Senior lecturer in religious studies - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description
Religious studies at Karlstad University is seeking a senior lecturer with broad theoretical and methodological expertise in the field of religious studies, empirical research experience, and the drive and ambition to renew and further develop the subject of religious studies. The subject has a great emphasis on field studies – we study religion locally in Värmland, in Sweden, and internationally, with specific focus on India.
We are developing new research-focused teaching formats, including student-based research projects and allowing students to shadow researchers, as well as ways community cooperation formats. The subject has run a study centre in Varanasi, India for thirty years, giving both students and staff a unique opportunity to do practical placements and conduct field studies in a multi-religious environment.

Duties
Duties include teaching, supervision, examination, course coordination and course development, as well as active participation in the development work done by the subject, department and faculty in the areas of teaching, research, community cooperation, professional development for teachers, and applications for external research funding. Teaching includes courses in religious studies at bachelor and master levels as part of the teacher training programmes. We offer campus and distance education courses, which means that teaching also involves using the Canvas virtual learning environment.

Qualification requirements
The eligibility requirement for appointment as senior lecturer is a doctorate in religious studies and documented teaching expertise. A completed course in higher education pedagogy, or an equivalent qualification, is required for appointment as senior lecturer. Under special circumstances, this course may be completed within two years of employment as part of the professional development commitment. 

For other qualification requirements, see Ch. 4 Sec. 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and Karlstad University’s regulations for the appointment and promotion of teaching staff.

Assessment criteria
Special weight is given to broad theoretical and methodological expertise in the field of religious studies. Special weight is further given to applicants’ experience of teaching religious studies at bachelor and master levels.

Special consideration is given to:

• Expertise through specialisation in contemporary religion
• Experience of empirical quantitative and/or qualitative methods
• Experience of applying for external research funding.

The position requires language skills in Swedish and English, and therefore special weight is also given to good written and spoken skills in these languages.

Considerable weight is given to documented ability to participate in networks, develop projects and coordinate activities. Considerable weight is further given to the ability to cooperate, build good relationships with colleagues and students, take initiative, and demonstrate commitment to the development of religious studies as a subject. The successful applicant is expected to participate actively in the daily activities of the department.

Based on a holistic, qualitative assessment of skills and expertise, the position will be offered to applicant deemed best qualified to conduct and develop the stated work duties and contribute to the positive development of religious studies as a subject. Should applicants have the same qualifications, those with research and teaching experience deemed more valuable to departmental activities will be prioritised.
The university strives to maintain gender balance. At present, two men and a woman are permanently employed at religious studies.  

Terms of employment
This is a full-time (100%), non-fixed-term position with starting date as soon as possible, as per agreement. A probationary period may be required. Appointment is contingent upon necessary funding allocation decisions.

Application
The application should include well-documented qualifications. Applicants are responsible for documenting qualifications in a way that allows for an objective and qualitative assessment of candidates, and for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement before the deadline, so that all their skills can be assessed.

 The application should include:

• application letter
• documented CV with the contact details of at least two references
• certificate of course in higher education pedagogy (15 ECTS credits), or account of equivalent qualifications
• copies of certificates and degrees
• descriptive account of teaching and research skills
• descriptive account of your educational philosophy
• account of experience of leadership, administration and cooperation with other actors
• list of publications (indicate your own role in cases of co-authorship)
• a maximum of ten academic publications (indicate your own role in cases of co-authorship)
• a maximum of five works designed to convey knowledge, such as textbooks, educational software, or popular science articles
• brief descriptions of two courses (one at bachelor and the other at master level) through which your specific expertise could contribute to the further development of the subject of religious studies at Karlstad University.

More information is available in the document “Application Guidelines” on our homepage, https://www.kau.se/en/work-us/work/vacancies, where you can also find the university’s regulations for the appointment and promotion of teaching staff and more information on the recruitment process.

Applications are made electronically via the university’s web-based recruitment tool Varbi. Documents and publications should be attached to the electronic application (do not provide links only). Three copies of each document that cannot be submitted electronically, such as books, publications and computer software, should be sent to:

Karlstads universitet
Registrator
651 88 KARLSTAD

State ref. no: REK2019/68

Last day of application: 28 April 2019

We look forward to receiving your application!


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