Professor of English with a specialisation in English Literature

Description

The Department of Language, Literature and Intercultural Studies (ISLI) is made up of six sections: English, Spanish, Swedish Language, Comparative Literature and Intercultural Studies. The department is characterised by close collaboration among colleagues within and across disciplinary boundaries, efficient decision-making processes and a vibrant research environment involving senior researchers, doctoral students and lecturers. The department offers PhD programmes in Comparative Literature and English, and provides a stimulating work environment for doctoral students enrolled in our own and other PhD programmes.

The discipline of English at Karlstad University is a well-established, intermediate-sized unit, which includes a PhD programme. The academic offering includes courses within all of the teacher education programmes at the university, a Master’s programme, freestanding courses and English for Specific Purposes. The subject offers excellent opportunities for research collaboration both within and across disciplinary boundaries. There is a strong culture of embracing new initiatives in education and research. Teaching includes both on-campus and distance learning courses. Research and the PhD programme in English at Karlstad University specialise in both English literature and linguistics. The subject is active in the Research Group for Culture Studies (KuFo), the Centre for Language and Literature Education (CSL) and the research group Research on Subject-specific Education (ROSE).

Duties

The position includes heading and conducting your own research as well as teaching courses both within the main field of study and the teacher education programmes. One important duty is to lead and develop an academic environment which comprises research, courses and degree programmes related to both English literature, linguistics and subject-specific education. It is also important to deepen the cooperation with other disciplines. You are also expected to be a driving force in course development on all levels. In addition, the position includes administrative duties and management assignments, as well as communication with the wider community.

As a professor, you are expected to collaborate with the wider community for a mutual exchange, as well as work towards ensuring that the knowledge and expertise available at the university is of benefit to society. To contribute to a positive work environment and further the department’s activities, we expect you to be a present and active part of the day-to-day operations and workplace community.

Qualification requirements

To be eligible for the position of professor of English with a specialisation in English Literature, applicants must hold a PhD in English with a specialisation in English Literature or equivalent. Demonstrated research expertise and teaching expertise are also required. Teaching expertise must be well documented in a way that allows for quality assessment.

Pursuant to Karlstad University’s Appointments Procedure, teachers must have the personal qualities required to perform the duties involved, as well as completed training in higher education pedagogy. Candidates who have not completed courses in higher education pedagogy may still be hired, provided that they use the time allotted to continual professional development to complete the required courses within two years of employment, or that they apply for validation of prior learning. For other qualification requirements, please refer to Karlstad University’s Appointments Procedure.

• Appointments Procedure at Karlstad University (pdf)

The position requires proficiency in Swedish and English. A candidate who does not meet the requirement of proficiency in Swedish may still be hired, provided that they can actively acquire these language skills.

Assessment criteria

In the assessment, equal weight will be given to research and teaching expertise.

Special weight will be given to:

• personal qualities such as strong collaboration skills, creative thinking and the ability to take initiative, and
• proven experience and ability to lead a work and study environment for doctoral students, and to conduct strategic development work related to PhD programmes.

Considerable weight will be given to:

• documented and up-to-date ability to attract research funding in competition with others, and
• experience in supervising and teaching doctoral students.

Weight will be given to:

• independent and current research in English literature education.

Valuable qualifications:

• a degree in education, experience in teacher education, or other experience within the education system.

Terms

This is a permanent full-time position. Start date as agreed upon by both parties. In order to contribute to a positive working environment and the development of the department’s activities, you are expected to participate actively in the day-to-day operations and engage with colleagues in the department.

Additional information

Karlstad University places great value on the enriching presence of diverse backgrounds and gender balance in the organisation. We welcome applicants with different cultural backgrounds, gender identities, functional abilities and life experiences.

Application

Submit the application via the University’s web-based recruitment tool, Varbi. For advice on how to draft your application, please refer to the document “What should be included with my application?” Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement, for providing translations of any documents written in a language other than Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or English, and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted by the application deadline. An incomplete application may jeopardise a fair assessment of qualifications.

The application should include:

• CV
• cover letter describing your qualifications and research interests in relation to the duties of the position
• an in-depth account of research experience
• an in-depth account of teaching experience
• certificate to verify completed courses in higher education pedagogy or an account of equivalent skills
• documented and successful experience in supervising doctoral students, including scope
• an account of other relevant experience
• an account of managerial and administrative experience
• plans for future work
• an account of collaborations, international network experience, etc.
• a list of publications (in multi-authored publications, the role of the applicant must be specified)
• language proficiency certificates
• copies of relevant course transcripts, degree certificates, and other certificates
• no more than 10 scientific publications and no more than 5 materials intended to convey knowledge, such as textbooks, computer programs for teaching, or popular science articles
• two references, at least one of which is a current or former supervisor

Attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (do not just provide links). Name each uploaded document to clearly indicate its content. Documents that cannot be submitted electronically, such as books or publications, should be sent in triplicate to the following address:

Karlstads universitet
HR-administratör
651 88 KARLSTAD

Application deadline: 31 October 2025                                

State the ref. no: REK2025/136

We look forward to your application!

Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and firmly declines any contact with advertising or recruitment agencies.