Associate Senior Lecturer in Biology, specializing in Precision Toxicology

Ref no: ORU 2.1.1-04556/2025

We are looking for an Associate Senior Lecturer in Biology, specializing in Precision Toxicology, for a fixed-term position of 4-6 years at the School of Science and Technology.

The subject area for this position is Biology.

Örebro University invites applications for the position of Associate Senior Lecturer in Precision Toxicology. The position is based at the Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, in close collaboration with the Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC).

Precision Toxicology is a rapidly advancing, interdisciplinary field at the intersection of toxicology, biomedicine, exposomics, high-throughput screening, and computational science. It aims to develop mechanistic understanding of how environmental pollutants affect human health, with a strong emphasis on interindividual variability, and with high relevance for both regulatory applications and real-world exposure scenarios. At the core of this position is the application of high-content imaging (HCI) and mechanistic toxicology tools to identify and quantify cellular perturbations underlying health impacts caused by chemical and particle exposures—an area of strategic importance for both MTM and iRiSC.

The successful candidate will contribute to national and international research programs such as PARC, NanoSafety2, OneBlue, and EIRENE while engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, regulatory agencies, and industrial partners.

This is a four-year, full-time position with 70 % dedicated to research and 30 % to teaching.

The research focus will be on advancing mechanistic understanding of toxicological effects using high-content imaging tools integrated with multiparametric analysis of cellular responses. The Associate Senior Lecturer is expected to build a strong and independent research program in Precision Toxicology, integrating high-content imaging with gene-reporter bioassays, multi-omics techniques, immunology, and systems toxicology. The position includes a clear expectation to attract national and international external funding as a main applicant and to establish and lead a dedicated research group in Precision Toxicology at Örebro University.

The Associate Senior Lecturer will also lead and participate in interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaborations, including contributions to international research infrastructures or EU-funded consortia, and applied toxicology studies with industrial and healthcare partners. The candidate will supervise bachelor, master, and PhD students, contribute to and lead collaborative grant applications, and engage actively in stakeholder dialogues, regulatory science contexts, and knowledge exchange with end users.

Teaching responsibilities include the development and delivery of courses in biology, toxicology, environmental science, and biomedicine. The candidate will integrate advanced methodologies—including high-content imaging and mechanism-based toxicology—into teaching and training at all levels.

During your period of employment as an Associate Senior Lecturer, you are to develop your autonomy as a researcher and acquire further qualifications in terms of both research and teaching skills to meet the criteria for a position as a Senior Lecturer.

Those qualified for the appointment as an Associate Senior Lecturer are applicants who have been awarded a doctoral degree in a subject area relevant for the position or have corresponding research competence. Preference should be given to those who were awarded a doctoral degree or attained equivalent research competence no more than seven years prior to the application deadline. If special grounds exist, a person who has been awarded their doctoral degree prior to that should also be considered. Such grounds comprise leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, or other similar circumstances.

When appointing an Associate Senior Lecturer, the applicant’s research as well as teaching expertise will be assessed. The assessment is also to consider the applicant’s qualifications and experience from collaboration with the wider community, of which the university is a part, as well as national and international experience and mobility. The applicant is expected to have the ability to communicate, to collaborate with the surrounding community, and to contribute to utilizing the university’s research for the benefit of society. In addition, the applicant’s capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration, ability to engage with external stakeholders in a meaningful and impactful way, and suitability for the position will be assessed.

Research expertise

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in biology, toxicology, or a closely related discipline. They must have substantial research experience in one or more of the following areas: high-content imaging, cell and molecular toxicology, in vitro and mechanistic toxicology, or high-throughput screening. We are particularly seeking candidates with a strong interdisciplinary research profile, capable of integrating toxicology with high-content imaging, multiparametric data analysis, exposomics, or systems toxicology. Experience in applying such methods within the context of environmental or occupational health will be highly valued. A strong publication record, an emerging or established research agenda, aligned with the position’s thematic focus, evidence of independent project leadership, and a proven ability to attract external funding are advantageous. Experience in regulatory science, collaborative grant writing (e.g., in the context of Horizon Europe or similar frameworks), applied research, or standardization efforts will be regarded as strong assets.

A central criterion is the candidate’s ability and ambition to establish a research group in Precision Toxicology and to build a strong academic presence within the field at Örebro University.

Teaching expertise

At Örebro University, teaching expertise is assessed in the categories teaching approach, teaching approach in practice, and professional development as a teacher. Applicants’ teaching qualifications shall be documented in accordance with Örebro University’s template for teaching portfolios  and clearly relate to Örebro University’s educational philosophy . The fact that applicants who have recently obtained their doctoral degree may only be able to demonstrate limited teaching expertise should be particularly considered in the assessment.

Teaching qualifications will be assessed based on pedagogical experience, course development, and the ability to integrate research into education. The candidate should be capable of providing research-based instruction and engaging students in interdisciplinary thinking and hands-on learning. Teaching experience, including course development and student supervision, is desirable.

Collaboration and public engagement skills

The ability to interact with the surrounding society is an important part of a university teacher’s role and it requires a good understanding of various societal processes and the impact of university activities on these. Assessment of collaboration and public engagement skills looks at three aspects: the ability to communicate, the ability to collaborate with the surrounding society, and the ability to facilitate utilization of the university’s research.

