Senior Lecturer in Political Science (University of Gothenburg)

Reference number PAR 2024/1020 The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future. The Department of Political Science fosters an international academic community that welcomes students, researchers and staff worldwide. Our research covers topics such as political institutions, elections, public opinion, democracy, international and European politics, environmental politics, corruption and political ideas. Each year, we host numerous seminars and workshops in the department’s various research areas. We offer education at all levels in both Swedish and English. In total, around 1,400 people study with us, and we have around 170 employees. For more information about the Department, please visit our website, www.pol.gu.se. The Department of Political Science is now looking for a Senior Lecturer in Political Science to strengthen the department’s research and education environment. The position as Senior Lecturer will come with an assignment as Director of the infrastructure V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy). The V-Dem Institute is a university-wide research infrastructure located at the Department. The Institute hosts the international V-Dem project and collects and makes available data on over 600 indicators in areas such as democracy, human rights, civil society and legal systems. Data collection is carried out with the help of a network of over 4,000 country experts. In addition to data collection and data processing, the institute conducts outreach activities and participates in collaborations both nationally and internationally. It is also the basis of a research program that is led by researchers associated with the Institute. The V-Dem Institute has a working paper series and produces a variety of publications annually. It is also a partner in the national infrastructure Demscore. More information on the Institute can be found via its website, v-dem.net. The department invites applications from researchers at all career stages, including early-career scholars and senior scholars with extensive experience. The key qualifications for the role of Director are a strong commitment and the ability to effectively manage and advance the activities of the Institute. The position of Director of the V-Dem Institute will come with a reduction of the regular teaching duties of a Senior Lecturer corresponding to 25–50 percent of full time (with a larger reduction in the beginning before the new Director has begun to apply for external research funding). The successful candidate is expected to serve one six-year term as Director, starting when the current Director’s appointment ends, and may be considered for another six-year term. Subject area Political Science Subject area description Political Science is the study of politics. Duties The Director of the university-wide infrastructure V-Dem is responsible for managing the activities of the V-Dem Institute, which has 10–15 employees. This includes developing the activities of the Institute, in consultation with the Institute’s Steering Committee and in accordance with the project plan, and managing the institute’s resources in consultation with the leadership of the Department. It also includes seeking new funding for the Institute’s various areas of activity and for the research program, ensuring that data and publications are useful for different types of users, and promoting collaboration nationally and internationally. The Director will be assisted by a Program Coordinator/Deputy Director, who will have operational responsibility for day-to-day activities, including data collection, administration and staffing. The tasks of a Senior Lecturer include teaching, organizing courses, supervising students, and conducting examinations at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. A Senior Lecturer is typically required to be able to teach in Swedish within two years of the start of the position, but in this particular case, the Swedish requirement will be postponed until after the Senior Lecturer’s assignment as Director of the V-Dem Institute ends. The duties of a Senior Lecturer also include course and program development and participation in the department’s pedagogical development work. The tasks also include conducting research and seeking external funding for one’s own research and for PhD students and post-docs. They also include actively contributing to the department’s research and seminar activities. Active participation in the international research community is also expected through participation in conferences and international publications.Scholars at the Department of Political Science are active participants in the public debate and the tasks of a Senior Lecturer include initiating collaboration and actively interacting with stakeholders. Management assignments, teaching assignments and other assignments within the department’s, the faculty’s and the university’s collegial forums may eventually be included among the tasks. If the person hired is internationally recruited and does not have Swedish-language skills of at least level B2 according to CEFR, Swedish language courses will be mandatory. The Department is responsible for planning and financing these courses. Eligibility The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg. To be eligible for appointment as a senior lecturer, other than within disciplines in the fine, applied or performing arts, the applicant is required to have demonstrated teaching expertise and been awarded a PhD or has the corresponding research competence or some other professional expertise that is of value in view of the subject matter of the post and the duties that it will involve. Assessment criteria Teaching skills and research qualifications will have equal weight in the assessment of the applicants. Research qualifications will be evaluated based on scholarly publications, ongoing participation in national and international research collaborations, and documented ability to secure external research funding. In the assessment of scientific/scholarly qualifications, particular weight will be given to high-quality publications by renowned publishers and in international peer-reviewed journals. The quality and impact of the publications will have greater weight than the total number of publications. Particular