Assistant Professor in Health Promotion

The University of Gothenburg offers a research environment where internationally recognised excellence meets an open and collaborative culture. Here, early-career researchers are given the conditions to grow, build networks, and contribute to research with global relevance.

This position is part of the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment initiative Gothenburg Global Scholars. Learn more about the initiative and the University here: Gothenburg Global Scholars.

The Faculty of Education is one of the Nordic region’s leading research environments in the fields of teaching, learning, leadership, and health. Through our research, we contribute to a more equitable and sustainable society.

By recruiting four new assistant professors, one of whom specialises in Health Promotion, we are strengthening our work on the national initiative Excellence in school, which the University of Gothenburg and Karlstad University have been commissioned to develop. The initiative integrates three research areas—subject-matter education, knowledge assessment and conditions for learning, and school leadership—with the aim of promoting the development of knowledge among all pupils. As an assistant professor, you will be part of the new Centre for Teaching and Learning in Schools, to which a total of eight new assistant professors are being recruited, four of whom will be employed at University of Gothenburg.

This position in Health Promotion will be based at the Department of Food and Nutrition, and Sport Science.

Subject area

Health Promotion

Subject area description

Health promotion is concerned with understanding how health and well-being can be promoted. Research in this field addresses a broad range of issues related to health promotion practice. It is interdisciplinary and encompasses a variety of theoretical approaches as well as both qualitative and quantitative methods.

An important aim is to generate knowledge and expertise to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of health-promoting interventions. The research focuses primarily on food and physical activity. The health promotion research environment at the department also shares a strong commitment to exploring how participation and empowerment can be promoted and strengthened.

Duties

You will also be part of the interdisciplinary research environment in health promotion at the Department of Food and Nutrition, and Sport Science. The work addresses societal challenges related to pupils´ dietary habits, physical activity, learning, and well-being, and aims to develop, test, and evaluate didactic models and educational programmes that can promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles.

The Department of Food and Nutrition, and Sport Science develops knowledge for a thriving world through food, nutrition, and sport. Our mission is to conduct world-class education and research in food and nutrition science and sport science. Research at the Department is characterised by a strong connection to education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and close engagement with wider society. The main focus of the Department’s research is to develop and disseminate scientific knowledge and professional expertise that can contribute to the effective promotion of sustainable habits relating to sport, physical activity, food, and meals.

The Assistant Professor is expected to contribute to research and the development of teaching in close collaboration with schools and teachers, with a particular focus on integrating subjects such as Home and Consumer Studies, Physical Education and Health, and other school subjects. The aim is to develop, test, and evaluate teaching models that promote students’ learning, well-being, and sustainable lifestyles.

The position offers excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within the educational science research environments at the University of Gothenburg.

As an Assistant Professor, you are expected to:

In addition to teaching within the Faculty’s teacher education programmes, you will teach in one or more of the Department’s bachelor’s programmes. Teaching in other programmes, courses, or continuing professional development activities may also be included. Teaching duties may also involve supervising students at different levels (first-cycle, second-cycle, and doctoral level) and examining degree projects. Course leadership and administrative duties are also included in the position.

Teaching within the department is conducted primarily on campus and predominantly in Swedish, although teaching in English also occurs. Applicants are therefore expected to possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Swedish, or another Scandinavian language. Staff members are also expected to maintain a substantial on-campus presence in order to contribute to a vibrant and stimulating academic environment.

Eligibility

Eligibility for appointment as Assistant Professor is governed by the Higher Education Ordinance and the Appointments Procedure for Teachers at the University of Gothenburg.

Qualification requirements for employment as an Assistant Professor are fulfilled by someone who has been awarded a doctorate in subject or has the corresponding research competence. Primary consideration should be given to someone who has been awarded a doctorate or achieved the equivalent competence within seven years of the deadline for application for employment as an Assistant Professor. However, someone who has been awarded a doctorate or achieved the equivalent expertise at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds. Special grounds are sick leave, parental leave or other similar circumstances. The reason, dates, and extent of the absence must be clearly specified in the application and supported by documentation/certificates

The ability to teach in English and in one or more Scandinavian languages is a requirement.

Assessment criteria

The assessment criteria for appointment as Assistant Professor are governed by the Higher Education Ordinance and the Appointments Procedure for Teachers at the University of Gothenburg.

We are seeking applicants with a demonstrated ability to independently initiate, develop, and conduct high-quality research within the subject area of the position. International experience from doctoral and/or postdoctoral environments is considered an advantage.

Only applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be assessed. In assessing applicants’ qualifications, most and equal weight will be given to research and teaching experience.

Teaching expertise will be assessed as thoroughly as research expertise. The application should therefore place as much emphasis on documenting teaching qualifications as on documenting research qualifications.

The assessment will also consider management and administrative expertise, collaboration with wider society, and personal suitability.

For the assessment criterion research expertise, the following aspects will be considered:

For the assessment criterion pedagogical expertise, the following aspects will be considered:

If the applicant does not, at the time of application, have qualifications in teaching and learning in higher education that meet the University of Gothenburg’s requirements (courses PIL101, PIL102 and PIL103), these qualifications must either be validated or the specified courses completed within one year of the start of employment (see Assessment and recognition of qualifications in teaching and learning in higher education | The PIL Unit)

For the assessment criterion leadership and administrative expertise, the following aspects will be considered:

For the assessment criterion collaboration with wider society, the following aspects, among others, will be considered:

For the assessment criterion personal suitability, consideration will be given to sound judgement in professional matters, the ability to perform the duties associated with the position, and the ability to collaborate with others and contribute to the development of the department’s activities.

