Arbetsbeskrivning

Would you like to help lead the establishment of an entirely new department? We are now seeking a visionary and committed leader for the new Department of Art & Technology, an experimental and forward-looking environment where artistic practice and expression meet scientific and technological innovation.

The department includes research and undergraduate education in architecture, design, music, and theatre, and is currently located at the university campuses in Luleå, Piteå, and Skellefteå.

As Head of Department, you will have overall responsibility for building, leading, and further developing the department as a strong academic platform. The department is intended to be a unifying interdisciplinary environment for art and technology. The role involves shaping a clear identity and long-term strategy for the department, as well as creating the conditions for high quality in undergraduate education, doctoral education, and research.

The role requires visionary, strategic, and inclusive leadership, with the ability to navigate academic environments. You must be able to integrate artistic and technical perspectives, stimulate innovation, and promote collaboration across disciplines. We also expect you to build sustainable structures and networks for development, collaboration, and external funding. As Head of Department, you will be a driving force in change management and a unifying leader who fosters engagement, participation, and a clear direction for the new department. The role reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor and entails significant responsibility for staff and finances.

Qualifications

The role requires a strong understanding of the conditions of artistic practice and places high demands on scientific and/or artistic competence, as well as leadership, organizational skills, and communication ability. As the department is located across three campuses, you must be prepared to create cohesion and lead activities across these locations.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree or documented equivalent scientific/artistic competence
• Documented national/international experience across different scientific and artistic cultures
• Excellent ability to communicate orally and in writing in Swedish and English
• Experience of academic leadership in artistic environments
• Proven leadership skills
• Strong financial understanding and experience in operational management, budget responsibility, and resource allocation within an academic or similar organization

Merits

• In-depth understanding of practice-based and interdisciplinary knowledge production, particularly at the intersection of artistic and scientific practice
• Experience working in or leading interdisciplinary environments where art, technology, and society intersect
• Experience in academic change management and/or building or developing organizations and evolving environments
• Experience in leading and developing managers and leaders
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and strategically, both internally and externally, including collaboration with external partners and funding bodies
• Ability to formulate, concretize, and anchor visions that engage staff and students and create participation and direction
• Documented scientific and/or artistic excellence

We are seeking a leader with a strong academic foundation and strategic capability. We particularly value your ability to exercise inclusive, transparent, and development-oriented leadership. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Information

We are recruiting a Head of Department for a permanent full-time position, with placement at one of the locations where we conduct artistic activities: Luleå, Piteå, or Skellefteå. A probationary period may be applied.

Further Information

For questions about the position, please contact:

Pär Weihed, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, +46 (0)920-49 3987, [email protected] or Madelene Sharma, HR Specialist, +46 (0)920-49 3636, [email protected]

Union representatives:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, +46 (0)920-49 2037, [email protected]

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, +46 (0)920-49 1721, [email protected]

Application

We prefer that you apply via the application button below, where you attach a cover letter, CV/résumé, and degree certificate. Please mark your application with the reference number below. The application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: May 8, 2026

Reference number: 1780–2026