The recruitment process at SU

Stockholm University seeks engaged, motivated, and knowledgeable employees who want to work in an international environment. Here you can read more about how our recruitment process works.

Applying for a job at Stockholm University

All applications for vacant positions at Stockholm University are submitted electronically through our recruitment system. Each advertisement specifies the qualifications required for the position in question. The recruitment process for teaching positions follows the same basic principles as other recruitments, but it differs somewhat and often takes longer, as it usually involves assessments by external experts as well as preparation by the Academic Appointments Board.

A recruitment committee and/or the Academic Appointments Board will evaluate your application based on merit and competence. External experts also assess candidates for certain teaching positions. Interviews and/or trial lectures are conducted at this stage. If you are selected as a final candidate, we will request references toward the end of the process.

Once Stockholm University has decided whom to appoint, the decision is announced on the University’s digital notice board in the South Building, House A, Floor 4. After the appointment decision has been made, the onboarding process begins for the selected candidate. As a new employee at Stockholm University, you will find a great deal of useful information on the webpages below.

New at SU (Staff web)

Open, Transparent and Merit-based recruitment (OTM-R)

Stockholm University’s recruitment processes are characterised by openness, transparency, and merit-based assessment (OTM-R). These principles are central to the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (the Charter & Code), and form an important part of the HR Excellence in Research Award strategy. Stockholm University’s work with OTM-R is grounded in the Employment Protection Act (In Swedish) and the Rules of Employment for the Recuritment and Promotion of Teachers at Stockholm University. OTM-R strengthens the conditions for equal treatment in recruitment and ensures that the most qualified candidate is hired based on merit.

Open: This means that Stockholm University advertises all vacant positions publicly on su.se, and most international teaching and research positions are also published on EURAXESS to ensure broad accessibility.

Transparent: The recruitment process must be clear and predictable, with easily accessible information on eligibility requirements and assessment criteria for all applicants. All appointment decisions, except for doctoral positions, can be appealed to the Higher Education Appeals Board.

Merit-based: Recruitment is carried out on objective, merit-based grounds in accordance with the law, where qualifications and competence carry the greatest weight, and discrimination is prohibited under anti-discrimination legislation.

A fair recruitment process

The recruitment process must be characterised by objectivity, impartiality, and fairness. As a public authority, Stockholm University is required to comply with the Public Employment Act (in Swedish). The Act stipulates that decisions on public-sector appointments must be based on objective assessment criteria, primarily merit and competence. Merit refers to the experience gained through previous public-sector employment, while competence encompasses the factors relevant to the applicant’s suitability for the specific role

Competence-based recruitment

At Stockholm University, we use competence-based recruitment. This means that interview questions are based on the qualities and abilities specified in the job advertisement. During the interview, you will therefore be asked to describe situations you have previously encountered and provide concrete examples of how you acted. We place great emphasis on an objective and fair recruitment process, and therefore only ask questions that are relevant to the requirements of the position. As part of the overall assessment, you may also be asked to complete one or more web-based occupational psychology tests.

Diversity and gender equality

Stockholm University recruits employees regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation, gender, transgender identity or expression, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or any form of offensive treatment. Gender equality, diversity, and equal opportunities are matters of quality and fundamental to Stockholm University.

Expressions of interest and unsolicited applications

As a public authority, Stockholm University is unfortunately unable to accept expressions of interest or unsolicited applications. If you are interested in working with us, you are welcome to visit our webpage for vacant positions:

Find available jobs