Lecturer in Architecture

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Umeå School of Architecture (UMA) is looking for a lecturer in architecture. This is a full-time, permanent position. The application deadline is 16 April 2024.

Duties and responsibilities

As Lecturer in Architecture, your main responsibilities will include teaching in a studio environment at bachelor's and master's level within the Architecture Programme. The teaching will to a large extent involve individual supervision and coaching of students where the design process and methods for developing architectural projects are in focus. This includes everything from preparation to implementation of teaching activities, supervision, examination, presentations and production of teaching material.

Eligibility

Eligible to be appointed as a lecturer in architecture is someone who holds a master’s degree or higher in Architecture, or other professional skills of significance to the subject area of the appointment and the duties included therein.

The position requires documented experience in teaching architecture at the university level and documented experience of professional architectural practice, including work with all stages from design to completion, and experience of working at different scales in architecture, urban design and landscape. Expertise in current regulations and sustainable construction is also a requirement.

Experience of working with relevant analogue and digital tools (e.g. Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.) is required. Since Umeå School of Architecture is an international workplace, very good knowledge of written and spoken English is also a requirement.

Assessment criteria and balance between criteria

As assessment criteria, the degree of proficiencies that are required to be eligible for the position shall primarily apply. In the selection process, equal weight shall be given to subject-specific expertise and pedagogical competence. Beyond that, the degree of administrative competence, the ability to develop and lead activities, the capacity to collaborate with the surrounding community, and other relevant skills for the role will be taken into account.

Pedagogical competence should pertain to documented merits in teaching within the field of architecture. Additionally, a good ability to conduct education in a pedagogically thoughtful manner, as well as the ability to create and develop a stimulating learning environment in collaboration with students and the surrounding community, are required. Subject knowledge related to the global, national and local context and/or documented experience of working with architectural competitions, events, or exhibitions is an advantage. Experience of working with learning platforms is also considered an advantage. 

Administrative competence should refer to the ability to independently plan, organize, and develop educational activities, guide students, and foster collaboration in education at the undergraduate and advanced levels, with practitioners, and with other stakeholders in the field of architecture and society at large.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. 

Terms of employment

The position is full-time and limited to one year. The start date is 1 September 2024, or as agreed upon. 

The successful candidate will be based in Umeå and expected to be present in Umeå to fulfil their role.  

Umeå University offers a number of employee benefits that promote a good work life balance and professional development opportunities, read more here .

How to apply

You apply via the university's recruitment system Varbi by 16 April 2024. The application should consist of the following documents, written in English or Swedish:

A cover letter should not be included with your application. In the application form, you will instead be asked to answer questions about why you are applying for the advertised position and provide information about your knowledge and experience linked to the competencies outlined in the advertisement. 

The recruitment process may include interviews, trial lectures and reference checks. 

Additional information

For further information about the position, please contact Head of Department Cornelia Redeker, +46 90 786 76 96, [email protected] .

We look forward to receiving your application!