Associate Professor in Arctic Botany

The department of Arctic biology

The department of Arctic Biology seeks candidates for a full-time, permanent position as Associate Professor in Arctic botany.

Currently the department consists of two professors, four associate professors, nine adjunct professors, and nine PhD/postdocs.

The department conducts research and education in Arctic marine and terrestrial biology, and currently provides around 22 courses at bachelor, master and PhD levels. The department focuses on an integrated approach to High Arctic biology, and field studies and field safety are important in research and education. Additional information about the department can be found at www.unis.no.

Description of the vacant position and qualifications

We seek motivated candidates with a research background in Arctic botany. 

 

Applicants must have:

• good taxonomic knowledge of the Arctic vascular plant flora
• demonstrated research in evolutionary plant ecology
• research and fieldwork experience of Arctic or high-latitude/alpine ecosystems is necessary
• the research field and expertise of applicants must align with the research profile and strategic plans for the Department of Arctic Biology

 

Advantageous attributes:

• integrated approaches to Arctic ecology and evolution will be regarded as advantageous. Such approaches may include the role of the environment in shaping the evolution and ecology of Arctic plants as well as knowledge of their phylogeography
• expertise in other fields such as phenology, and plant-pollinator and/or plant-herbivore interactions, and winter processes
• experience in the application of molecular techniques is desirable
• experience in up-scaling from plot to region

 

UNIS offers career building opportunities in a highly international and dynamic department. Applications from early career scientists are therefore especially encouraged.

 

The appointee is expected to build a strong independent research programme in their field that integrates with the broader research in the Department of Arctic Biology. Interdisciplinary studies with the other science departments at UNIS are encouraged. Opportunities and ability for collaboration with other staff members will thus be emphasized during the recruitment process. The ability to work independently as well as in teams and having a positive attitude and flexibility are considered important.

 

The appointed person will be responsible for both undergraduate and graduate level teaching courses and for supervising students at BSc, MSc and PhD levels. They will also be expected to develop their teaching within the framework and strategy of the department. The candidates should have well documented teaching experience at different academic levels and formal pedagogic training. Knowledge of Norwegian/Nordic education and funding systems is beneficial. Participation on UNIS internal committees and other administrative and departmental activities will be required.

 

UNIS is a Norwegian institution and all the education we offer is to be compliant with Norwegian universities. Knowledge and experience from the Norwegian university sector is an advantage. Non-native Scandinavians must pass an approved Norwegian language test at B2 level on the Council of Europe Level Scale for Languages (CEFR) within two years.

 

For a position as an associate professor, basic competence in teaching and supervision at university and university college level is required. This include basic skills in planning, implementation, evaluation and development of teaching and supervision and can be achieved through having completed.

 

1) A pedagogical training course at minimum 200 hours with the aim of qualifying for all aspects of the basic competence or

2) Relevant courses in combination with own teaching which the institution considers to be equivalent to a pedagogical training course of at least 200 hours.

 

Teaching competence must be documented through a teaching portfolio. This shall include an overview of practical teaching experience and competence, documentation of this and a brief reflection note. The reflection note shall primarily be linked to one's own teaching philosophy and evaluation of one's own teaching in relation to knowledge about students' learning in higher education.

 

Applicants that do not meet the requirements above may for particularly compelling reasons be employed, provided that the requirements are being met within two years.

 

The candidate must demonstrate evidence of high-quality research and teaching and will be evaluated based on research plan and the possibility to create synergies in the department. Fieldwork at UNIS is performed year-round in both teaching and research. Experience from fieldwork in remote/Arctic areas and demonstrated experience with field leadership is an advantage. Applicants for the position must document their qualifications as associate professor. The minimum requirement for Associate Professor is a PhD degree.

Employment conditions for faculty positions at UNIS

Sixty per cent of the working time of full-time faculty at UNIS is reserved for research and professional development. In addition, staff are required to be involved in teaching and administration, and to be willing to contribute to the development of UNIS in a more general sense.

 

UNIS offers:

• free arrival passage for you and your family, and relocation expenses associated with initiation of the engagement
• annual holiday travel grant, in accordance with current regulations
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Pension Fund
• favorable conditions for sabbatical leave

 

Salary

All salaries are set in accordance with the Norwegian government’s University salary scale, associate professor code 1011. The salaries depend on experience/seniority. As a resident in Svalbard, an annual allowance of NOK 40 460 (Svalbardtillegg) will be added to the salary. A social security contribution of 2% to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will be deducted from the salary. Income tax on Svalbard is 8%, plus 7,8% toward National Insurance coverage.

 

Selection and appointment

A scientific committee will evaluate the applications. Based on the report, an appointment committee will invite the top ranked person(s) for a trial lecture and an interview. The appointment will be made based on the recommendation from the scientific and the appointment committee. Applications from applicants qualified as associate professor will be assessed as two independent groups and by separate criteria.

Application and further information

Inquiries about the position may be directed to Head of Department, Prof. Steve Coulson,

e-mail: stevec@unis.no, mobile (+47) 90 11 89 73

 

Deadline for applications is April 15th

Please apply online at www.jobbnorge.no

 

At the end of the form, please attach:

• Covering letter explaining motivation and suitability for the position
• CV including full list of publications and previously held grants
• Education and teaching certificates
• Teaching portfolio or similar, outlining a teaching and learning philosophy, teaching experience and own development in teaching and learning*
• Five-year research plan (max two pages) demonstrating how the research field and experience of the applicant can contribute to the strategy of the Department of Arctic Biology
• Up to five publications (authored or co-authored by the applicant) that are relevant for the position
• Name and contact details for three references

 

The committee could ask for further documentation or copies of parts or the complete scientific production described by the applicants.

 

*Details about the teaching portfolio:

• The teaching portfolio should describe and document pedagogical qualifications divided into the following areas;

                1. Teaching philosophy

                2. Pedagogical or other relevant teaching courses and education

                3. Teaching activities, 4) Pedagogical research and development work

                5. Sharing experience, dissemination and outreach related to teaching activities and/or educational development

 

The following attachments may be relevant in the teaching portfolio:

• Pedagogical and teaching training certificates
• Evaluation reports of the applicants teaching
• Overview of masters and doctoral degree supervision and results
• Teaching merits and other awards
• Educational publications
• Teaching compendiums and materials
• Reports that shows participation in projects related to the development of teaching, such as students active learning, digital learning methods, supervision or/and learning environment

 

You can request to have your application kept from public access cf. the open files act § 25. The request must be explained. UNIS will determine if the application will be kept from public access or not, based on the explanation and the regulations from the open files act. If the application will not be accepted, the candidate will be contacted.

Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is located in Svalbard, in the midst of a varied and beautiful Arctic nature with good opportunities for outdoor activities. Longyearbyen is a modern town with approx. 2500 inhabitants and has a good service offering including kindergartens, swimming / sports hall and a varied association, sports and cultural life.