UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a multi-campus comprehensive university at the international forefront. Our vision is to be a driving force for developing the High North. The Northern Sami notion eallju, which means eagerness to work, sets the tone for this motive power at UiT. Along with students, staff and the wider community, we aim to utilise our location in Northern Norway and Sápmi, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio and interdisciplinary advantage to shape the future.

Our social mission is to provide research-based education of high quality, perform artistic development and carry out research of the highest international quality standards in the entire range from basic to applied. We will convey knowledge about disciplines and contribute to innovation. Our social mission unites UiT across various studies, research fields and large geographical distances. This demands good cooperation with trade and industry and civil society as well as with international partners. We will strengthen knowledge-based and sustainable development at a regional, national and international level.

Academic freedom and scientific and ethical principles form the basis for all UiT’s activities. Participation, co-determination, transparency and good processes will provide the decision-making basis we need to make wise and far-sighted priorities. Our students and staff will have the opportunity to develop their abilities and potential. Founded on academic integrity, we will be courageous, committed and generous in close contact with disciplines, people and contemporary developments.

We will demonstrate adaptability and seek good and purposeful utilisation of resources, so we are ready to meet the expectations and opportunities of the future. We will strengthen the quality and impact of our disciplines and core tasks through the following three strategic priority areas.

Faculty of Science and Technology

 The position

A permanent position as Professor/Associate Professor in Biological Chemistry is available at the Department of Chemistry. 

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher to strengthen and modernize the Chemistry Department’s established focus on biological chemistry. The position aligns with our commitment to sustainability in science and addresses critical research priorities as outlined by the EU and the Norwegian government. It offers excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration both locally and internationally. Tromsø serves a major hub in northern Norway’s unique polar and marine environment where it fosters basic, applied, and commercialization research. 

The successful candidate will join the Biological Chemistry and Bioinformatics (BCB) group of the Chemistry Department (IK) located at the Tromsø campus. IK is one of six departments of the Faculty of Science and Technology and currently offers degrees at the Bachelor’s, Master’s-, and PhD-levels. Advanced core facilities and research infrastructure available to researchers include mass spectrometry, HPLC/UPLC, NMR, peptide synthesis and computational chemistry. The BCB group core facilities include X-ray crystallography, bacterial expression, protein purification, biophysical thermodynamic and kinetic characterization, in combination with biomolecular modeling and bioinformatics. It includes the Norwegian Center for Structural Biology (NorStruct) and the Tromsø node of Elixir, a distributed infrastructure for life-science information storage, management, and analysis. The group and facilities are located in a research park adjacent to the university campus.

The workplace is at UiT in Tromsø. You must be able to start in the position in Tromsø within a reasonable time, within 6 months after receiving the offer.

The position’s field of research or work

The position combines teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. 

The successful candidate will pursue an internationally competitive research program in modern areas of biological chemistry as described above, fostering connections with regional and international networks, including links to the private sector. We expect the position holder to write successful grant applications (especially RCN/EU) and secure substantial external funding to support research and educational activities.

The position holder will contribute to developing the department’s teaching portfolio, teach biological chemistry relevant undergraduate and graduate courses, supervise students at all levels, and disseminate research and university activities to a broader set of public audiences. A strong commitment to the department’s standards for teaching quality, recruitment, and public outreach activities is expected. 

You must engage energetically in the ongoing development of the discipline and contribute to the university as a whole.

It is expected that the participant will participate in research group collaboration and professional networks nationally and internationally, as well as in disseminating research to a wider public.

The candidate is expected to contribute to secure additional funding through national or international grants and ensure additional long-term financing for the group’s activities.

We expect associate professor candidates to aim to achieve full professorship

Contact

Further information about the position and UiT is available by contacting 

• Professor Richard A. Engh, Department of Chemistry; email: Richard.Engh@uit.no 
• Professor Peik Haugen; Department of Chemistry (head); email: Peik.Haugen@uit.no

Qualifications

The ideal applicant will have broad interdisciplinary experience in biological chemistry research areas including but not strictly limited to structural biology, enzymology, functional genomics, and synthetic biology. Interdisciplinary approaches that integrate recent methodological advances are particularly welcome. Research areas that may be linked to applied biotechnology research areas such as enzyme engineering, drug discovery, and bioprocess engineering, are also of interest. Connections to the unique environment and resources of northern Norway are encouraged. The research should meet high international standards and ideally synergize departmental activities, which include drug design relevant enzyme studies, DNA and RNA modulation, sustainable microbial conversion processes, and bacterial genomics.

