Professor in Computing Science with a focus on Software Engineering

Umeå Universitet

Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

We are recruiting a full professor in Computing Science with a focus on technical aspects of Software Engineering. The position comes with a substantial recruitment package from the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP). Welcome with your application, no later than 27 October, 2025.
 

Background

The Department of Computing Science seeks to broaden its competence regarding the technical aspects of Software Engineering by recruiting a full professor. The position includes funding for two PhD students (four years each) and two post-doctoral researchers (two years each) in addition to running costs. The position guarantees 75% research time during the first six years.

Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) is Sweden’s largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. The program addresses research on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems. The vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software for the benefit of Swedish society and industry. Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org/.

Choosing to work at Umeå University means choosing a sustainable and healthy life, both at and outside of work. The city of Umeå with its 130 thousand inhabitants offers city services without the problems associated with a larger city. Social security benefits include five to seven weeks of paid vacation per year (depending on age), strong employment laws, sixteen months of paid parental leave per child, paid sick leave, highly affordable universal health care, highly affordable childcare, tuition-free schools (up to and including university level), and more. The local climate has four distinct seasons with snowy winters and comfortably warm summers. Umeå combines nature around the corner with a vibrant cultural life and convenient connections to the rest of the world. Read more: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/working-at-umea-university/

The Department of Computing Science has been growing rapidly in recent years. A focus on an inclusive and bottom-up driven environment is the key element in our sustainable growth. Read more: https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-computing-science/
 

Duties

Duties include research, teaching, and collaboration with industry.

The research is expected to address technical challenges associated with developing software systems, i.e., research on techniques, tools, and theories related to development, maintenance, reliability, performance, and verification of software systems.

Candidates are expected to establish a vibrant research group that, within a few years, is largely funded through external grants.

Teaching at all levels is also part of the duties. Candidates are furthermore expected to take responsibility for software engineering components of the education by contributing to the development of courses and education programs.

Candidates are also expected to collaborate with industry, both to enhance industry competence and to strengthen the quality and relevance of education and research.

The duties may also include administrative tasks and leadership assignments.

During the first six years, 75% of the position is guaranteed to be dedicated to research. After this period, the distribution of duties may vary depending on the availability of external funding and the needs of the organization
 

Eligibility requirements

A person who has demonstrated both research and educational expertise shall be qualified for appointment as a Professor. (Chapter 4, Section 3, Higher Education Ordinance). Research expertise refers to independent research work, the ability to plan and lead research activities and the ability to impart information about research to the outside world. Educational expertise refers to documented experience of planning, implementation, examination, and evaluation of teaching and is shown in a reflective approach to student learning and one’s own teaching role.

Excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required.
 

Assessment criteria and their weight

The primary evaluation criteria shall be pedagogical and scientific expertise. Secondly, the degree of administrative skills, expertise in developing and leading activities and personnel at the university, and the ability to interact with the surrounding society and to inform about work in research and development work, shall be considered. Further, other relevant skills related to the subject matter and the tasks included in the position shall be taken into consideration.

The assessment criteria for appointment as a professor shall be the degree of the expertise required as a qualification for employment. As much attention shall be given to the assessment of teaching expertise as to the assessment of research expertise.
 

Scientific expertise

Scientific expertise shall be demonstrated through independent scientific productivity.
The criteria for assessment are:

• breadth and depth of research – quality and scope
• originality of research
• productivity
• contributions to the international research community
• assignments within the research community
• the ability to competitively obtain external research funding
• collaboration with the surrounding society
• experience in research related to the technical aspects of software development

It is an advantage if the specific research area of the candidate has natural connections to existing research at the department and can be expected to generate synergies. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research shows clear connections to existing research at the department, such as:

• real-time and embedded systems
• distributed systems
• security and privacy
• formal methods
• artificial intelligence and machine learning

Pedagogical expertise

The pedagogical expertise for employment as professor should be demonstrated by documented experience of teaching with scientific foundation at university level.

The criteria for evaluation are:

• an ability to plan, implement and evaluate teaching and an ability to supervise and examine students at every level of education
• an ability to vary teaching methods and examination formats in relation to anticipated study results and the nature of the subject
• experience of collaboration with the surrounding society in planning and implementation of education
• participation in the development of learning environments, teaching aids and study resources
• a reflective approach to student learning and one’s own role as a teacher
• experience in teaching software development
• ability and interest in leading and developing educational activities

Pedagogical expertise can be attained through education in university pedagogy, other education of relevance for teaching at a university level or documented and proven experience teaching at the university level.
 

Further qualifications

General assessment criteria include good collaboration skills, as well as the competence and suitability necessary to perform the duties well.

Particular attention is given to the ability to:

• collaborate within the organization
• lead a research group
• collaborate with industry and society

In assessing administrative proficiency, the applicant’s ability to develop and lead operations and personnel, create collaboration between academia, industry, and society, integrate research and education at all levels, and collaborate with other research groups, organizations, and society will be evaluated.
 

Further details

As an employee at Umeå University, you're offered a wide variety of benefits that promote a good work-life balance, read more about benefits here.
 

Application

When you apply, we ask you to answer questions in Varbi. These questions replace a cover letter from you. The application should preferably be written in English, and include the following items:

1. CV/Umu Application form
   Fill in the required application template (word). Submit it attached to your application in the Varbi system as your CV. The following information must be provided in the application form:
   1. basic information (contact details, employment and education history)
   2. an account of research experience (including a list of articles published and a brief research plan)
   3. an account of pedagogical experience and activities
   4. an account of experiences of developing and managing activities and staff
   5. an account of experiences regarding interacting with the surrounding society and popularizing science
   6. references, including contact details
2. Copies of relevant university degrees and diplomas
3. Copies of ten research publications relevant to the position, numbered according to the publication list
4. Attachments to a pedagogical portfolio (see p. 3.5 in Umu Application template)

See instructions for what to include in the application, as well as how to describe scientific and educational activities (pdf)

You apply via the e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 27 October 2025.

Umeå University strives to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.

Type of employment           Permanent position
Contract type                       Full time
First day of employment    Snarast
Salary                                   Månadslön
Number of positions           1
Full-time equivalent            100%
City                                       Umeå
County                                  Västerbottens län
Country                                Sweden
Reference number              AN 2.2.1-952-25
Contact                                Frank Drewes, Head of Department, +46907869790, drewes@cs.umu.se
Union representative              •    SACO, 090-7865365
                                                  •    SEKO, 090-7865296          
                                                  •    ST, 090-7865431
Published                            17.Sep.2025
Last application date          27.Oct.2025

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