Associate Senior Lecturer in molecular neurobiology
University of Gothenburg
The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 53 500 students and 6 500 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.
In the current announcement, we are searching for scientifically qualified candidates with expertise in molecular neurobiology of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans and command of modern biochemical and molecular biology methods, for a tenure track position as Associate Senior Lecturer. The successful candidate will be given the opportunity to develop their full potential as a leading independent scientist in a flourishing academic environment.
The position is located at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology (CMB; https://www.gu.se/en/chemistry-molecular-biology) at the Faculty of Science. CMB conducts research and education of highest quality in three main fields: biomolecular sciences, environmental sciences, and fundamental chemical sciences. Research at the department is strongly focused on basic science and covers a wide scientific spectrum from the atomic and molecular level, through cells and onto intact organisms. Much of the phenomena studied illustrate the chemical and biological interplay between molecules in our natural environment and in living systems. The department comprises approximately 40 academic staff and 85 postgraduate/PhD students. CMB is responsible for the undergraduate programs in molecular biology, genomics and systems biology, chemistry, organic- and medicinal chemistry, and the bachelor program for pharmacy assistant.
The position as assistant professor in molecular neurobiology will contribute to the long-term strengthening of the existing activities within the Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology (https://www.gu.se/en/chemistry-molecular-biology/our-research/biochemistry-and-structural-biology) and the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology (https://www.gu.se/en/chemistry-molecular-biology/our-research/molecular-and-cellular-biology). These divisions study proteins and other molecules within the cell with the goal of understanding the complex interplay between biomolecular structure and function in living organisms. Many ongoing research activities at CMB place strong emphasis on studying model organisms including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. Our research groups have many fruitful interdisciplinary interactions with chemists, bioinformaticians and biomedical companies, and form an internationally recognized life science environment at the University of Gothenburg.
The University of Gothenburg is mobilizing in the area of life sciences; specifically, a modern building for research and education will completed during 2023. This building is placed on the Medical Hill and will bring together several departments at the Faculty of Science and will be located in close proximity to the medical faculty (Sahlgrenska Academy and the Sahlgrenska University Hospital. The same site hosts Core facilities (https://www.gu.se/en/core-facilities) which gather important life-science research infrastructure, and the Swedish NMR center (https://www.gu.se/en/nmr). CMB has extensive collaborations with AstraZencea R&D in Mölndal.
Like most Scandinavian countries, Sweden provides a high quality of life with generous vacation leave and national health care. Like all employers in Sweden, we offer 480 days of parental leave, free to take by the mother and/or the father anytime until the child is 12 years old. Families in Sweden are guaranteed day care positions within 4 months of registering and education is free. The university is located within Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city, with an outstanding public transportation system, lively international culture and close connection to the sea and nature.
Subject area
Molecular Neurobiology
Subject area description
The research and teaching within the framework of the employment shall complement and strengthen existing activities at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology. The research in molecular neurobiology must have an experimental focus on the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans and exploit modern biochemical, biophysical and molecular biology methods. The model organism C. elegans has the best characterized neural network of any organism. This network consists of 302 neurons containing approximately 5000 chemical synapses. It is the only organism for which both the connectome (map of all neuronal connections) and single-cell transcriptome (cell-by-cell map of mRNA expression profiles) have been mapped out. C. elegans is therefore a heavily-studied model organism which has yielded deep understanding of how molecular-level events within neural circuits transform sensory inputs into behavioural outcomes. The position thus aims to establish a unique research profile in Sweden that is both complementary to and strengthens existing research activities at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology. We also welcome applicants with a cross-disciplinary profile that combines molecular neurobiology and computational network modelling techniques.
Job assignments
The successful candidate is expected to initiate a competitive research program and develop an independent research group within molecular neurobiology focused on basic neuroscience of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, that utilizes modern methods in biochemistry, biophysical and molecular biology. The successful candidate is expected to apply for external funding from national and international funding sources.
The job assignments include planning and performing teaching within neurobiology, molecular biology and pharmaceutical sciences in postgraduate, graduate and undergraduate programs. This teaching includes lectures, exercises and examinations as well as the supervision of doctoral and undergraduate students.
Management assignments and administrative duties, both within and outside the department, may also be part of the assignments. Outreach to the surrounding community is also included in the job assignments. Candidates without university-level pedagogic training should participate in pedagogy courses for higher education within two years of hiring.
The successful candidate is expected to be able to teach in Swedish within two years of starting the position. The university offers courses to learn Swedish as a second language.