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement are equally important. The successful candidate must demonstrate a track record of working with external partners in healthcare, industry, or government, including co-development of research projects, stakeholder interaction, and application of research outcomes in real-world contexts. The role requires the ability to act as a translator between science and society, bringing advanced toxicological methods into regulatory, clinical, or industrial practice. The applicant must demonstrate proven ability to contribute to joint research efforts, knowledge transfer, and stakeholder-driven innovation.

Leadership skills

In assessing leadership and administrative skills, particular consideration should be given to leadership qualifications within education and research, such as contributions to development work. Depending on the specialization and duties of the appointment, qualifications from operations outside of the higher education sector may be considered. The fact that applicants who have recently obtained their doctoral degree may only be able to demonstrate limited leadership skills should be particularly considered in the assessment.

Suitability

Suitability refers to the applicant having the personal qualities required to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities at hand, to cooperate with other members of staff, and to contribute to the development of the operations in question. The applicant shall also have an interest in development work and the ability and desire to embark on an academic career.

Personal suitability—including strategic thinking, leadership potential, and commitment to academic development—will also be considered. The position includes opportunities to mentor junior researchers and postdocs, and to shape the direction of Örebro University’s emerging platform for integrated phenotypic toxicology.

Other assessment criteria

Excellent communication skills in English are required; proficiency in Swedish is an advantage but not mandatory.

An Associate Senior Lecturer is on application and assessment to be promoted to Senior Lecturer if they meet the criteria for the appointment.

A condition for promotion is that there is a need within the organization in the subject area in question and that a separate assessment of the candidate’s qualifications is made. The basis for promotion from Associate Senior Lecturer to Senior Lecturer is that the applicant meets (1) the criteria set out in the requirements profile at the time of appointment as Associate Senior Lecturer, and (2) the qualifications and assessment criteria in place for appointment as Senior Lecturer at the time of promotion and based on the respective faculty board’s guidelines for appointment. On the examination of an application for promotion to Senior Lecturer, teaching and research expertise are to be given equal attention. In addition, on promotion, the applicant must have completed qualifying courses on teaching and learning in higher education. They must also demonstrate good oral and written communication skills in Swedish at the level required to perform common duties within research, education, and administration.

The application for promotion to a position as senior lecturer is to be submitted to the faculty no later than 6 months and no earlier than 12 months before the employment as an Associate Senior Lecturer comes to an end. Such a promotion entails permanent employment as a Senior Lecturer in the subject.

This is a fixed-term full-time position for a period of 4-6 years (the exact length will be decided in connection with appointment). The appointment may be extended, but for no longer than two years, because of the Associate Senior Lecturer’s illness, parental leave or other special grounds, additional time is needed to fulfil the purpose of the appointment. At Örebro University, salary depends on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

For more information, please contact Professor Magnus Engwall (MTM), magnus.engwall@oru.se , or Associate Professor Ingrid Ericson Jogsten (Head of Unit), ingrid.ericson@oru.se . 

At Örebro University, we expect each member of staff to be open to development and change; take responsibility for their work and performance; demonstrate a keen interest in collaboration and contribute to development; as well as to show respect for others by adopting a constructive and professional approach.

Örebro University actively pursues equal opportunities and gender equality as well as a work environment characterised by openness, trust and respect. We value the qualities that diversity adds to our operations.

The application is made online. Click the button “Apply” to begin the application procedure.

For the application to be complete, the following electronic documents must be included:

• A cover letter outlining your vision and fit for the position
• Curriculum vitae with a relevant description of your overall qualifications and experience
• Teaching portfolio (as instructed in Örebro University’s guidelines )
• Research portfolio
• A list of scientific publications
• Up to 10 selected full-text scientific publications
• Copies of relevant course/degree certificates and references verifying eligibility and criteria met

Only documents written in Swedish, English, Norwegian and Danish can be reviewed.
More information for applicants will be found on our career site: https://www.oru.se/english/career/available-positions/applicants-and-external-experts/

Örebro University offers a vibrant and collaborative research environment with access to modern laboratory infrastructure and strong support for career development. This position is a rare opportunity to shape a rapidly emerging field with high societal relevance.

We value academic excellence equally with openness, engagement, and the ability to turn knowledge into impact. Join us in advancing the science of precision toxicology at the interface of environment, health, and innovation—while building your own group and contributing to a stronger scientific and societal future.

Örebro University is committed to equal opportunities and an inclusive, respectful workplace culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The application deadline is 2025-08-01. We look forward to receiving your application!

After the application deadline, no supplements can be made electronically. If you have scientific publications that cannot be attached electronically to the application, you will, once the external experts have been appointed, receive instructions on how the missing publications can be submitted.

As we have already made our choices in terms of external collaboration partners and marketing efforts for this recruitment process, we decline any contact with recruitment agencies and advertisers.

As directed by the National Archives of Sweden (Riksarkivet), we are required to deposit one file copy of the application documents, excluding publications, for a period of two years after the appointment decision has gained legal force.