Academic titles and employment qualifications
Source: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-us/careers-lund-university/working-academic-roles/academic-titles-and-employment-qualifications Parent: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-us/careers-lund-university/working-academic-roles
Here you will find information about all collectively regulated academic positions at Lund University and their requirements. Faculties may also set additional requirements, which are specified in each vacancy announcement.
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- Adjunct teaching staff
- Lecturer
- Teaching staff in an artistic discipline
- Postdoc
- Associate senior Lecturer (Assistant professor)
- Senior lecturer
- Professor
- Visiting professor\
Positions outside of established researcher roles
Adjunct teaching staff
Adjunct positions at Lund University are designed for professionals working outside the higher education sector – for example, in industry, healthcare or the arts – who wish to contribute their expertise through part-time teaching. Where relevant, this may also include research or supervision.
Key conditions outlined in the vacancy announcement
Each vacancy announcement outlines the specific terms and expectations for the role, including:
- Contract scope (percentage of full time)
- Duration of appointment and whether it can be extended
- Qualification requirements and any faculty-specific conditions
- Required documentation.
Appointments are always part-time (maximum 50% of full-time hours). Contract terms vary by position:
- Adjunct professor: may be appointed for up to 12 years in total, across one or more terms.
- Adjunct senior lecturer and adjunct lecturer: typically appointed for up to 2 years at a time, with the possibility of renewal. No maximum overall duration is specified.
These positions are governed by a national agreement on fixed-term adjunct employment (issued by the Swedish Agency for Government Employers – in Swedish).
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Responsibilities and academic citizenship
As an adjunct member of the teaching staff, you will primarily be involved in teaching and helping students connect academic knowledge with practical experience. In some cases, research and supervision may also be part of the role.
If you meet the qualification requirements in research or artistic practice, you may be eligible to participate in university boards or committees, and to take on leadership roles, such as head of department, in line with Lund University's Rules of Procedure.
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Lecturer
The role of lecturer focuses primarily on teaching. A Master's degree (or equivalent) is required, but a doctoral degree is not.
Key conditions outlined in the vacancy announcement
Each vacancy announcement outlines the specific conditions for the position, including:
- Type and duration of employment (fixed-term or indefinite)
- Qualification requirements
- Possibility of promotion to senior lecturer
- Any additional duties or documentation required.
These conditions vary, so it is important to read the announcement closely.
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Responsibilities and academic citizenship
As a lecturer, your main responsibility is teaching. You may also be eligible to take part in university-wide activities and governance, depending on the nature of the appointment and your qualifications.
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Teaching staff in an artistic discipline
This teaching position is for individuals with artistic expertise who wish to contribute to education and, where relevant, to artistic research in their field.
Key conditions outlined in the vacancy announcement
Each vacancy announcement outlines the key conditions for the position, including:
- Contract length and whether renewal is possible
- Required artistic qualifications
- Any additional documentation needed.
These conditions vary, so it is important to read the announcement closely.
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Duration
The position is normally offered for a fixed term of up to five years and may be renewed. However, the total period of employment cannot exceed ten years.
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Responsibilities and academic citizenship
As a qualified teaching staff member in an artistic discipline, you may be eligible to take part in university-wide boards and committees, and to hold positions such as head of department, in line with Lund University's Rules of Procedure.
Your responsibilities may include teaching, artistic development work, and, where relevant, research and supervision.
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Established researcher roles
Postdoc
The postdoctoral research fellow (postdoc) position is a fixed-term, research-focused role designed to support early career development in academia. It is regulated by a central collective agreement and forms an important step in the Swedish academic career pathway.
Key conditions outlined in the vacancy announcement
Each vacancy announcement outlines the specific terms for the position, including:
- Contract length and whether teaching duties are included
- Eligibility window (years since awarded doctoral degree)
- Any documentation required, including explanations for exceptions
- Whether the position is salaried or funded by a scholarship.
These conditions vary, so it is important to read the announcement closely.
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Qualifications and eligibility window
To be eligible for this position, you must hold a doctoral degree or an equivalent qualification from outside Sweden. In most cases, the degree should have been awarded within the past three years from the date of the appointment decision.
If your degree was awarded earlier, you may still be considered if there are special circumstances. These may include:
- Parental leave
- Illness
- Clinical work
- Military service
- Trade union duties
- Other relevant reasons.
If you are applying outside the three-year period, please clearly describe your circumstances in your application.
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Duration and conditions
A postdoc is usually appointed for two to three years of full-time work. The exact duration is stated in the vacancy announcement. The main responsibility is to conduct research, but up to 20% of working hours may include teaching or related duties.
