Assistant Professor in Cognitive Science with specialisation in Evidence-Based Instructional Approaches in School

We are looking for an up-and-coming researcher who wants to lead and conduct pioneering research within the strategic research area EBIS (Evidence-Based Instructional Approaches in School) to take on an Assistant Professor position at the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology, Lund University.

Ready to shape the future of research?

Would you like to help shape the future of educational research within a new strategic research area, in the role of research leader for a groundbreaking project? If so, we are offering you the opportunity to join the strategic research area Evidence-Based Instructional Approaches in School (EBIS) as an Assistant Professor (Associate Senior Lecturer). We are looking for an academically promising young researcher who can participate in, and eventually build and lead, a research group within EBIS.

The Strategic Research Area Evidence-Based Instructional Approaches in School (EBIS): From Evidence to Excellence

EBIS aims to address a critical shortcoming in the Swedish school system: a substantial proportion of students do not attain sufficient reading proficiency or basic knowledge in mathematics and the natural sciences. Evidence-based instructional approaches have the potential to address these challenges; however, research shows that such approaches are often underutilised, applied unsystematically, or lacking altogether in key areas.

In collaboration with teachers in practice-based research, EBIS will map, evaluate, develop, and consolidate high-quality instructional approaches, as well as establish a national infrastructure for guidelines and large-scale implementation. The focus is on the Swedish compulsory school system (primary and lower secondary education).

EBIS brings together researchers from literacy, STEM, special didactics, and the science of learning to create an interdisciplinary environment applying evidence-based practice. By systematically developing and implementing evidence-based instructional approaches, EBIS aims to improve student learning outcomes, strengthen the scientific foundation of Swedish education, and advance international excellence in teaching and learning. EBIS is a collaboration between Linnaeus University, Kristianstad University, Lund University, and Malmö University. At Lund University, the position is based at the Division of Cognitive Science, Department of Philosophy.

Central research themes in EBIS are:

• The development of reading and writing literacy in primary and lower secondary education:
  • identifying teaching interventions that strengthen literacy trajectories.
• The development of mathematical skills in primary and lower secondary education:
  • identifying teaching interventions that strengthen this development.

The research will be classroom-related, practice oriented and based on collaboration between teachers and researchers. There is possibility of focusing on both children with typical development and children with special needs. Another theme regards the development of an equivalent to Legilexi in early math.

What we offer the successful candidate

As an Assistant Professor, you will develop your qualifications as a researcher and teacher over a period of four years. During your final year, you will have the opportunity to apply for a permanent position as a senior lecturer.

You will receive five weeks of training in teaching and learning in higher education and if needed get the opportunity to learn advanced Swedish through the University’s Swedish language courses for new international staff. If you are moving to Sweden, we offer you continuous support through our relocation services. If you are accompanied by family members, Lund’s International Citizen Hub provides a gateway to Swedish society and your new community.

Research infrastructure & funding

The Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology (HT) provide unique support for research on AI, culture, cognition, languages, and learning. Continuously expanding its methodological expertise in e-scientific and digital materials, research tools and experimental methods for the Humanities, HT harbours several leading research infrastructures, such as Lund University Humanities Lab, Lund University Digital Archaeology Laboratory, and LUCS Robotics Group. The research funding landscapes in Sweden and Europe offer excellent opportunities for securing funding for pioneering research. As a Lund University employee, we will coach you in the art of grantsmanship.

Discover why Lund University is the right place for you and your continued academic career here and learn more about working in Sweden here. Explore our videos on Working in Lund, Moving to Lund and Living in Lund, to hear directly from your future HT colleagues — international faculty members who have moved here and are now part of our community — about what motivated them to choose HT and Lund University, and what inspires them to stay.

Duties

We want you to thrive at Lund University and be able to make the best of your time at HT. As an assistant professor, you will have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in your chosen field of research. As the holder of this position, the majority of your time will be allocated for your own research in collaboration with strong research environments, research infrastructures and international platforms.

In addition to conducting research, during your time as assistant professor you will also develop your teaching expertise, outreach and collaboration skills, along with Swedish language proficiency. Throughout your employment, you are an active member of your department and participant in its diverse work.

Qualifications for employment as an Assistant Professor

You hold a doctoral degree or have corresponding research expertise in cognitive science.

