Professor of Biological Sciences

University of Gothenburg

University of Gothenburg

Reference number: PAR 2025/518

Application deadline: 28 November 2025

Location: Gothenburg, Sweden

Employment type: Permanent, full-time (100%)

About the University

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge and innovation. With 56,000 students and 6,600 employees, it is a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research environments and attractive study programmes attract scholars and students from around the world. With new knowledge and perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

About the Professorship

The Crown Princess Victoria Professorship in Biodiversity is a unique and prestigious position, established as part of the University’s long-term commitment to addressing one of the most urgent global challenges of our time.

Through a cooperation agreement between the University and Honorary Doctor Carl Bennet, the professorship is dedicated to H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria on the occasion of her 50th birthday in 2027.

The aim of the professorship is to strengthen and deepen understanding of biodiversity and the consequences of its loss, and to develop innovative strategies for the preservation and sustainable management of biodiversity.

This professorship represents a strategic investment in the University’s vision to be a University for the World, enhancing Gothenburg’s leading role in biodiversity research.

Research Environment

The University of Gothenburg has a strong tradition of excellence in biodiversity, ecosystem services, and marine sciences, with established interdisciplinary collaborations and field research facilities.

Key assets include:

• The Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre (GGBC)
• The research vessel Skagerak
• Collaborations with Gothenburg Botanical Garden, Universeum, and the Swedish Museum of Natural History
• National strategic research environments such as BECC and MERGE
• The profile areas A Healthy Living Planet and UGOT Ocean

Subject Area

Biodiversity

Subject Description

Biodiversity underpins human well-being and the resilience of ecosystems. Yet, it faces growing threats from climate change, pollution, invasive species, overexploitation, and land and water use changes.

Relevant fields include:

• Taxonomy, systematics, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology
• Interdisciplinary research integrating ecological, social, and computational perspectives
• Areas such as biodiversity loss and climate systems, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable natural resource management

Applicants from diverse scientific backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly those who can contribute to the interdisciplinary focus of the professorship.

Duties

The appointed professor will:

• Conduct world-class research on biodiversity, focusing on threats and innovative, interdisciplinary solutions.
• Strengthen and further develop the Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre (GGBC).
• Attract external research funding, ideally for interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Serve as an ambassador for science communication, including outreach to children and young people.
• Engage with policymakers, participate in public debates, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making locally and globally.
• Supervise PhD and postdoctoral researchers and contribute to education at all levels.

Within three years, the holder is expected to achieve Swedish language proficiency at level B2 (CEFR). The University offers Swedish language training.

Eligibility

Eligibility is determined according to Chapter 4 of the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance and the University of Gothenburg’s Appointment Procedure.

To qualify for appointment as a Professor (except in fine, applied or performing arts), applicants must demonstrate both scientific and teaching expertise.

The ability to teach in English is required.

Assessment Criteria

Evaluation follows the Higher Education Ordinance and the University’s Appointments Procedure for the Faculty of Science and Technology.

• Primary criterion: Scientific excellence — both disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary breadth.
• Secondary criterion: Ability to collaborate with society and stakeholders.
• Additional criteria: Teaching, leadership, and administrative skills.

Personal suitability is essential, including:

• Sound professional judgment
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaboration capacity
• Ability to contribute to the long-term development of the research and educational environment

Priority will be given to the candidate who, after a holistic assessment, best fulfills the mission of the professorship and contributes to a creative, inclusive, and forward-looking academic environment.

Employment

• Type: Permanent, full-time (100%)
• Placement: Determined by research profile — may be at
• Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
• Department of Earth Sciences
• Department of Marine Sciences
• Start date: By agreement

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal (click “Apply” on the announcement page).

Your application must be written in English and include the following:

1. CV/Résumé
2. Certified copies of diplomas, certificates, and relevant documents
3. Statement of intent and research plan (max. 2 pages)
4. Scientific qualifications, including:

• Complete publication list
• Up to 10 selected publications, with explanations and your contribution to each
• Brief account of your research and interdisciplinary experience

1. Evidence of societal collaboration (up to 5 examples)
2. Statement of teaching qualifications, including:

• Documentation of teacher training
• Teaching summary (max. 1 page)
• Educational reflection (max. 1 page)

1. Statement of leadership experience
2. Statement of administrative experience

Documents that cannot be uploaded digitally must be clearly marked with the reference number PAR 2025/518 and sent to:

Göteborgs universitet

Fakultetskansliet för naturvetenskap och teknik

Box 466

405 30 Göteborg, Sweden

Application deadline: 28 November 2025

Contact Information

Scientific contacts:

• Dr. Åsa Arrhenius – Head, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
• asa.arrhenius@gu.se
• Professor Hans Linderholm – Head, Department of Earth Sciences
• hans.linderholm@gu.se
• Professor Stefan Hulth – Head, Department of Marine Sciences
• stefan.hulth@gu.se
• Professor Göran Hilmersson – Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology
• goran.hilmersson@gu.se

Recruitment process:

• Secretary, Academic Appointments Board
• academic-appointments@science.gu.se

Additional Information

• Applications are public documents under Swedish law.
• International applicants can find relocation and onboarding information at:
• Welcome Services – University of Gothenburg
• Move to Gothenburg
• The University actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Salaries are set individually.
• Application materials are archived for two years after the position is filled.

The University declines contact with external recruitment or advertising agencies.