Professor of Tourism Studies

At Mid Sweden University, the discipline of tourism studies examines different perspectives in the socioeconomic sector of tourism, deepens knowledge about the industry, and analyzes its effects on destinations. More than a thousand students have completed the Tourism Studies undergraduate program since its inception at Mid Sweden University in 1978. Today, we offer a Bachelor's program, a one-year Master's program, a two-year Master's program, a two-year Master by Research option, a range of independent courses, and Sweden's only doctoral program in Tourism Studies.

Our research is conducted in connection with ETOUR, a research center that develops and communicates knowledge about tourism and travel. Our ambition is to continue developing the discipline of Tourism Studies in order to provide expertise on the tourism sector, which is undergoing rapid development in northern Sweden and globally while also facing significant sustainability challenges.

Responsibilities

The position of Professor of Tourism Studies demands strong academic leadership, a good understanding of interdisciplinary approaches applied to tourism analysis, strong collaborative skills, and a clear vision of how this subject area can be further developed at Mid Sweden University. This includes a strong drive to lead and develop the discipline at Mid Sweden University, the ability to build a team and create an inspiring working environment, as well as have an active physical presence on our Östersund campus.

We expect that our professor of tourism studies will take the overall responsibility for the development of the discipline of tourism studies. This means that, in addition teaching and research, you will be responsible for overseeing tourism education at our undergraduate, Master’s and PhD levels in terms of program quality and course development. You will also be expected to conduct high-quality research, lead and/or participate in various research projects, actively apply for research funding, and contribute to other academic activities. This role also includes some administrative tasks and responsibilities, such as team- and project management. This position involves administrative tasks that are performed with Swedish as the primary language.

You can expect:

• An environment with committed colleagues who want to make a difference for their community, students, and other stakeholders.
• An environment that values local, regional, national, and international cooperation.
• An opportunity to develop and implement your own ideas regarding education and research
• 40% research time included in the position.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the position of professor, you must demonstrate both scientific and pedagogical skills. Additional eligibility requirements are described in Mid Sweden University's employment regulations and the Faculty of Human Sciences' rulles and guidelines.

The eligible candidate should have pedagogical training in higher education of at least 15 credits or at least 10 weeks of full-time study is required. If this is lacking, the appointed professor must achieve this within two years from the date of employment.

Other Requirements

• Ongoing scientific activity with extensive high-quality international publications in the field of Tourism Studies.
• Originality, breadth, and depth in theory and methods.
• The ability to initiate, plan and successfully lead research projects, and supervise doctoral students.
• The ability to introduce new ideas and obtain research grants from national and/or international funding agencies
• Extensive and well-documented ability to work strategically with pedagogical development and educational quality at undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels.
• Pedagogical skills at undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels, including extensive and well-documented experience of various teaching methods.
• The ability to perform administrative tasks and lead administrative staff.
• The ability to take initiative, be responsible, be development- and result-oriented, and be clear in communication with others.
• Good leadership and collaboration skills that contribute to creating a good working environment.

Good knowledge of English in both speech and writing is required.


Assessment Criteria

The basis for assessment when hiring a professor is the degree of compliance to the eligibility criteria for the position. Equal attention will be given to the assessment of both pedagogical skills and scientific skills. We also put great emphasis on personal qualities and leadership skills.

It is meritorious if you have:

• International experience and network
• Completed a course in supervision of doctoral students
• Experience in discipline development
• Experience with digital technology in teaching
• Knowledge of the Swedish language

The aforementioned merits must be substantiated. All application documents will be reviewed by experts.

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process follows the forms specified in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and proceeds in accordance with Mid Sweden University's employment regulations.

Employment and Start Date

The employment is a permanent full-time position with a start date of June 1, 2025, or as agreed.

Place of employment: Östersund.

Further Information

Further information is provided by the Head of Department, Daniel Laven, daniel.laven@miun.se, +46 (0)10-142 86 20. 

Application

Application documents should be in Swedish or English. The application should include:

• CV.
• Proof of scientific and pedagogical qualifications
• List of scientific publications
• Ten most relevant scientific publications (including a description of your specific contributions for each publication)
• Description of your scientific achievements and merits that demonstrate the ability to develop and lead high quality research (5-7 pages)
• Pedagogic portfolio that includes a written description of your teaching experience and pedagogic philosophy (5-7 pages)
• Contact details of at least two referees

See other instructions for applicants in the Faculty of Human Sciences' rules and guidelines.

Please apply via our recruitment system no later than 10 January 2025.