Professor in Medieval history

The Department of History offers education in history at undergraduate, advanced and research levels. We have a wide range of courses and programmes, including three bachelor's programmes, one of which is in collaboration with the Department of Political Science. The department also trains history teachers and offers courses in cultural studies. The department has a lively research environment organised into different profile areas. Research is conducted by approximately 40 researchers with doctoral degrees and 15 doctoral students, either as independent research or within various research projects or larger research areas. See https://www.su.se/historiska-institutionen/

Medieval studies at the Department of History hold a strong position, particularly through the Centre for Medieval Studies (CMS), which is housed within the department. The Centre serves as a hub for medievalists at Stockholm University as well as for a number of cultural institutions in the Stockholm area. Collaborations are also undertaken with medieval scholars across Sweden and abroad. Research, seminars, and teaching constitute the core activities. As the current Director of CMS will retire soon, we are now seeking a successor. For further information about CMS, see https://www.su.se/centrum-for-medeltidsstudier/

Main responsibilities

The position entails teaching and supervision in the field of medieval history, as well as responsibility for the management of the Centre for Medieval Studies (CMS). The appointment also allows for independent research and professional development (50%).

As Director of CMS, the appointee will be expected to initiate and oversee interdisciplinary activities in collaboration with SU departments within CMS, as well as with departments at other higher education institutions (both nationally and internationally) and a range of cultural heritage institutions. Additional responsibilities include securing external research funding and organizing workshops and seminars.

Qualification requirements

To be eligible for appointment as a professor, an individual must have demonstrated both scientific and pedagogical competence (Chapter 4, Section 5 of the Higher Education Act).

Scientific competence must have been demonstrated in medieval studies in the broad sense through independent research efforts that significantly exceed what is required for docent competence, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Research efforts include both one's own published research and the planning and management of research.

Teaching skills must have been demonstrated through teaching in both undergraduate and postgraduate education. The assessment of teaching skills must cover the planning, implementation and evaluation of teaching, as well as supervision and examination. The skills must be well documented in such a way that their quality can be assessed. 

As a general eligibility requirement, the candidate must have proven good collaborative skills and the ability and suitability otherwise needed to perform the duties of the position well.

Basic proficiency in Medieval Latin and at least one Medieval vernacular language, as well as good knowledge of either modern Danish, Norwegian or Swedish, are requirements for employment.

Assessment criteria

In the appointment process, particular emphasis will be placed on documented scholarly expertise in the field of medieval history, primarily demonstrated through independent research. In this regard, both depth and breadth will be considered, as evidenced by publications of original research, leadership of research projects, and experience with qualified review assignments. Great importance is attached to the applicant’s ability to apply for and secure external funding, as well as to having established research collaborations at the national or international (including Nordic regional) level.

Significant weight will also be given to demonstrated pedagogical proficiency. Special consideration will be given to experience in course development, teaching, and supervision at the advanced and doctoral levels. Experience in corresponding teaching at the undergraduate level will also be considered.

Since the role of Director of CMS is included in the position, considerable importance will be attached to the ability to develop and lead academic activities, to engage with wider society, and to communicate research findings and research-related activities. Significant weight will also be given to administrative competence and personal leadership qualities, as documented for example through project management, editorial work, or other leadership assignments.

Applications must be accompanied by a plan in which the applicant presents their vision for the future development of CMS, outlines potential research projects, and describes their forthcoming research. This plan will be taken into account when assessing the applicant’s qualifications in interdisciplinary medieval studies.

Completion of research supervisor training and higher education teaching training of at least 15 higher education credits or equivalent knowledge acquired in other ways is meritorious. An applicant who lacks higher education teaching training of at least 15 higher education credits must
undergo such training during the first two years of employment. Applicants who consider themselves to have equivalent knowledge without having completed formal training must explain in their application how they acquired this knowledge and why it corresponds to the competence provided by formal training.

About the employment

This position is full-time, indefinite-term employment. Access on 1 September 2026 or as agreed. 

The employment includes time for competence development and research according to the current terms and conditions of the collective agreement.

Additional information

The Faculty welcomes applications from women as the majority of teachers in the research environment at the department are male.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from the Head of the Department, Professor Anna Götlind, phone: +46 8 16 36 73, anna.gotlind@historia.su.se.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact administrator Kenneth Hjalmarsson phone: +46 8 16 21 30, kenneth.hjalmarsson@su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the University’s instructions, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Teaching positions: Instruction and application template.
The University’s rules of employment and instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.