Postdoctoral Fellow in Social Work

Göteborgs universitet möter samhällets utmaningar med mångsidig kunskap. 56 000 studenter och 6 600 medarbetare gör universitetet till en stor och inspirerande arbetsplats. Stark forskning och attraktiva utbildningar lockar forskare och studenter från hela världen. Med ny kunskap och nya perspektiv bidrar Göteborgs universitet till en bättre framtid.

The Department of Social Work is located at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gothenburg. In an expansive and dynamic educational and research environment, and with a strong commitment to society, we offer social work programmes as well as a comprehensive master's programme, psychotherapy programmes with a focus on the family, and education at the doctoral level. The department has extensive international contacts and collaborations through various networks and agreements with universities around the world. The department conducts research in social work within the framework of several profile areas.

Subject area 

Social work.

Subject area description 

Social work involves the study of the living conditions and experiences of socially vulnerable people. Central to the subject of social work is also the study of the causes and consequences of social problems as they can be understood at the individual, group and societal levels. It is also important to study how different interventions are designed to prevent or remedy social problems. Social work is the main subject at undergraduate, advanced and doctoral level.

Duties 

As a postdoctoral researcher, the tasks mainly consist of own research, which covers 80% of the employment. The research must have a clear focus on social work with a focus on social services practice and client-oriented research. Teaching of 20% in social work at various levels is also included in the position. Teaching also includes course responsibility, examination, supervision and course administration. Postdocs are expected to contribute to the department's research environment and actively participate in seminar activities. The applicant must have good teaching and communication skills in Swedish and/or English.

Eligibility 

Eligibility for appointment as a postdoctoral fellow is limited to those who have completed a doctoral degree in social work or another related subject (e.g. sociology, pedagogy, political science or economics). This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made. 

In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.  

Assessment criteria 

The post requires experience in social work research with a focus on social services practice and client-centred work.

In the selection of qualified applicants, particular attention will be paid to scientific expertise in the field. In view of the merit-based nature of the post, the scientific and teaching merits of applicants shall be assessed primarily in qualitative terms. Thus, the number of scientific publications or the number of teaching qualifications due to a longer period of activity shall not be decisive.

Research expertise

For employment as a postdoctoral researcher, scientific competence must have been demonstrated through own research with a high degree of problem formulation ability, theoretical and methodological awareness and analytical skills. Emphasis will be placed on the quality of the research plan and that the planned project can be related to the department's research environment (information about the department's research can be found at https://www.gu.se/socialtarbete/var-forskning)

Teaching expertise

Pedagogical excellence in terms of training and teaching qualifications should be well documented so that quality can be assessed. In the first instance, pedagogical quality will be taken into account, but scope, both breadth and depth, will also be considered. It is also an advantage to have completed a higher education pedagogical programme.

Additional skills

Administrative and other skills are relevant to the position. Administrative skills are demonstrated by the ability to plan, organise and prioritise research work in an efficient and appropriate manner. Furthermore, importance will be attached to the ability to collaborate both within science and with the surrounding society. In addition, importance will be attached to the applicant's potential to contribute to the future development of both research and education at the department. The merits must be documented so that both quality and scope can be assessed.

A weighing of the assessment criteria shall take place and the university will in this recruitment primarily consider the person who, after an overall assessment of competence and skill, is judged to have the best prerequisites for carrying out the relevant tasks and contributing to a positive development of research and teaching at the Department of Social Work.

Employment 

Form of employment: Fixed-term employment, three years

Rate of employment: 100 % 

Location: Department of Social Work, University of Gothenburg  

Start date: As soon as possible 

Selection process 

The recruitment process may include trial lectures, interviews and contacting referees. The decision on the appointment will be made on the basis of interviews in which the applicants will be given the opportunity to describe and elaborate on the research they plan to carry out during the term of the appointment, and on their views on teaching and research in social work. 

If you intend to apply, you should refer to the Appointment procedure for teachers at the University of Gothenburg – Local Application at the Faculty of Social Sciences GU 2019/843 (GU 2020/415). It is available here 

Contact information 

Therése Wissö, Assistant Head of Department 

therese.wisso@socwork.gu.se 

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande 

Application 

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.  

Please attach the following to your application: 

Personal letter
CV
Research plan for three years of work (maximum four pages excluding references).
List of publications cited
Maximum of 10 educational or scientific publications

You yourself are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete as described in the job advertisement and instructions and that the University receives your application no later than on the last date for applications. The qualifications and achievements cited must be verified by certificates or testimonials. 

For publications that cannot be attached to the application digitally, please send hard copies to: 

University of Gothenburg 

Department of Social Work 

Attn: Anna Wettler 

Box 720 

SE-405 30 GÖTEBORG
Sweden 

Please state reference number PAR 2024/870 on the envelope.

Applications must be received by: 2025-02-20

Information for International Applicants 

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: 

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services 
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ 

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