Minimum Qualification requirements for the position as Professor:

• Academic level conforming to established international or national standards for position of Professor in Biological Chemistry. 
  • A Norwegian doctoral degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related field, or an equivalent doctoral degree recognized as comparable to a Norwegian doctoral degree, or competence at a corresponding level documented by academic work of the same scope and quality. 
  • Substantial contributions to research or artistic development work at the highest level, in accordance with international or national standards within the field. 
• Be able to execute independent original research in the field of biological chemistry at high international standard as demonstrated by a solid scientific track record with publications in peer-reviewed journals, a research statement describing previous and ongoing research and an outline of a proposal for future research.
• Document experience in project management and the ability to attract external funding.
• You must be fluent in oral and written English. Possess excellent verbal and written English communication skills. 
• The position requires proficiency in a Scandinavian language equivalent to level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). New employees who do not fulfill the language criteria by appointment are required, within three years, to learn Norwegian and pass the language exam level B2 (“Bergenstesten” or equivalent. Arrangements will be made to facilitate the completion of Norwegian courses.
• Documented pedagogical competence 

In addition to documented pedagogical competence you must document: 

• Development of the quality of one's own teaching and supervision over time, and 
• Broad supervision experience, preferably at master's/PhD level, and 
• Participation in the development of educational quality in academic communities

To be awarded a professorship, you must document substantially more extensive research of high quality than that required to be awarded a doctorate degree. You must document academic activity at a high level over the previous six years, and that this points forwards towards continued activity at professorial level. 

In addition to the above, high qualifications must be documented within the following areas: 

• Academic management experience
• Network and collaboration 
• External funding International profile 
• Administrative experience
• Dissemination/outreach 

UiT follows national guidelines for professorial promotion within Mathematics, Science and Technology disciplines, decided by the National Faculty Meeting of Mathematics, Science and Technology, when evaluating candidates for professorships. 

You can find the guidelines here 

Minimum Qualification requirements for the position as Associate Professor : 

• A Norwegian doctoral degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or a closely related field, or an equivalent doctoral degree recognized as comparable to a Norwegian doctoral degree, or competence at a corresponding level documented by academic work of the same scope and quality. 
• Be able to execute independent original research in the field of biological chemistry at high international standard as demonstrated by a solid scientific track record with publications in peer-reviewed journals, a research statement describing previous and ongoing research and an outline of a proposal for future research.
• Document experience in project management and the ability to attract external funding.
• You must be fluent in oral and written English. Possess excellent verbal and written English communication skills. 
• The position requires proficiency in a Scandinavian language equivalent to level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). New employees who do not fulfill the language criteria by appointment is required, within three years, to learn Norwegian and pass the language exam level B2 (“Bergenstesten” or equivalent). Arrangements will be made to facilitate the completion of Norwegian courses.
• Documented pedagogical competence (see section below). 

Qualifications as an advantages for both positions:

• Documented mobility, participation in international research networks, and experience with outreach activities are advantageous
• You should document your ability to obtain external funding from relevant sources and be able to initiate and lead research at a high international level

Documented external funding, experience with research leadership and relevant collaboration for innovation activities will be rated positively for the Associate Professor position and will be an important aspect for the Full Professor position.

We will emphasize the applicants motivation for the position and personal suitability.

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Good collaboration skills
• Abilities for good communication and interaction with colleagues and students
• Abilities and desires to contribute to a good working environment

The assessment will emphasize scientific excellence, future potential, motivation, personal suitability, communication skills, and collaboration potential.

At UiT we put emphasis on the quality, relevance and significance of the research work and not on where the work is published, in accordance with the principles of The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA).

UiT wishes to increase the proportion of females in academic positions. In cases where two or more applicants are found to be equally qualified, female applicants will be given priority.

Pedagogical basic competence

All applicants for teaching and research positions shall document their pedagogical competence.

You must have acquired basic competence for teaching and supervision at higher education level. This includes basic skills in planning, conducting, evaluating and developing teaching and guidance.

Documentation requirement

a) Applicants who have completed education or courses designed to provide teaching competence for teaching at universities and colleges, equivalent to a minimum of 200 hours, must attach diploma and curriculum for the completed course. 

b) Other applicants shall describe, assess and document their competence as a teacher and supervisor. The skills must be documented in the form of a teaching portfolio. 

For professor positions, experience with teaching and supervision in higher education corresponding to three years in a full-time position is required.

For professor positions, the teaching competence can be developed and documented through a combination of courses and teaching portfolio. 

