Wanted: promising researchers

The idea behind this international call is to recruit scientists' whose future success will strengthen KTH excellence and facilitate the university's further rise in global rankings. The search aims to hire a total of 13 assistant professors in 10 different disciplines.

"We would hope that they settle here, are successful and that their research has a great impact in the long term, Gudmundson, says, noting that KTH, its research and networks and Stockholm are attractive for anyone who comes here.

The initiative, which costs about SEK 150 million, is taken in part by KTH's administrative capital and is, according to Gudmundson, money well invested. One of the services that followed the university board's decision is financed by one of the KTH schools.

Those who get jobs get a start-up grant for four years and then they can qualify for a professorship.

"We have built up the economy so that we have the resources to enact this kind of venture. It also makes it possible for those whom we recruit to get a stable economic- and research-based platform. In time we will definitely be able to recoup it."

The posts of associate professor will be filled in 10 different disciplines spanning a broad area, from mathematics to sustainable urban development.

"That is intentional so as not to exclude anyone, and it will be up to those who come in to shape the profile that each research area should have," he says.

KTH's efforts to create a more gender-balanced faculty will also be affect the recruiting.

"Our wish is to have a gender balance among the applicants, 50-50. But if we do not reach that target, it is an absolute must that we reach a level of one-third women. Basically, it is our teachers, researchers and students that determine the quality of the Royal Institute of Technology, he says.

Read more about the positions.

Jill Klackenberg