Applicants who hold a doctoral degree obtained within seven years of the application deadline will be prioritised. If you can document special circumstances, such as parental leave, military service or illness, that prevented you from working as a researcher after graduating, your doctoral degree may have been awarded earlier.

Requirements

In order to be appointed as an Assistant Professor within the strategic research area, the successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following qualifications and potential for development:

• A good ability to initiate, develop and implement high-quality research
• Good teaching ability
• Recent and relevant experience from research outside Sweden
• A research plan for an innovative research project of relevance to the strategic research area, EBIS (submitted together with the application)
• Good communication skills
• Good oral and written Swedish language skills
• Very good oral and written English language skills

Additional qualifications

In addition to the requirements above, merit will be given to candidates who can also demonstrate the following qualifications and experiences:

• Have or have had a postdoctoral appointment
• Experience in applying for and obtaining research funding from funding bodies within as well as outside Sweden
• Experience and expertise in learning and teaching in mathematics and/or literacy (reading and writing) at the primary education level
• Documented good leadership skills, e.g. through elected office assignments, leadership courses and assessed leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to contribute positively to a collegial and inclusive work environment
• Possess other credentials that facilitate a swift adaptation to your new position.

Promotion

Assistant Professors may apply for promotion to permanent employment as a Senior Lecturer. Applications for promotion are subject to a special assessment to determine whether the applicant fulfils the Faculties’ requirements for appointment as Senior Lecturer. An application for promotion may be submitted only once and must be submitted no later than six months before the end of the period of employment as Assistant Professor.

Assessment criteria for promotion from Assistant Professor to Senior lecturer

When applying for promotion from Assistant Professor to Senior lecturer, the applicant will be assessed based on whether they have:

• Developed within their field during their time as an assistant professor. In relation to their doctoral thesis, the applicant must have clearly broadened their scholarly register and demonstrated good progression. Documented through:
  • scholarly production with a scope corresponding to at least one additional doctoral thesis.
• Good national and international standing as a researcher. The requirement for international merit shall be assessed with regard to the nature and tradition of the subject area. Demonstrated by:
  • internationally competitive publishing, showcasing both breadth and depth,
  • documented ability to obtain research funding in competition
• Documented expertise in planning, initiating, leading and developing research,
• Ability to initiate new research approaches and to plan and start new research projects
• Good teaching ability, which means a good ability to conduct, develop and lead teaching and other educational activities at different levels and using a variety of teaching methods. Demonstrated through:
  • experience of the educational activities described above,
  • a reflective attitude regarding the applicant’s own teaching role.
• Completed at least five weeks of teaching and learning in higher education training or acquired equivalent knowledge in other ways
• Ability to participate in supervision of doctoral students to achieve a doctoral degree
• Ability to engage with wider society and communicate your activities
• Ability in other contexts to lead and develop activities. Demonstrated through:
  • documented experience, with positive testimonials and clear results, of leading, coordinating and developing research and/or teaching activities and collaborating with others.

Form of employment

Fixed-term position, 4 years, in accordance with Chapter 4, Section 12a § of the Higher Education Ordinance, with the opportunity for promotion to permanent employment as a Senior lecturer.

Conditions

Lund University is a public authority which means that you receive specific benefits, generous annual leave, and an advantageous occupational pension. The University applies individual salary-setting. More information about being an employee at Lund University can be found here.

Instructions for the application

Applications must be submitted electronically via Lund University’s recruitment system Varbi no later than 23:59 (CET) on the final application day listed in the announcement.

The application must be prepared in accordance with the Instructions for applications to Assistant Professor (Associate Senior Lecturer) positions within Lund University Programme for Global Excellence. This document contains detailed instructions regarding the structure and content of the application, including formatting requirements and necessary attachments.

A research plan is a mandatory part of the application. Specific instructions for the research plan are provided in the above‑mentioned document and must be followed carefully. The research plan will be a central component in the assessment of the application.

The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete, complies with the vacancy announcement and the applicable instructions, and is submitted via the recruitment portal by the final application deadline. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Further information on academic recruitment processes at LU can be found here. To browse FAQs regarding Assistant Professor positions, please visit the Faculties' vacancy website.