In the appointment of a member of teaching staff, the applicant who, following an overall assessment of expertise and potential for development, is considered to have the best ability to perform the duties associated with the position shall be selected. It is important that the successful applicant is able to contribute to both research and teaching and has the personal qualities and suitability required to collaborate internally and externally in order to contribute to the academic development of the department and the subject area.

An overall assessment of applicants’ qualifications will be made, taking into account that an assistant professorship is a career-development position intended for relatively recently qualified doctoral researchers and teachers. The purely quantitative extent of an applicant’s achievements will therefore not be decisive. In assessing expertise, consideration will instead be given to the length of time over which the applicant’s overall achievements have been accumulated, as well as to the quality, originality, and impact of their publications. The position will be offered to the applicant who, following an overall assessment of expertise and potential for development, is considered suitable and to have the best ability to perform the duties associated with the position, collaborate with other members of staff, engage with external partners, and contribute to the positive development of the department’s activities. Extensive experience of academic environments outside Sweden is considered a strong advantage.

Employment

An appointment as Assistant Professor is a fixed-term career-development position. The purpose of the position is to provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to develop their independence as a researcher and to strengthen their scientific and pedagogical qualifications in order to meet the requirements for eligibility for appointment as Senior Lecturer.

The appointment may be extended, but for no more than a total of two years, if additional time is required to fulfil the purpose of the appointment due to sick leave, parental leave, or other special circumstances.

Promotion to Senior Lecturer (Universitetslektor)

An assistant professor is entitled to apply, no later than six months before the end of the fixed-term appointment, to be assessed for promotion to a permanent position as senior lecturer in the same subject area as the assistant professorship, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements for such a position and are also deemed suitable following assessment using the established criteria for promotion to senior lecturer.

The following additional requirements for promotion apply in such an assessment:

Research expertise for promotion to senior lecturer must be demonstrated in particular through the applicant’s own research. Particular weight will be given to the demonstrated quality and originality of the research, research productivity during the period of employment, and progression in the applicant’s position within the scholarly community during the period of employment. Taking into account qualifications and achievements prior to the start of the appointment, applicants are expected to have an overall research record corresponding to the requirements for appointment as an unpaid docent at the Faculty of Education.

Completion of 15 higher education credits in qualifying courses in teaching and learning in higher education (or equivalent) is required for promotion, together with documented development of pedagogical expertise in both breadth and depth. This should include the ability to support student learning across a broader range of areas, in a greater variety of roles, with different groups of students, and at levels of education involving progressively greater demands.

Collaboration with wider society is expected.

Moving to Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden, beautifully situated on the west coast. The city is well known for its friendly atmosphere and high quality of life. Choosing a career in a new country is a major step. Gothenburg offers a welcoming environment and strong support for international talent relocating to the region.

Internationally recruited staff are offered a contracted relocation package and tax advisory services (Global Mobility support).

Move to Gothenburg - a guide for international talents

Welcome Services - support for international staff relocating to Gothenburg

Other information

The position of Assistant Professor is a career-development appointment and constitutes a step in an academic career path designed to enable researchers to develop their independence and establish their own research profile, with the right to be assessed for promotion to a permanent position as Senior Lecturer. At the University of Gothenburg, Senior Lecturers are also eligible to be assessed for promotion to a permanent position as Full Professor.

To support a healthy work–life balance, we offer academic freedom, flexible working arrangements, and generous annual leave. Employees are also entitled to a range of benefits, including a wellness allowance, supplementary parental benefits, and an occupational pension scheme. For more information about employment benefits at the University of Gothenburg, please visit: Employment benefits | University of Gothenburg

If you do not have formal training in academic teaching, you will be given the opportunity to undertake such training as part of your employment. Participation in these courses is mandatory.

If you do not have proficiency in Swedish at a minimum of level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), you will be offered language courses as part of your employment. Participation in these courses is mandatory.

Selection process

Applicants’ eligibility will be assessed after the application deadline. The documents of applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will then be sent to external experts for assessment. In addition to external expert assessment and interviews, the selection process may include trial lectures and reference checks.

Interviews are planned for the 4, 7 and 8 December 2026.

Contact information

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact

Unions

Information about union representatives at the University of Gothenburg is available here.

Applications

You apply for the position through the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is submitted no later than the application deadline.

Please submit your application in English, as it will be reviewed by external reviewers whose working language is English.

The application should contain information and supporting documentation relevant to assessment in relation to the criteria specified under Assessment criteria.

The following documents should be included with your application:

A maximum of 10 research publications may be included with the application, together with a maximum of three teaching resources/pedagogical texts and a maximum of 3 reports/texts relevant to the assessment of collaboration, leadership, and administrative expertise.

In addition to the information explicitly requested under the headings above, the application is expected to include, for example, a clear quantitative summary of previous teaching within the subject area, showing how teaching hours have been distributed over time and across different courses, as well as qualitative documentation (such as descriptions of development work and course materials) that illustrates and provides evidence of the applicant’s pedagogical expertise. The list of publications must be structured so that peer-reviewed journal articles, peer-reviewed book chapters, and peer-reviewed books are presented under separate headings. Degree certificates, transcripts, and other certificates must be submitted together as a single PDF file.

Publications or other documents that cannot be submitted electronically must be sent in duplicate to:

Please ensure that the reference number PAR 2026/526 is clearly stated on the package.

Application deadline: 30 October 2026

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.