The Crown Princess Victoria Professorship in Biodiversity

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

Professorship in Biodiversity.

The University of Gothenburg hereby announces a unique and prestigious position – the Crown Princess Victoria Professorship in Biodiversity. This professorship is established as part of the University’s long-term commitment to address one of the most pressing 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 the understanding of biodiversity and the consequences of its loss, and to develop innovative strategies for the preservation and sustainable management of biodiversity. The professorship is a strategic investment for the University in its vision to be a University for the World, with a view to enhance the University’s leading role in research related to biodiversity.

University of Gothenburg has strong roots in this subject area, with prominent research environments, interdisciplinary research collaborations, marine and terrestrial field stations, the research vessel Skagerak and established collaborations with Gothenburg Botanical Garden, Universeum and the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Coupled with robust research initiatives in areas such as biodiversity, ecosystem services and marine environments, a powerful platform for world-class research is created. Particular mention is made towards initiatives such as the Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre (GGBC), which provides a platform for collaboration, the profile areas A Healthy Living Planet and UGOT Ocean, and the national strategic research environments BECC and MERGE.

We are now looking for an internationally recognised and well-renowned scientist who wants to engage in leading the move towards a sustainable future, through groundbreaking research in biodiversity including interdisciplinary collaborations, alongside active cooperation with decision-makers and other stakeholders in society – in parallel engaging and inspiring children and young people.

The University will also fund PhD and/or post-doctoral positions and provide strategic seed and network funds linked to relevant environments at the Faculty of Science and Technology, the School of Business, Economics and Law, the Faculty of Social Sciences, and the Faculty of Education. These resources will be coordinated in close cooperation with the holder of the professorship.

Subject area

Biodiversity

Subject area description

Biodiversity is fundamental to both human well-being and the stability and resilience of natural ecosystems. Climate change and other anthropogenic stressors – such as pollution, invasive species, overexploitation and changing land and water use – are threatening global biodiversity on an unprecedented scale. Research that address these challenges, e.g. in areas such as taxonomy, systematics, ecology, evolution and conservation biology, is of particular relevance to this position.

Research on biodiversity is, by its very nature, interdisciplinary, spanning several scientific fields. Systems and integrated perspectives are usually key to understanding complex ecological relationships and developing sustainable solutions to halt biodiversity loss.

As research on biodiversity at the Faculty of Science and Technology is conducted across a wide range of disciplines – such as biology, earth sciences and marine sciences – applicants from diverse scientific backgrounds are welcome, provided they can convincingly contribute to the interdisciplinary focus of the professorship. We welcome applicants with scientific expertise in, for example, one or more of the following areas: biodiversity loss in relation to climate systems and ecosystem functions; resilience of ecological systems to anthropogenic disturbances; and development of integrated solutions for sustainable management and use of natural resources. Research areas include e.g. an evolutionary and ecological understanding of biodiversity; a systems perspective on biodiversity, computational biology, data science and predictive modelling; aquatic and/or terrestrial biotopes.

Duties

The professorship aims to strengthen and deepen research in biodiversity across a broad front, with a particular focus on meeting current and future challenges through innovative, research-based conservation and development initiatives.

The main duties assigned to the Professor of Biodiversity are:

• To conduct high-quality research on biodiversity, investigate threats to biodiversity and identify and develop solutions to halt biodiversity loss, preferably in the form of studies with clear links to specific measures that promote biodiversity, using an interdisciplinary approach.
• To strengthen and further develop the Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre (GGBC).
• To attract external research funding – preferably with an interdisciplinary focus.
• To be an active ambassador for science communication, including children and young people, participate in the development of research-based policies, be engaged in the public debate and the decision-making process both locally and globally.
• To supervise doctoral and post-doctoral students and participate in first and second-cycle education in this field.

Within three years, the holder of the post is expected to have acquired a proficiency in spoken and written Swedish equivalent to at least level B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The University of Gothenburg offers language training as part of the employment.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.

To be eligible for appointment as a professor, other than within in disciplines in the fine, applied or performing arts, the applicant is required to have demonstrated both scientific and teaching expertise.

The ability to teach in English is a requirement.

Assessment criteria

The assessment criteria for employment as a teacher are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance and in the University of Gothenburg’s appointments procedure for the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Scientific expertise will be the main basis for assessment. Scientific expertise refers to both disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary collaboration. Skill in collaborating with the wider community comes next in the assessment hierarchy, followed by teaching, managerial and administrative expertise.

Suitability for the post is essential and includes professional judgment, good interpersonal skills with managers, colleagues, students and external stakeholders, and the ability to contribute to the long-term development of the organization.

Priority will be given to the applicant who, after an overall assessment of these criteria, is deemed to be best placed to fulfil the mission of the professorship and contribute to a creative, inclusive and development-oriented research and education environment.

Employment

The position is a permanent, full-time appointment (100%). The placement of the position will be determined by the professor’s area of expertise and background at one of the following departments: the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, the Department of Earth Sciences or the Department of Marine Sciences. Starting date by agreement.