weight will also be given to publications written within the last seven years. Teaching skills will be assessed based on documented experience of having successfully planned and implemented various teaching activities (lectures, seminars, workshops, distance education, student supervision) at the undergraduate and master’s levels. Experience in teaching and supervision at the doctoral level is meritorious. In the assessment of teaching skills, particular weight will be given to documented efforts to improve the quality of courses and education programs. Experience in course and/or program development, producing teaching materials, and writing textbooks or pedagogical publications are meritorious. Applicants must have formal training in teaching and learning in higher education or equivalent qualifications. Applicants will also be evaluated based on their suitability for the position of Director of the V-Dem Institute, both in terms of subject matter (comparative research on democracy and authoritarianism) and in terms of the specific responsibilities of the Director. Successful applicants are expected to have excellent leadership and management skills. Documented experience of engaging with stakeholders is also desirable. The final decision will be based on an overall assessment of all the evaluation criteria discussed in this section. Since the Department and the V-Dem Institute operate in an international environment, the ability to speak and write fluently in English is a requirement. Employment The position is a full-time (100 %) permanent position with placement at the Department of Political Science, University of Gothenburg. Start date: By agreement Selection process Applications will be assessed by external experts, who will be asked to draw up a shortlist before some candidates are invited for interviews. The recruitment process may include job talks, interviews, and taking references. Applicants invited for interviews will have an opportunity to elaborate on their views on research in political science, the role as Director of the V-Dem Institute, and their thoughts on their future role at the Department. Contact information For more information about the position, please contact Mikael Gilljam, Professor, Head of Department, +46 31 786 12 21, mikael.gilljam@pol.gu.se Questions about the employment procedure can be directed to Helena Jensen, Human Resources Officer, +46 31 786 26 17, helena.jensen@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. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. We ask you to write your application in English as it may be reviewed by international experts. The recruitment process will probably include trial lectures, interviews, and contact with referees. Please attach the following to your application: A résumé/CV, including a complete list of publications and external grants obtained (including the size of the grants). 2. A description of your scientific qualifications, including: a) a select list of your ten best academic publications. Note that external reviewers are instructed to pay particular attention to publications from the last 7 years. State your role in and work done for all co-authored selected publications. Publication certificates for each co-authored publication must be attached and include information about the contribution of each co-author (quantity and substantive contribution). The certificates should be signed by each co-author. If a book or article is accepted for publication but has not yet been published, attach a certificate about the accepted publication. b) a description of your scientific merits, profile, and research plans, including why the appointment is of interest and what you believe you can bring to the position (max 3 pages). 3. Complete electronic copies of your 10 selected publications A description of your teaching qualifications, including: a) an account of your teaching record, with a list of the courses you have designed and taught at undergraduate and graduate levels. b) a short description of your teaching merits and qualifications, including information about the extent and quality and a pedagogical self-reflection about your teaching philosophy (max 3 pages) c) a description of the production of teaching materials (textbooks and other learning materials) d) official transcripts or other verifications of formal training in teaching and learning in higher education e) a certificate of your teaching experience from the head of department/director of studies or equivalent from at least one university/department Electronic copies of teaching materials such as course syllabi, reading lists, examination tasks, lecture PowerPoint slides, and instructions for students (maximum 3 documents). Refer to these documents in your pedagogical self-reflection about your teaching philosophy and teaching practices (4b). Complete copies of a maximum of three works that are representative of what you have produced in the form of study resources. An account of your administrative record and qualifications (such as university-wide, college/faculty, departmental and/or research project, administration and administrative leadership). An account of how you want to develop the V-Dem Institute. Other certificates and documents you wish to include. Scholarly publications, articles, CVs, and the like that are not available in electronic form should be sent to: University of Gothenburg Department of Political Science Attention: Helena Jensen Box 711 SE-405 30 Göteborg Sweden Applications must be received by: 2025-03-27 Information for International Applicants Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. 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. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Socioloxy

Reference number PAR 2024/1020

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Political Science fosters an international academic community that welcomes students, researchers and staff worldwide. Our research covers topics such as political institutions, elections, public opinion, democracy, international and European politics, environmental politics, corruption and political ideas. Each year, we host numerous seminars and workshops in the department’s various research areas. We offer education at all levels in both Swedish and English. In total, around 1,400 people study with us, and we have around 170 employees.

