Do you want to be part of building a brand new institution? We are now looking for a visionary and committed leader for the new Department of Arts & Technology, an experimental and forward-looking environment where artistic practice and design meet scientific and technical innovation.

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

As head of department, you will have an overall responsibility to build, lead and further develop the department as a strong academic platform. The department will be a unifying interdisciplinary environment for art and technology. The assignment involves shaping a clear identity and long-term strategy for the department, as well as creating conditions for high quality in undergraduate education, postgraduate education and research.

The role requires visionary, strategic and inclusive leadership with the ability to navigate in academic contexts. You need to be able to reconcile artistic and technical perspectives, stimulate innovation and collaboration across disciplines. We also want you to be able to build sustainable structures and networks for development, collaboration and external funding. As Head of Department, you will be a driving force in the change process and a unifying leader who creates commitment, participation and clear direction for the new department. The role is directly subordinate to the Vice-Chancellor and means that you will have great responsibility for staff and finances.

Qualifications

The role requires a good understanding of the conditions of artistic activities and places high demands on both scientific and / or artistic competence as well as on leadership, organizational skills and communication skills. As the department is located on three different university campuses, a readiness to create cohesion and to lead the department's work at these different locations is required.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree or documented equivalent scientific/artistic competence.
• Documented national/international experience in different scientific and artistic cultures.
• Good ability to express yourself in speech and writing in Swedish and English.
• Experience of academic leadership in artistic environments.
• Documented leadership skills.
• Good financial understanding and experience of operational management, budget responsibility and resource allocation in academic or similar organizations.

Additional

• Deep understanding of practice-based and interdisciplinary knowledge production, especially at the intersection of artistic and scientific practice.
• Experience working in or leading interdisciplinary environments where art, technology and society meet.
• Experience in academic change management and/or experience building or further developing evolving organizations and environments.
• Experience managing and developing managers and leaders.
• Documented ability to communicate clearly and strategically, both internally and externally, including collaboration with external stakeholders and funders.
• Ability to formulate, concretize and anchor visions that engage staff and students and create participation and direction.
• Documented scientific and / or artistic skills.

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

Scope and location

We are looking for a head of department for a permanent full-time position with placement at one of the locations where we conduct artistic activities: Luleå, Piteå and Skellefteå. Probationary employment may be applied.

Further information

For questions about the position, please contact: Pär Weihed, Pro Vice-Chancellor, 0920-49 3987 mailto:par.weihed@ltu.se, or Madelene Sharma, HR specialist, 0920-49 3636 mailto:madelene.sharma@ltu.se

Union representatives:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter as well as CV/resume and diploma. Please mark your application with the reference number below. The application and diploma must be written in Swedish or English.

Date for application: May 8, 2026

Reference number: 1780-2026