Professor of Biology specialising in molecular physiology

Ref no: ORU 2.1.1-02999/2025

We are looking for a professor of Biology specialising in molecular physiology for a permanent position at the School of Science and Technology.

Subject area

The subject area for this position is biology.

Background

Örebro University is seeking an outstanding professor in molecular physiology to strengthen and expand our research and education in biology. This recruitment follows a recent retirement and represents an exciting opportunity to help shape the future direction of the field at our university.

The professorship is situated within the subject of biology at the Unit of Natural Science, School of Science and Technology. Biology at Örebro University focuses on uncovering the fundamental processes of living systems, their mechanism of action and influence on health and the environment. Ongoing research is conducted with both vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms and in vitro systems using various current methodologies. Research is carried out within two dynamic and internationally recognized research environments: the Life Science Centre (LSC) and Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM). Both environments are strongly multidisciplinary addressing fundamental and applied questions. Biology research includes collaborations with other subjects, industrial partners and government institutions, both national and international. We are looking for expertise to expand the competence in the subject, particularly in ways that strengthen links between molecular physiology, health of living systems, including environmental challenges, and innovative high-throughput methodological approaches.

As professor, you will play a central role in advancing research in molecular physiology, while also contributing to the education of the next generation of biologists. Teaching responsibilities span both undergraduate and graduate levels, and our biology programme combines a solid theoretical foundation with extensive hands-on training. Close integration with ongoing research ensures that students are continuously exposed to the latest scientific discoveries. The biology programme is multidisciplinary, with close collaboration with chemistry and environmental science.

At Örebro University, we strive to provide an inspiring and supportive workplace where staff members feel valued and take pride in their contributions. We are committed to fostering collaboration, creativity, and excellence in research and teaching.

Duties and responsibilities

As professor, you will normally spend most of your working hours on research. Your duties and responsibilities include working actively to bring in external research grants to the subject, take overall responsibility for its research activities, and monitor its development internationally. As professor, you are expected to engage in education at all three levels and to communicate and collaborate around your own and the subject’s research activities. You are moreover expected to make yourself available for management and administrative assignments at the university.

The professorship is aimed at strengthening fundamental research in biology, with a particular focus on molecular physiology. We are seeking an outstanding candidate with a vision and potential to drive innovative developments in molecular physiology while building on and complementing our existing research teams within the Life Science Centre and/or the MTM Research Centre. The candidate is expected to demonstrate in their application how their research will contribute to these environments. The successful candidate will be an innovative leader with a collaborative spirit, ready to inspire colleagues, foster synergies, and contribute to a vibrant and growing research environment. You can read more at: https://www.oru.se/english/research/research-subjects/biology/

Qualifications and assessment criteria

A person who has demonstrated both research and teaching expertise is qualified for employment as a professor, and when assessed, as much attention is to be given to the applicant’s teaching expertise as to their research expertise. The assessment is also to consider the applicant’s qualifications and experience from collaboration with the wider community, of which the university is a part, as well as national and international experience and mobility. In addition, the applicant’s suitability for the position and their leadership skills will be assessed.

Research expertise

The applicant’s research expertise is assessed based on national and international standing and recognition in the scientific community. Research expertise is demonstrated through independent research contributions that significantly exceed the requirements for appointment as a docent, in terms of both quality and quantity and number of publications and citations in accordance with the disciplinary traditions of the post applied for.

Further evidence of recognition is provided by the ability to lead and develop research as well as through supervision of doctoral students. It is desirable that an applicant has been principal supervisor to at least two doctoral students who have successfully defended their theses. Research expertise also encompasses being/having been the principal researcher of projects with grants awarded in competition and appointments to positions of trust within academia.

Teaching expertise

The completion of courses equivalent to 10 weeks of study in teaching and learning in higher education is a general qualification requirement for permanent employment as a professor at Örebro University. Örebro University may also assess whether other experience of teaching in higher education meets this assessment criterion. A professor who on appointment lacks training in teaching and learning in higher education or equivalent expertise undertakes to complete the requisite training course(s) within two years of their appointment. Appointment as a professor also requires that the applicant has completed training in supervising doctoral students.

At Örebro University, teaching expertise is assessed in the categories teaching approach, teaching approach in practice, and professional development as a teacher. Applicants’ teaching qualifications shall be documented in accordance with Örebro University’s template for teaching portfolios and clearly relate to the values set out in Örebro University’s educational philosophy.