For more information about the Department, please visit our website, www.pol.gu.se.

The Department of Political Science is now looking for a Senior Lecturer in Political Science to strengthen the department’s research and education environment. The position as Senior Lecturer will come with an assignment as Director of the infrastructure V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy). The V-Dem Institute is a university-wide research infrastructure located at the Department. The Institute hosts the international V-Dem project and collects and makes available data on over 600 indicators in areas such as democracy, human rights, civil society and legal systems. Data collection is carried out with the help of a network of over 4,000 country experts.

In addition to data collection and data processing, the institute conducts outreach activities and participates in collaborations both nationally and internationally. It is also the basis of a research program that is led by researchers associated with the Institute. The V-Dem Institute has a working paper series and produces a variety of publications annually. It is also a partner in the national infrastructure Demscore.

More information on the Institute can be found via its website, v-dem.net.

The department invites applications from researchers at all career stages, including early-career scholars and senior scholars with extensive experience. The key qualifications for the role of Director are a strong commitment and the ability to effectively manage and advance the activities of the Institute.

The position of Director of the V-Dem Institute will come with a reduction of the regular teaching duties of a Senior Lecturer corresponding to 25–50 percent of full time (with a larger reduction in the beginning before the new Director has begun to apply for external research funding). The successful candidate is expected to serve one six-year term as Director, starting when the current Director’s appointment ends, and may be considered for another six-year term.

Subject area

Political Science

Subject area description

Political Science is the study of politics.

Duties

The Director of the university-wide infrastructure V-Dem is responsible for managing the activities of the V-Dem Institute, which has 10–15 employees. This includes developing the activities of the Institute, in consultation with the Institute’s Steering Committee and in accordance with the project plan, and managing the institute’s resources in consultation with the leadership of the Department. It also includes seeking new funding for the Institute’s various areas of activity and for the research program, ensuring that data and publications are useful for different types of users, and promoting collaboration nationally and internationally.

The Director will be assisted by a Program Coordinator/Deputy Director, who will have operational responsibility for day-to-day activities, including data collection, administration and staffing.

The tasks of a Senior Lecturer include teaching, organizing courses, supervising students, and conducting examinations at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. A Senior Lecturer is typically required to be able to teach in Swedish within two years of the start of the position, but in this particular case, the Swedish requirement will be postponed until after the Senior Lecturer’s assignment as Director of the V-Dem Institute ends. The duties of a Senior Lecturer also include course and program development and participation in the department’s pedagogical development work.

The tasks also include conducting research and seeking external funding for one’s own research and for PhD students and post-docs. They also include actively contributing to the department’s research and seminar activities. Active participation in the international research community is also expected through participation in conferences and international publications.Scholars at the Department of Political Science are active participants in the public debate and the tasks of a Senior Lecturer include initiating collaboration and actively interacting with stakeholders. Management assignments, teaching assignments and other assignments within the department’s, the faculty’s and the university’s collegial forums may eventually be included among the tasks.

If the person hired is internationally recruited and does not have Swedish-language skills of at least level B2 according to CEFR, Swedish language courses will be mandatory. The Department is responsible for planning and financing these courses.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.

To be eligible for appointment as a senior lecturer, other than within disciplines in the fine, applied or performing arts, the applicant is required to have demonstrated teaching expertise and been awarded a PhD or has the corresponding research competence or some other professional expertise that is of value in view of the subject matter of the post and the duties that it will involve.

Assessment criteria

Teaching skills and research qualifications will have equal weight in the assessment of the applicants.

Research qualifications will be evaluated based on scholarly publications, ongoing participation in national and international research collaborations, and documented ability to secure external research funding. In the assessment of scientific/scholarly qualifications, particular weight will be given to high-quality publications by renowned publishers and in international peer-reviewed journals. The quality and impact of the publications will have greater weight than the total number of publications. Particular weight will also be given to publications written within the last seven years.