The employment period may be extended if special circumstances apply, such as:
- Parental leave
- Sick leave
- Clinical duties
- Elected union office
- National service
- Other relevant assignments in the subject area.
Please note: Some postdoc positions at Lund University are funded through scholarships. In these cases, the role does not involve formal employment, and you are not covered by the standard employment terms and conditions.
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Responsibilities and academic citizenship
As a postdoc, you are expected to contribute primarily to research, and possibly to teaching. If you meet the qualifications in research or artistic practice, you may also be eligible to take part in university-wide boards or committees, and to hold leadership roles – such as head of department – in line with Lund University's Rules of Procedure.
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Leading researcher roles
Associate senior lecturer (Assistant professor)
This is a career-development position and the first step on the Swedish tenure track, regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance. The role combines teaching and research and is intended to support academic development toward a permanent position.
Key conditions outlined in the vacancy announcement
Each vacancy announcement defines the key conditions for the position, including:
- Contract length
- Eligibility window (years since PhD)
- Possibility of promotion to senior lecturer
- Required documentation and how to request exceptions (for example for parental leave or illness).
These conditions vary, so it is important to read the announcement closely.
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Qualifications and eligibility window
To be eligible for this position, you must hold a doctoral degree or an equivalent qualification from outside Sweden. In most cases, the degree should have been awarded within the past five to seven years from the date of the appointment decision.
If your degree was awarded earlier, you may still be considered if there are special circumstances. These may include:
- Parental leave
- Illness
- Clinical work
- Military service
- Trade union duties
- Other relevant reasons.
If you are applying outside the eligibility window, please clearly describe your circumstances in your application.
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Academic citizenship
As a qualified member of the teaching staff, you may be eligible to participate in university decision-making bodies and to hold certain academic leadership roles, in line with Lund University's Rules of Procedure.
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Senior lecturer
The position requires a doctoral degree (or equivalent research qualifications) and offers opportunities for long-term academic development and participation in the university community.
Some roles may also include clinical duties, particularly within medicine and health sciences.
Key conditions outlined in the vacancy announcement
Each vacancy announcement outlines the specific conditions for the position, including:
- Type and duration of employment (fixed-term or indefinite)
- Qualification requirements (including any alternative criteria for artistic disciplines)
- Possibility of promotion to professor
- Documentation requirements and any role-specific responsibilities.
These conditions vary, so it is important to read the announcement closely.
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Responsibilities and academic citizenship
As a senior lecturer, you are expected to contribute to both teaching and research. You may also be eligible to serve in university-wide decision-making bodies and to take on academic leadership roles, such as head of department, in line with Lund University's Rules of Procedure.
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Professor
A professorship is the highest academic teaching position at Lund University. Professors lead research, supervise doctoral students, and actively contribute to teaching, which is a valued part of the role.
Key conditions outlined in the vacancy announcement
Each vacancy announcement outlines the specific conditions and expectations for the position, including:
- Required qualifications in teaching and research
- Any additional documentation needed as evidence of academic excellence
- Whether the role includes combined clinical employment
- Any role-specific duties or leadership expectations.
These conditions vary, so it is important to read the announcement closely.
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Responsibilities and academic citizenship
As a professor, you are expected to provide research leadership and contribute to the long-term development of your department’s research environment. You will supervise doctoral candidates, contribute to research training, and teach at all levels – from undergraduate to doctoral education.
Policy for Academic Leadership at Lund University (PDF 172 kB, new tab)
Professors may also take part in university-wide boards and committees and are eligible for leadership roles, such as head of department, in line with Lund University’s Rules of Procedure.
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Combined clinical roles
Some professorships may be combined with employment at a healthcare provider associated with medical education and research. If this applies, you must meet the conditions for employment with both Lund University and the healthcare provider.
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Visiting professor
The role of visiting professor is intended for individuals employed at another higher education institution who can contribute specific expertise to Lund University. This is a temporary academic appointment, with a maximum duration of five years.
Key conditions outlined in the vacancy announcement
Each vacancy announcement outlines the specific conditions for the position, including:
- Duration of the appointment
- Areas of expertise sought
- Teaching and research expectations
- Any required documentation.
These conditions vary, so it is important to read the announcement closely.
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Responsibilities and academic citizenship
As a visiting professor, you will contribute through teaching and/or research, depending on the needs of the hosting unit. You may also participate in the university community.
Qualified teaching staff involved in research or artistic practice may be eligible to serve on university-wide boards and committees, and to take on academic leadership roles – such as head of department – in accordance with Lund University's Rules of Procedure.
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We advertise positions in academic, research, doctoral and professional services roles. Most of the job listings published in English don't require knowledge of Swedish.
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Contact information
For questions about the recruitment process or a specific position, please contact the person or people listed in the vacancy announcement.