Assistant Professor in Data-Driven Evolution and Biodiversity

Stockholm University

Application deadline

October 15, 2023



At Stockholm University the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences or the Department of Zoology are looking to fill one position as DDLS fellow in data-driven Evolution and Biodiversity.

Data-driven life science (DDLS) uses data, computational methods and artificial intelligence to study biological systems and processes at all levels, from molecular structures and cellular processes to human health and global ecosystems. The SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) aims to recruit and train the next-generation of data-driven life scientists and to create globally leading computational and data science capabilities in Sweden. The program is funded with a total of 3.1 billion SEK (about 290 MUSD) over 12 years from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg (KAW) Foundation.

The DDLS program will recruit 39 high-profile young group leaders and launch over 210 postdoctoral positions and establish a research school for 260 PhDs, including industry PhDs and postdocs. Fellows will be recruited to the 11 participating host universities/organizations, but brought together under a national DDLS program coordinated by SciLifeLab. The DDLS program has four strategic areas: cell and molecular biology, evolution and biodiversity, precision medicine and diagnostics, epidemiology and biology of infection.


During 2022-2023, the first round of 20 young group leaders joined us as DDLS Fellows, and now we are looking to recruit an additional group of 19 fellows. Each DDLS Fellow will receive a recruitment package of 17 MSEK (about 1.6 MUSD) for a 5-year period, covering their own salary and other resources, such as two PhD students and postdoc positions. The Fellow positions are tenure-track with the host organizations assuming responsibility of the long-term faculty appointments following a tenure evaluation. 

The future of life science is data-driven. Will you be leading that change with us? Then join us in this unique program!

Subject
Data-Driven Evolution and Biodiversity

Subject description
Data driven evolution and biodiversity concerns research that takes advantage of the massive data streams offered by techniques such as high-throughput sequencing of genomes and biomes, continuous recording of video and audio in the wild, high-throughput imaging of biological specimens, and large-scale remote monitoring of organisms or habitats. The subject area concerns research in the general area of evolution and biodiversity with a strong computational profile. This research subject area aims to lead to innovative development and/or application of novel data-driven methods relying on machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other computational techniques.

Main responsibilities
Research and in addition some teaching and supervision.

Qualification requirements
In order to qualify for the position as assistant professor, the applicant must have completed a doctoral degree in Sweden or an equivalent degree from another country. In the first instance, an applicant should be considered who has received such a degree no more than five years before the deadline for applications. However, an applicant who has received such a degree earlier may be considered under special circumstances.

All teaching positions at Stockholm University require the ability to collaborate and the general ability and suitability to perform one’s duties.

Assessment criteria
In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. Teaching skills will also be considered. The assessment of research skills will focus primarily on merits within the subject area of the position.

Terms of employment
For this position, the assistant professor is employed until further notice but no longer than six years. The contract may be extended to a maximum of eight years under special circumstances, such as caused by sick leave or parental leave.
An assistant professor may, on application, be promoted to a permanent position as an associate professor. The Faculty of Science has established specific criteria for promotion from assistant professor to associate professor. An application for promotion to associate professor should be submitted to the faculty at least nine months before the appointment as assistant professor expires. 

The formal employment will, after agreement with the hired candidate, either be at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences or the Department of Zoology. During the first six years, the main workplace for this position will be at the Science for Life Laboratory. Assuming a successful promotion to Associate Professor, the main workplace will thereafter be decided together with the department.

Additional information
This position (in Swedish, “biträdande lektor”) is a tenure track position, and the qualification requirements and terms of employment are regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 2017:844).
The position comes with an attractive recruitment package. During the first five years, the position is funded by a grant from Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation to Stockholm University. Thereafter the position will be funded by the host department.

Female applicants are particularly welcome, as most teachers at the departments are men.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from the Deputy Dean, Professor Lena Mäler, telephone: +46 8 16 24 48, lena.maler@su.se.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact administrator Rahwa Ghebresellase, telephone: +46 8 16 21 27, rahwa.ghebresellase@su.se.

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

We would appreciate it if your application is written in English. Since it will be examined by international experts, English is the working language.

The University’s rules of employment and instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

The criteria for promotion within the Faculty of Science are available at Guidelines – Employment.

You are welcome to apply! 

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

Last updated: 2023-08-08

Content Responsible: Johan Inganni(johan.inganni@scilifelab.se)