The assessment of applicant’s teaching expertise is based on the breadth and scope of various forms of working and teaching at the bachelor’s, master’s and/or doctoral levels, including experience of individual supervision at various levels, in addition to doctoral supervision. In addition, applicants’ ability to develop, plan, implement and evaluate teaching and examination formats is assessed, as is their ability to contribute to the pedagogical development of teaching, such as preparing teaching material, learning aids and/or governance documents for teaching. The assessment of teaching expertise is further based on applicants’ experience of management and leadership responsibilities at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels that have actively promoted student learning. Applicants’ ability to link teaching to research and contribute to a scientific approach in their teaching will also be assessed.

Collaboration and public engagement skills

The ability to interact with the surrounding society is an important part of a professor’s role and it requires a good understanding of various societal processes and the impact of university activities on these. Assessment of collaboration and public engagement skills looks at three aspects: the ability to communicate, the ability to collaborate with the surrounding society, and the ability to facilitate utilisation of the university’s research. Applicants are expected to present national and international external relations and collaborations. The ability to communicate research and science is to be considered along with the ability to conduct research in collaboration with the wider community and the ability to utilise research so that it benefits society.

Leadership skills

In assessing leadership and administrative skills, the applicant’s qualifications and experience from leadership roles within education and research are to be considered, such as a proven ability to lead activities and staff, and an ability to organise and lead research projects, research teams and/or study programmes. Experience of serving in academic positions of trust, such as faculty assignments or appointments with government research funding bodies will also be considered.

Suitability

Suitability refers to the applicant having the personal qualities required to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities at hand, to cooperate with other members of staff, and to drive the development of the operations in question. Applicants are also expected to have the ability to make research-ethical considerations and to follow good research practice.

Other assessment criteria

Very good communication skills (orally, and in writing), in Swedish and English, are mandatory. If this requirement is not fulfilled for one of the languages, recruitment is still possible if you work actively to acquire the necessary language skills to be able to teach in both Swedish and English within two years. In addition, the successful candidate is expected to indicate how their research will complement and strengthen the activities within the Life Science Centre and/or the MTM Research Centre, and to specify in their application how this alignment will contribute to the development of biology at Örebro University.

Information

This is a permanent full-time position. At Örebro University, salary depends on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

For more information about the position, contact Head of school, Henrik Olsson, +46 19 30 12 09, email: henrik.olsson@oru.se or Prof. Jana Jass, +46 76 847 1957, email: jana.jass@oru.se.

At Örebro University, we expect each member of staff to be open to development and change; take responsibility for their work and performance; demonstrate a keen interest in collaboration and contribute to development; as well as show respect for others by adopting a constructive and professional approach.

Örebro University actively pursues equal opportunities and gender equality as well as a work environment characterized by openness, trust and respect. We value the qualities that diversity adds to our operations.

Application

The application is made online. Click the button “Apply” to begin the application procedure.

For the application to be complete, the following electronic documents must be included:

• Covering letter, outlining how you believe you can contribute to the continued development of Örebro University
• CV with a relevant description of your overall qualifications and experience
• Teaching portfolio (as instructed in Örebro University's guidelines)
• Research portfolio (include research plan and vision, current and past grants, current and past research group, scientific collaboration, academic leadership, positions of trust, awards, committees, outreach and innovation)
• Publication list (bibliometrics)
• Relevant scientific publications (maximum of 10 and in full-text format)
• Copies of relevant course/degree certificates and references verifying eligibility and criteria met

Only documents written in Swedish, English, Norwegian and Danish can be reviewed. More information for applicants will be found on our career site: https://www.oru.se/english/career/available-positions/applicants-and-external-experts/

The application deadline is February 27, 2026. We look forward to receiving your application!

After the application deadline, no supplements can be made electronically. If you have scientific publications that cannot be attached electronically to the application, please contact hr@oru.se.

As we have already made our choices in terms of external collaboration partners and marketing efforts for this recruitment process, we decline any contact with recruitment agencies and advertisers.

As directed by the National Archives of Sweden (Riksarkivet), we are required to deposit one file copy of the application documents, excluding publications, for a period of two years after the appointment decision has gained legal force.