The University of Gothenburg invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Archaeology with a specialisation in the Nordic Iron Age. This is a five-year, fixed-term, full-time career-development position at the Department of Historical Studies in Gothenburg, Sweden. The successful candidate will work primarily on-site and maintain a physical presence at the Department.
The research focus is the Nordic Iron Age, covering approximately 500 BCE to 1050 CE. The position connects the Department’s research strengths in Stone and Bronze Age archaeology with Medieval History within the Faculty of Humanities. The Department conducts research across History, Archaeology, and Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, alongside teaching in Cultural Heritage Studies.
In addition, the role includes independent research, development of an academic research profile, external funding applications, teaching, supervision, course development and collaboration. The successful candidate will contribute to national and international research networks and engage with museums, the cultural heritage sector and other relevant societal stakeholders.
Applicants should have a doctorate in the subject or equivalent research competence. They should also have a strong research record, relevant teaching experience, and the ability to teach in Swedish or another Scandinavian language and in English.
Position Details
- Position: Assistant Professor in Archaeology, with a specialisation in the Nordic Iron Age
- Official Reference number: PAR 2026/517
- Institution: University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department: Department of Historical Studies
- Research Discipline(s): Archaeology; Nordic Iron Age
- Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
- Job Type: Faculty / Assistant Professor
- Contract Duration: Five years, fixed-term
- Start Date: By agreement
- Working Hours: Full-time (100%)
- Salary: Set individually by the University of Gothenburg.
- Required Qualification: Doctorate in the subject or equivalent research competence
Research Areas
The position covers the following research areas:
- Archaeology
- Nordic Iron Age
- First millennium CE
Eligibility/Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- A doctorate in the subject or equivalent research competence.
- Primary consideration is given to candidates who obtained their doctorate or equivalent competence within seven years of the application deadline for employment as an associate senior lecturer.
- Candidates who obtained their doctorate earlier may also be considered where special grounds apply, such as sick leave, parental leave or other similar circumstances.
- Applicants citing such circumstances should provide details, including the reason, dates and extent of the circumstances, together with relevant supporting documentation or certificates.
- Applicants must be able to teach in Swedish or another Scandinavian language and in English.
- Ability to independently initiate, develop and conduct high-quality research within the subject area.
Experience leading and organising archaeological field courses is considered a merit. Teaching experience relevant to Cultural Heritage Studies is also considered a merit.
Salary and Benefits
The University of Gothenburg sets salaries individually.
The University offers annual leave, a wellness allowance, supplementary parental benefits and an occupational pension scheme. It also offers flexible working arrangements.
Internationally recruited staff receive a contracted relocation package and tax advisory services through Global Mobility support.
Key Responsibilities
The main responsibilities include:
- Conduct and develop research in Archaeology with a specialisation in the Nordic Iron Age.
- Develop an independent research profile, with a primary chronological focus on the first millennium CE.
- Initiate and pursue applications for competitive external research funding.
- Develop national and international research collaborations and networks.
- Teach and supervise at undergraduate and master’s levels and, depending on qualifications and departmental needs, at doctoral level.
- Contribute to course development and engage with museums, the cultural heritage sector and other relevant societal stakeholders.
Application Process
Candidates should submit their applications in English through the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. The application should include the following documents and information:
- CV: Include a complete publication list and details of external research funding, including funding amounts.
- Research plan: Provide a research plan related to the subject area and developed to a level that could support at least one competitive external research-funding application.
- Research qualifications: Submit the five most significant scholarly publications, explain the candidate’s contribution to each co-authored publication, and provide signed statements from all co-authors. For accepted but unpublished publications, include documentation confirming acceptance.
- Research profile: Provide a concise description of research achievements, research profile and future plans, with a maximum length of three pages.
- Scholarly publications: Submit up to 10 significant scholarly publications.
- Teaching qualifications: Describe courses and programmes developed and taught at undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels, including their scope. Include a concise statement of teaching merits and qualifications, with reflection on teaching practice, limited to three pages.
- Teaching documentation: Include certificates of higher education pedagogical training, where applicable, and certificates confirming teaching experience issued by a Head of Department, Director of Studies or equivalent.
- Pedagogical publications: Submit up to three pedagogical writings or publications.
- Teaching materials: Submit up to three relevant teaching materials, such as course syllabi, reading lists, examinations, lecture slides or student instructions.
- Doctoral degree certificate: Provide a copy of the PhD diploma or equivalent documentation.
- Additional documents: Include any other supporting documents relevant to the application or qualifications.
All application documents should be submitted in English because English is the working language of the external reviewers. Non-electronic materials, where applicable, may be submitted by post to the Department of Historical Studies.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 October 2026
- Expected Start Date: By agreement
Eligible candidates should submit their complete application through the official University of Gothenburg recruitment portal.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology academic jobs
- Prehistory research opportunities
- Medieval Studies academic positions
- Cultural Heritage research jobs
- Higher Education positions in Sweden
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the subject area of the position?
The subject area is Archaeology with a specialisation in the Nordic Iron Age, approximately 500 BCE to 1050 CE.
Where is the position based?
The successful candidate will work at the Department of Historical Studies, University of Gothenburg, in Gothenburg, Sweden.
What qualification is required?
Applicants must have a doctorate in the subject or equivalent research competence.
What teaching experience is relevant?
Relevant experience includes teaching and supervision at undergraduate, master’s and/or doctoral level.
Which languages are required for teaching?
The ability to teach in Swedish or another Scandinavian language and English is required.
How long is the appointment?
The appointment is for five years on a full-time, fixed-term basis. It may be extended by up to two years where additional time is required because of specified circumstances.
Institutional Overview
The University of Gothenburg is located in Gothenburg, Sweden, and provides education and research across a broad range of academic disciplines. The Department of Historical Studies belongs to the Faculty of Humanities and brings together History, Archaeology, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. The Department also offers undergraduate education in Cultural Heritage Studies. More than 730 full-time students study within its educational activities, while researchers work across individual disciplines and interdisciplinary projects. The Department employs nearly 100 researchers, teachers, doctoral students and support staff. In addition, its research environment supports national and international collaboration and benefits from its central location in Gothenburg.
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