Assistant Professor in Experimental Astrophysics

Assistant Professor in Experimental Astrophysics

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences

Subject Field

Experimental astrophysics.

Subject Description

The subject area is the development of space-based instruments for the detection of ionising radiation from high-energy phenomena, as well as the analysis of observational data from such instruments.

Duties

The assistant professor shall conduct research within the subject area at a high international level and build up an independent research group. Work duties include establishing a laboratory-based research programme and applying for external research funding. In the long term, the research programme should also include analysis of observational data from the instruments that are developed. The position involves teaching and developing education within the subject area, as well as supervising students and doctoral students. The assistant professor is expected to play a significant role in developing laboratory-based and project-based teaching at the Department of Physics. Some administrative duties are included, and engagement with wider society is expected. The assistant professor should be able to teach in Swedish within four years. If required, a language plan will be drawn up in connection with the appointment.

The assistant professor will be given opportunity to develop their independence as researcher and gain accreditation that may allow them to take other teaching positions with higher eligibility requirements (see Chapter 4, Section 12 a of the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance). Following application, the assistant professor can apply for promotion to associate professor in accordance with Chapter 4, Section 12 c of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Eligibility

An individual who has completed a doctorate or equivalent scientific competence is qualified for appointment as an assistant professor. Candidates who met those qualifications a maximum of seven years before the deadline for applying for the appointment as an assistant professor has expired should be prioritized. Other candidates may also be considered there are special reasons. Special reasons refers to absence due to illness, parental leave or other similar circumstances.

Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria for appointment as an assistant professor at KTH are stated in KTH's appointments procedure section 1.3 and apply in relation to the employment profile laid down.

Of highest importance is that the applicant has

• scientific expertise demonstrated through scientific publications, conference presentations, collaborative research projects, and other undertakings in the scientific community such as assignments as a reviewer or expert.
• the potential to qualify for a higher teaching post. This requires independent development as a researcher and teacher within the subject field, including the ability to establish, renew and develop research activities.
• an interest in, and understanding of, pedagogical developments within the subject field.

Of second highest importance is that the applicant has

• an interest in, and insight into, leadership in academia, collaboration with wider society, and awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues with a particular focus on gender equality.
• experience from a postdoctoral visit in a research environment other than the university at which the applicant defended their doctoral thesis. Experience from research and development work within industry or other organizations is considered to correspond to a traditional postdoc visit to another university.

It is also important that the applicant has

• administrative expertise.

Special Grounds of Assessment for Promotion to Associate Professor

When assessing applications for promotion to associate professor, provisions according to Section 1.2.4 of Appointments procedure at KTH will be applied. Ability to teach in Swedish is a merit that is given great importance in the application for promotion.

Göran Gustafsson (1919–2003) was a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist whose vision was to support research in Sweden by giving young, outstanding researchers the means to develop their research and achieve international success. This assistant professorship is funded by a generous donation from the Göran Gustafsson Foundation. It includes a start-up package that can be used, for example, to set up laboratory-based research or to recruit a postdoc or a PhD student.

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH's core values as a university and public authority.

Tagged as: Engineering, Physics