Eligibility
The general qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and the Appointments Procedure for Teachers at the University of Gothenburg. A PhD degree or equivalent foreign degree in a subject area relevant to the position is a requirement. Ability to teach in Swedish or English is also a requirement. For a position as Assistant Professor with Tenure Track, applications must be received at the University of Gothenburg within five years of the applicant completing their PhD degree. Allowance is made for time commitments due to parental leave, sick leave, compulsory military service, or other similar circumstances.
Assessment
Assessment of the applications will be based primarily on scientific merits and secondarily on pedagogical and administrative merits and skills. All aspects will be carefully assessed.
When assessing scientific proficiency, a track record of innovative neuroscience publications that utilize the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans is essential. Moreover, a track record of research publications which demonstrate a command of modern methods in biochemistry and molecular biology is also required. Through the attached publications and the attached description of current and planned research, the successful applicant must demonstrate the potential to create a far-sighted and independent basic neuroscience research profile that utilizes the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans.
The scientific assessment will be based on publications in leading international journals, where quality and impact are given more weight than total production. Favourable consideration will be given to candidates with demonstrated success in attracting external funding in national or international competition, and who are actively engaged in seeking funds with which to develop an independent research group. Scientific proficiency is also assessed through the scientific quality of the submitted research program, which should demonstrate the potential of the applicant to develop and lead research activities with relevance to the present employment. The assessment will also consider how the applicant plans to collaborate with research groups within and outside the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology. Furthermore, at the time of the interview, the applicant’s personal suitability and the plan to start/further develop their own research group and to interact with ongoing research at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology will weigh heavily in the overall assessment.
When assessing pedagogical proficiency, particular emphasis will be placed on well-documented pedagogical experience of planning, performing and leading teaching, particularly in neurobiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmaceutical sciences. A documented ability to supervise students at undergraduate and postgraduate level in these areas is essential. Emphasis will also be placed on the ability of pedagogical rethinking and development of teaching at graduate and undergraduate levels. Documented administrative merit, leadership, including the ability to lead and develop personnel, or take on responsibilities within an academic environment, as well as ability to interact and collaborate with the surrounding community, are also meritorious.
For employment as assistant professor with tenure track, the applicant must be selected who, after an overall assessment of skill and development potential, is judged to have the best ability to carry out the tasks included in the employment, collaborate with other staff and contribute to a positive development of the department.
Employment
Type of employment: 4-years fixed term employment
Extent: 100%
Location: Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Gothenburg
First day of employment: As soon as possible, as agreed
Tenure track assessment: The position as Associate Senior Lecturer is the first level of the tenure track system at the University of Gothenburg. The position is defined as an appointment based on qualifications whereby the holder, if approved, is promoted to a permanent position as a Senior Lecturer. Criteria for promotion from Associate Senior Lecturer to Senior Lecturer are established in ”Handläggningsordning för befordran från biträdande universitetslektor till universitetslektor vid Naturvetenskapliga fakulteten”
Appointment procedure
The selection process will include evaluation by external experts, interviews and guest lectures. The assessment of qualifications and experience will take into account parental leave, sick leave or other similar circumstances. The reasons and extent of leave of absence should be specified in the application.
For further information
Regarding the position, please contact:
Markus Tamas, Head of the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology
+46 31 786 2548
markus.tamas@gu.se
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg: http://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job-opportunities/unionrepresentatives
How to apply
To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. Together with your application, the following should be attached:
- CV, including a complete list of publications, and a record of research grants received (with amounts).
- Description of scientific expertise and a motivated list of 10 selected scientific publications. Describe your part of the work for each of the selected publications.
- 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 your teaching experience and evaluations of its quality. The description should also include a pedagogical reflection and teaching philosophy.
- Description of experience of leadership, administration and co-operation with the surrounding community.
- Copies of your most relevant publications in full format (maximum 10 publications).
- Certificates and other documents to be considered.
- Contact details for at least two scientists who can provide letters of support if requested.
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. All qualifications must be documented so that both quality and scope can be assessed. Any documents that are not available in electronic format should be mailed (three copies) to: Faculty Office for Science, Attn: The academic appointments board, University of Gothenburg, Box 460, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
The application should be written in English.
Closing date: 2021-10-30
Additional information
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step and raises many questions about what to expect. Therefore, to give a general idea of what we, and Gothenburg, have to offer in terms of benefits and of life in general, please visit https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/benefits-and-insurances-at-the-university-of-gothenburg. For example, we offer 480 days of parental leave, free to be taken by the parents anytime until the child is 12 years old, and families in Sweden are guaranteed daycare positions within four months of registering. For more information about the Faculty of Science, please visit http://www.science.gu.se/english/. We can offer relocation services.
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.