Teaching skills will be assessed based on documented experience of having successfully planned and implemented various teaching activities (lectures, seminars, workshops, distance education, student supervision) at the undergraduate and master’s levels. Experience in teaching and supervision at the doctoral level is meritorious. In the assessment of teaching skills, particular weight will be given to documented efforts to improve the quality of courses and education programs. Experience in course and/or program development, producing teaching materials, and writing textbooks or pedagogical publications are meritorious. Applicants must have formal training in teaching and learning in higher education or equivalent qualifications.

Applicants will also be evaluated based on their suitability for the position of Director of the V-Dem Institute, both in terms of subject matter (comparative research on democracy and authoritarianism) and in terms of the specific responsibilities of the Director. Successful applicants are expected to have excellent leadership and management skills. Documented experience of engaging with stakeholders is also desirable.

The final decision will be based on an overall assessment of all the evaluation criteria discussed in this section. Since the Department and the V-Dem Institute operate in an international environment, the ability to speak and write fluently in English is a requirement.

Employment

The position is a full-time (100 %) permanent position with placement at the Department of Political Science, University of Gothenburg.

Start date: By agreement

Selection process

Applications will be assessed by external experts, who will be asked to draw up a shortlist before some candidates are invited for interviews. The recruitment process may include job talks, interviews, and taking references. Applicants invited for interviews will have an opportunity to elaborate on their views on research in political science, the role as Director of the V-Dem Institute, and their thoughts on their future role at the Department.

Contact information

For more information about the position, please contact Mikael Gilljam, Professor, Head of Department, +46 31 786 12 21, mikael.gilljam@pol.gu.se

Questions about the employment procedure can be directed to Helena Jensen, Human Resources Officer, +46 31 786 26 17, helena.jensen@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. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

We ask you to write your application in English as it may be reviewed by international experts. The recruitment process will probably include trial lectures, interviews, and contact with referees.

Please attach the following to your application:

A résumé/CV, including a complete list of publications and external grants obtained (including the size of the grants).

2. A description of your scientific qualifications, including:
a) a select list of your ten best academic publications. Note that external reviewers are instructed to pay particular attention to publications from the last 7 years. State your role in and work done for all co-authored selected publications. Publication certificates for each co-authored publication must be attached and include information about the contribution of each co-author (quantity and substantive contribution). The certificates should be signed by each co-author. If a book or article is accepted for publication but has not yet been published, attach a certificate about the accepted publication.

b) a description of your scientific merits, profile, and research plans, including why the appointment is of interest and what you believe you can bring to the position (max 3 pages).

3. Complete electronic copies of your 10 selected publications
A description of your teaching qualifications, including:
a) an account of your teaching record, with a list of the courses you have designed and taught at undergraduate and graduate levels.
b) a short description of your teaching merits and qualifications, including information about the extent and quality and a pedagogical self-reflection about your teaching philosophy (max 3 pages)
c) a description of the production of teaching materials (textbooks and other learning materials)
d) official transcripts or other verifications of formal training in teaching and learning in higher education
e) a certificate of your teaching experience from the head of department/director of studies or equivalent from at least one university/department
Electronic copies of teaching materials such as course syllabi, reading lists, examination tasks, lecture PowerPoint slides, and instructions for students (maximum 3 documents). Refer to these documents in your pedagogical self-reflection about your teaching philosophy and teaching practices (4b).
Complete copies of a maximum of three works that are representative of what you have produced in the form of study resources.
An account of your administrative record and qualifications (such as university-wide, college/faculty, departmental and/or research project, administration and administrative leadership).
An account of how you want to develop the V-Dem Institute.
Other certificates and documents you wish to include.

Scholarly publications, articles, CVs, and the like that are not available in electronic form should be sent to:

University of Gothenburg
Department of Political Science
Attention: Helena Jensen
Box 711
SE-405 30 Göteborg
Sweden

Applications must be received by: 2025-03-27

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

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.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Socioloxy

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