Senior Lecturer in Craft

Reference number PAR 2025/611

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The University of Gothenburg is Sweden’s only university with practice-based research that spans the artistic fields of design, visual art, film and photography as well as craft, literary composition, curatorial practices and art education.  

The Artistic Faculty comprises of two departments: HDK-Valand – Academy of Art and Design and the Academy of Music and Drama. In addition, the faculty hosts the international publication platform and biennial conference PARSE (Platform for Artistic Research Sweden), which aims to foster dialogue between interdisciplinary artistic practitioners and researchers.  

HDK-Valand’s research environment values a broad and inclusive approach whereby knowledge is produced within established research formats, experimental artistic practices and education. Our research contributes to discourses on environmental, societal and cultural challenges through engagement in interdisciplinary projects. Four research themes oriented around politics, the environment, economics and materiality operate as focus areas to facilitate collaboration between different subjects and actors, and to provide a broad base for both research and teaching. An overarching objective at HDK-Valand is the development of a complete academic environment grounded in these themes. 

The faculty´s vision   

With the challenges facing society today, education and research in the artistic field is more important than ever. One of the strengths of art is that it provides perspective and critical tools, as well as meaning and hope. The Artistic Faculty is a driving force in art, culture and learning, as well as in creativity and innovation in a broader sense. We are a locally based and globally oriented place for art, knowledge, criticality, vision and transformation. Art and culture are for everyone, and we are a hub that brings together cultural practitioners, cultural institutions, creative industries and wider civil society. Our goal is to be a house with many entrances and even more exits. 

HDK-Valand is now looking for a Senior Lecturer in Craft. Further information about the programme and its three specialisations can be found here;

https://www.gu.se/en/study-gothenburg/mfa-programme-in-crafts-ceramic-art-k2til-kera

https://www.gu.se/en/study-gothenburg/mfa-programme-in-crafts-jewellery-art-k2til-smyk

https://www.gu.se/en/study-gothenburg/mfa-programme-in-crafts-textile-art-k2til-text

Subject area 

Craft

Subject area description 

Craft at HDK-Valand in Gothenburg offers a comprehensive environment with exchange between education, research, and society. The craft programmes at bachelor’s and master’s level have specialisations in ceramic art, jewellery art, and textile art. HDK-Valand also provides doctoral-level education in craft, design, film, fine art, literary composition, and photography, and has a wide range of freestanding courses that enable lifelong learning.

The core of the Crafts programmes at HDK-Valand support material and conceptual artistic exploration. The education requires the development of skill-based knowledge, investigates the conceptual identity of the Crafts and aims to foster debate about the meaning of material inquiries in contemporary society.

Coursework prepares students for artistic careers that will contribute to the international field of craft. HDK-Valand has well equipped workshops and studios located in central Gothenburg. Our collaborations with national art institutions contribute to students’ learning in craft and exhibition practices.

Duties 

The position focuses primarily on teaching within the Master’s Programme in Craft, with additional teaching in the Bachelor’s Programme, as well as on the department’s elective and freestanding courses.

We are seeking a candidate with a keen interest in leadership who is ready to play an active role in the management and development of the department and faculty, as well as subject and program development and quality assurance of education.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, supervision, workshops and critique sessions. The role also includes developing teaching materials and taking on administrative responsibilities such as planning, assessment and evaluation.

We are looking for someone eager to build and strengthen national and international collaborations that contribute to the growth and development of the faculty and the department.

The language of instruction for the Master’s Programme is English. Applicants must be fluent in English and Swedish or another Scandinavian language, both spoken and written.

Assignments within the department and faculty may also be included in the employment.

Time for research time in service is included in the position in accordance with the University of Gothenburg’s working hours agreement for teaching staff.

Responsibilities and tasks may change over time.

The work is carried out on-site at HDK-Valand in Gothenburg.

Eligibility 

Eligibility for appointment as a teacher is regulated in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and the University of Gothenburg’s Appointment Procedures.

To be eligible for appointment as a Senior Lecturer in an artistic discipline, a person must have demonstrated teaching proficiency and either hold an artistic doctoral degree, have demonstrated artistic proficiency, or possess other professional expertise relevant to the subject area and the duties included in the position.

The position requires extensive experience in teaching, programme and course development at an advanced level within craft, leadership assignments at higher education level, and artistic competence at an international level in craft. Proficiency in English and Swedish or another Scandinavian language is required.

Assessment criteria 

Assessment is based on artistic proficiency and teaching proficiency.

Artistic proficiency means that the applicant has:

  • Visibility in artistic and professional contexts within the field of craft
  • Documented experience of developing and leading artistic projects within the field of craft
  • Demonstrated familiarity with contemporary critical theories and current discourses within the subject area 
  • Knowledge of and connection to international networks within the field of craft

 

Teaching proficiency means that the applicant has:

  • Documented experience of lecturing, supervising and examining in higher artistic education
  • Documented experience of programme and curriculum development within higher artistic education
  • Demonstrated ability to teach and create engagement and interest in craft
  • Demonstrated ability to apply current theoretical discourses within the field of craft to develop teaching
  • Knowledge of and insight into research within the field of craft

 

In addition, attention will be given to whether the applicant has:

  • The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
  • Documented organisational ability
  • Documented administrative competence
  • Experience of work in a leadership role within higher education
  • The ability to develop and maintain national and international networks in the field of craft
  • Contributions to artistic research and artistic development work in the field
  • Proficiency in Swedish or another Scandinavian language and English, both spoken and written

 

Candidates who have not previously completed the higher education teaching courses provided by the University (or equivalent) are expected to do so within the first two years of employment.  

We will primarily consider the person who, after an overall assessment of documented qualifications, competences and expertise, is deemed best able to carry out the relevant duties and contribute to the positive development of the activities and operations at HDK-Valand. 

Great importance is attached to personal suitability. 

Employment 

Permanent employment, 60 % of a full time position. A probationary period may be applied. The employment is placed at HDK-Valand in Gothenburg, Sweden. Start date is July 1st 2026 or the date we later agree upon. 

Contact information 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Head of department Klara Björk, klara.bjork@gu.se 

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact the HR function at HDK-Valand, hr@hdk-valand.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 

Your application may be reviewed by international experts, and it is proposed that the application and its appendices be written in English. If the application is written in Swedish, it may be translated. In the event of any discrepancy between the translated document and the Swedish original, the department accepts no responsibility for the translation or for any direct, indirect or other errors that may arise in the translation.

You apply for the position via the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal by clicking on ‘Apply’. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is received by the university no later than the closing date for applications.

Publications that cannot be attached to the application digitally should be sent to:
 
HDK-Valand

HR

Ref. PAR 2025/611

Box 131, S-405 30 Gothenburg,

Sweden

and must be received by the closing date for applications.

 

Applications must be received by: 20 November 2025  

 

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/ 

 

 

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.