Applicants for professor positions shall also document that the supplementary criteria are satisfied:

• Description of and reflection over your work involving development of your teaching and supervision. This should be documented with specific examples that demonstrate development over time, as well as a description of and reflection over the process and result
• Description of experience with supervision at master's and PhD level. In addition to describing the scope of the supervision, you shall also summarize your supervision experience and point to possible development areas
• Description of and reflection over your own leadership, participation and role in development of the educational quality in the academic community

If the pedagogical competence can be acquired within two years of appointment, applicants shall not be ranked based on pedagogical competence.

Those who do not satisfy the requirements may be appointed on a permanent basis on the condition that they satisfy the requirements within two years of appointment. 

For information about basic pedagogical competence and teaching portfolio, see here. (Only in Norwegian) 

We offer

• LA start-up package. 
• A stimulating and cooperative working environment. 
• Mentorship and administrative support. 
• Support on applications for externally funded research projects.
• Opportunity of R&D sabbatical leave 
• Good welfare arrangements for employees
• Good arrangements for pension, insurance and loans in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• If you have to relocate to Tromsø then the Faculty of Science and Technology may reimburse your moving costs. Further details regarding this matter will be made available if you receive an offer from us.

Norwegian health policy aims to ensure that everyone, irrespective of their personal finances and where they live, has access to good health and care services of equal standard. As an employee you will become member of the National Insurance Scheme which also include health care services.

Work- and salary conditions 

The successful candidate must be willing to get involved in the ongoing development of their department and the university as a whole.

The allocation of working hours is flexible and allocated on a case-by-case basis. In general, Professor/Associate Professors will spend an equal amount of time on teaching and research and development work after time spent on other duties has been deducted. As a norm, the time resources spent on administrative duties constitutes 5 % for academic staff. 

The remuneration for Professor is in accordance with the State salary scale code 1013. The remuneration for Associate Professor is in accordance with the State salary scale code 1011. 

As a state employee, you have one of the best pension schemes available. For more information see: spk.no.

Inclusion and diversity

UiT The Arctic University in Norway is working actively to promote equality, gender balance and diversity among employees and students, and to create an inclusive and safe working environment.

We believe that inclusion and diversity is a strength and we want employees with different competencies, professional experience, life experience and perspectives.

If you have a disability, a gap in your CV or immigrant background, we encourage you to tick the box for this in your application.

If there are qualified applicants, we invite least one in each group for an interview. If you get the job, we will adapt the working conditions if you need it.

Apart from selecting the right candidates, we will only use the information for anonymous statistics.

Application

The application must include: 

• Cover letter including a short description of interests and reasons for applying for the position
• CV containing a complete overview of education, supervised professional training, experience and professional work 
• Diplomas, diploma supplements and transcripts (all degrees, in original language and translated) 
• Letter(s) of recommendation if applicable
• Two professional references to provide letters of recommendation, along with contact details 
• Any additional letters of recommendation (optional)
• A list of your academic production/publications, up to ten ranked according to the importance of the scientific results 
• Description of your academic production, stating which works you consider most important 
• Academic works, up to ten. The doctoral thesis is regarded as one work. 
• A research statement summarizing the academic production, and its importance.
• An outline of a proposal for future research
• A short description of a potential optional course in her/his field of expertise that could complement the MSc course portfolio of the department
• Documented pedagogical competence 
• Documentation of English proficiency.
  • Proficiency in the English language can be documented in the following ways: 
    • Diploma from a Norwegian upper secondary school with both spoken and written English (140 hours) 
    • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 
    • IELTS (International English Testing Service) 
    • Completed university degree in the field of English language or literature 
    • One year of completed university studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or USA, for which English was the language of instructions. 

Documentation has to be in English or a Scandinavian language. The application and submitted documents must be sent electronically via www.jobbnorge.no 

Assessment

The applicants will be assessed by an expert committee. The committee's mandate is to undertake an assessment of the applicants' qualifications on the basis of the written material presented by the applicants, and the detailed description draw up for the position.

The main emphasis will be on the submitted scientific work and the potential for excellence in research. Supervision and project management, popularization/ dissemination of research, your experience in obtaining external research grants, and policy and administration work are part of this evaluation. Teaching qualifications will be considered as described above. 

UiT makes a comprehensive assessment of: 

• Scientific qualifications 
• Educational qualifications 
• Academic management experience 
• Network and collaboration 
• External funding 
• International profile 
• Administrative experience 
• Dissemination/outreach 
• Motivation for the position and personal suitability

The applicants who are assessed as best qualified will be called to an interview. The interview shall among other things, aim to clarify the applicants personal suitability for the position and motivations. A trial lecture may also be held.

General information

The appointment is made in accordance with State regulations and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment.

After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

More information about moving to Norway and working at UiT.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

In case of discrepancies between the Norwegian and the English version of this description, the Norwegian version takes precedence. 

Apply for position