Assistant Professor in Design with a Focus on 'Business and Design'

Göteborgs Universitet · Full-time

Göteborg, Sweden

University of Gothenburg offers a research environment where internationally recognized world-class research is combined with an open and collaborative academic culture. Here, early-career researchers have the opportunity to develop, build international networks, and contribute to research of global significance. This position is part of the University of Gothenburg Global Scholars Initiative. Read more about this initiative and University of Gothenburg here: https://www.gu.se/node/190161/ The Faculty of Arts consists of HDK-Valand – School of Art and Design and the School of Performing Arts and Music. As a unified faculty for art and learning, we are an independent, visionary, and critical force in the necessary work of creating a more sustainable and open society. HDK-Valand now seeks an Assistant Professor in Design with a focus on 'Business and Design' who will conduct research and teaching at the intersection of design and business economics. You will be part of the Design unit, connected to the Business and Design Lab (BDL). For the complete job announcement, see University of Gothenburg's job portal: https://www.gu.se/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-anstallningar Subject Design with a Focus on 'Business and Design' Subject Description The subject area for this position is Design with a focus on 'Business and Design,' which constitutes the interdisciplinary intersection between design research and management and organizational studies. At this intersection of design and organization, research investigates design as an organizational and societal practice, as well as organizations, organizing processes, and other forms of economic activity that themselves constitute design objects. A particular focus area is how the design of material artifacts—such as physical tools, digital technologies, and spatial architecture—is influenced by and in turn influences organizations and markets in various ways, including issues concerning professional practice, assessment, learning, leadership, accounting, innovation, strategy formulation, and other organizational phenomena, and ultimately how design contributes to the creation and transformation of organizations, markets, institutions, and society's future. It is central to the 'Business and Design' subject area at HDK-Valand to work with design and artistic methods, such as participatory design, collaborative design, speculative design, prototype development, games, and related approaches, and to contribute to the development of innovative methodological approaches for creating new forms of collaboration with researchers, practitioners, and the broader public around shared societal challenges. Research in this area may encompass the cultural sector, but can also be directed toward other sectors and phenomena depending on the applicant's research interests. Special priority will be given to research that, at the intersection of these fields, contributes to understanding how democracy and the democratic public sphere are being transformed. Responsibilities Research Tasks (50% of total working time) Research responsibilities include: - Developing and conducting interdisciplinary research projects in collaboration with other researchers nationally and internationally - Publishing articles and other scientific texts in international journals and with international publishers - Carrying out assigned research tasks under the supervision of Prof. Elena Raviola and contributing to the national and international strategic and operational development of the Business and Design Lab, including organizing seminar series and other meetings, developing collaborations with local actors, and participating in larger research grant applications - Applying for funding for own research projects from Swedish, Nordic, and European funding bodies - Participating in existing research projects by conducting research work and assisting with project management and coordination - Collaborating with societal partners and cultural institutions in research partnerships - Developing and communicating research results in activities directed toward the public Teaching Tasks (50% of total working time) Teaching will be conducted at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels within relevant courses and programs in design and other teaching areas at the university and will include: - Developing existing and new courses - Leading course coordination and administration - Supervising student projects and thesis work - Teaching both in classroom and digital settings Responsibilities and tasks may change over time. Qualifications For a description of qualifications and assessment criteria, see the complete announcement on University of Gothenburg's job portal: https://www.gu.se/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-anstallningar Employment Employment Type: Fixed-term for 5 years Extent: 100% Location: Gothenburg Start Date: By mutual agreement Contact Information For questions about the position, please contact Professor Elena Raviola, [email protected] For questions about the application process, please contact HR at HDK-Valand, [email protected] Application You apply for the position via University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal by clicking the 'Apply' button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the announcement and that it is submitted to the university no later than the application deadline. We ask that you write your application in English, as the application will be reviewed by external experts for whom English is the working language. Application Deadline: October 30, 2026 University of Gothenburg actively works toward a work environment with equal conditions and values the qualities that diversity brings to our operations. The university applies individual salary setting. According to the regulations of the Swedish National Archives, the university is required to keep application documents for two years following the appointment decision. If you as an applicant specifically request the return of your documents, they will be returned after the two-year period has elapsed; otherwise, they will be discarded. To staffing and recruitment companies and to those selling job announcements: University of Gothenburg uses contracted advertising services in connection with personnel recruitment. We kindly and firmly request that you refrain from direct contact with staffing and recruitment companies and sellers of job announcements.