The University of Gothenburg in Sweden invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Archaeology position focused on the Nordic Iron Age. The position is based in the Department of Historical Studies within the Faculty of Humanities.
The successful candidate will research the Nordic Iron Age, focusing mainly on the first millennium CE. The role also involves working with researchers in Bronze Age archaeology and Medieval studies.
The university offers a five-year, full-time position with a starting date to be agreed. Duties include conducting research, teaching and supervising students, developing courses, applying for external research funding and working with museums and cultural heritage organisations.
Applicants must hold a doctorate in the relevant subject area or have equivalent research experience. They must also be able to teach in Swedish or another Scandinavian language and in English.
Position Details
- Position: Assistant Professor in Archaeology
- Institution: University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department: Department of Historical Studies
- Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
- Reference Number: PAR 2026/517
- Research Focus: Nordic Iron Age archaeology
- Contract: Five years, full-time
- Start Date: By agreement
- Application Deadline: 30 October 2026
- Qualification: Doctorate in the relevant subject area or equivalent research competence
Research Areas
- Nordic Iron Age archaeology
- Archaeology of the first millennium CE
- Bronze Age archaeology
- Medieval studies
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the university’s eligibility requirements for appointment as an Assistant Professor.
- A doctorate in a relevant subject or equivalent research competence.
- A doctorate awarded within the past seven years, with exceptions for documented special circumstances such as sick leave or parental leave.
- Ability to conduct high-quality, independent research.
- Scholarly publications demonstrating research quality and originality.
- Ability to teach in English and Swedish or another Scandinavian language.
- Teaching and supervision experience at undergraduate, master’s or doctoral level.
- National and international research collaborations.
- Ability to secure competitive external research funding is an advantage.
- Skills in organising archaeological field courses are an advantage.
- Academic experience outside Sweden is a strong asset.
- Collaborative, administrative and academic leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct and develop independent research in Nordic Iron Age archaeology.
- Establish a distinct research profile and seek external research funding.
- Participate in national and international research collaborations.
- Develop courses and contribute to the department’s research environment.
- Teach and supervise students at undergraduate and master’s levels and, depending on qualifications and departmental needs, at doctoral level.
- Teach chronological and thematic archaeology courses in Swedish and English.
- Collaborate with museums, cultural heritage organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
- Contribute to departmental administration and shared academic responsibilities.
- Communicate research findings to wider audiences.
The position is primarily on-site at the Department of Historical Studies in Gothenburg.
Salary and Benefits
The university sets salaries individually; the vacancy does not specify a salary range.
Benefits and career-development provisions stated in the advertisement include:
- A five-year appointment designed to develop research independence and strengthen academic and pedagogical qualifications.
- The possibility of promotion to a permanent Senior Lecturer position, subject to eligibility and a successful assessment.
- Relocation support and tax advisory services for internationally recruited staff.
- Flexible working arrangements and annual leave.
- A wellness allowance, supplementary parental benefits and an occupational pension scheme.
- Opportunities to undertake mandatory higher education teaching training if the appointee lacks formal training in academic teaching.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 October 2026
- Start Date: By agreement
Application Process
Submit your application in English through the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. External assessors will review applications, and the selection process may include interviews, trial lectures and reference checks.
Review the required documents below and submit your complete application before the deadline.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents in English:
- CV: Include a complete publication list and details of external research funding secured, including amounts awarded.
- Research plan: Outline a research programme suitable for at least one competitive external funding application.
- Research qualifications: List five key publications, explain contributions to co-authored work with signed co-author statements, provide acceptance confirmations for unpublished work, and summarise research achievements and plans in no more than three pages.
- Publications: Electronic copies of up to ten significant scholarly publications.
- Teaching qualifications: Describe teaching and course development experience, including a teaching merits statement of up to three pages, relevant training certificates, verified teaching experience and up to three pedagogical publications.
- Teaching materials: Up to three examples, such as syllabi, reading lists or lecture slides.
- Doctoral degree certificate and any additional supporting documents.
Applicants should verify the specific vacancy and its application instructions on the university’s website before submitting their documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What research experience is preferred for this Assistant Professor position?
The university values independent research, scholarly publications and research collaborations. Experience securing external funding and organising archaeological field courses is also an advantage.
What teaching experience should applicants demonstrate?
Applicants should describe their experience developing courses, teaching and supervising students at undergraduate, master’s or doctoral level, where applicable.
What should the research plan cover?
The research plan should focus on the advertised research area and be developed to a level suitable for at least one competitive external research funding application.
Will the appointee collaborate with museums and cultural heritage organisations?
Yes. The role includes collaboration with museums, cultural heritage organisations and researchers working in related fields.
Is international academic experience an advantage?
Yes. The university considers experience at academic institutions outside Sweden a strong asset. Applicants must also meet the stated eligibility and language requirements.
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