leave, parental leave, or other similar circumstances. The requirements for promotion to a Senior Lecturer are set out in the assessment criteria adopted by the Faculty Board of the Sahlgrenska Academy.

Other Information

If the applicant does not have formal university pedagogical training at the University of Gothenburg, the applicant is expected to have completed university pedagogical training or acquired equivalent knowledge within one year of the employment date. The assessment of such university pedagogical merits shall be conducted in a special order in accordance with the decision of the Vice-Chancellor.

Internationally recruited staff are offered a procured relocation package as well as a procured tax consultation / Global Mobility service.

Contact information

Jan Borén, Head of the Institute of Medicine, jan.boren@wlab.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. Applications must follow the layout of the recommendations for the Guidelines for application to teaching position (applications).pdf

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. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application. Please note in particular that the following documents (in swedish or english) must accompany the application:

• Doctoral degree
• A maximum of 10 selected scientific publications that the applicant want to refer to (in full text)
• Research plan/Research programme
• Other certificates /proof /rating proving applicant’s qualifications

Any documents that are not available in electronic format should be sent to:

University of Gothenburg
The Sahlgrenska Academy
Box 400
405 30 Göteborg
SWEDEN

The reference number of the application, PAR 2026/110, should be clearly stated when mailing complementary documents.

The application is to be written in English.

Applications must be received by: 2026-03-16