Open Position: Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Psychology

The University of Akureyri announces a full-time position (100%) for an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences

The University of Akureyri is seeking a specialist in psychology. Applicants from all areas of psychology are welcome to apply, but particular emphasis is placed on the following fields: clinical psychology, work and organizational psychology, personality psychology, health psychology, cognitive psychology, statistics, and quantitative and qualitative research methodology. Applicants should demonstrate strong competence in research methodology.

The position is expected to commence on 1 August 2026. The appointment is for a fixed term of five years. After this period, the appointee may apply for a permanent position in accordance with Regulation No. 726/2023 on the permanent appointment of academic staff at the University of Akureyri. Promotion to Associate Professor or Professor may be considered at the time of appointment if the applicant meets the required qualifications as assessed by the evaluation committee.

The main responsibilities include teaching at the undergraduate and master’s levels and conducting research at the University of Akureyri within the field of Psychology. The immediate supervisor is the Head of the Faculty of Psychology. The position is based in Akureyri.

Both undergraduate and master’s studies in psychology are offered in a flexible learning format. There are approximately 300 students currently enrolled in Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral studies in psychology and the faculty is part of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Research conducted at the Faculty of Psychology includes the fields of cognitive neuroscience, cognitive psychology, perception, clinical sport psychology, social psychology, applied behaviour analysis, psychometrics, and developmental psychology, as well as interdisciplinary research within the University of Akureyri and in collaboration with international partners. The faculty comprises eight full-time academic staff members and several sessional instructors.

Qualifications and Competence Requirements

• The applicant must possess knowledge and experience in accordance with international standards for the relevant position within the discipline by holding a doctoral degree from a recognized university.
• Teaching experience at the university level is considered a strong advantage, and experience in scientific research is essential.
• The applicant must demonstrate competence in university-level teaching and in leading, developing, and disseminating scientific research.
• Professional license as a psychologist, issued by the Icelandic Directorate of Health or an equivalent authority in another country, is considered an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are required.
• In the evaluation of applications, consideration will be given to how well the applicant meets the teaching and research needs of the Faculty of Psychology.
• Proficiency in Icelandic language is considered a strong advantage.
• Applicants who do not have Icelandic as their mother tongue are expected to (1) have excellent English skills, both written and spoken, and (2) acquire proficiency in Icelandic.

Place of Employment

The position is based in Akureyri.

The appointee is expected to be based in Akureyri. Emphasis is placed on local presence and active participation in the daily work of the faculty, as such presence is considered essential for the operation, development, and growth of the faculty and for strengthening the academic community within the University of Akureyri.

Applications must include

• A detailed statement of education and professional experience, including academic work and teaching experience.
• Certified copies of all relevant degree certificates in Icelandic or English.
• A statement outlining proposed research interests and teaching areas if appointed.
• References or evaluations regarding the applicant’s teaching and administrative work, as applicable.
• The names and contact information of three referees. It is preferred that one of them is the applicant’s current or former immediate supervisor.
• Up to three scholarly publications that the applicant considers to be their most significant works. If any of the submitted works are co-authored, the applicant must specify their individual contribution to each work.

Terms of employment

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective wage agreement between the Union of University Teachers at Akureyri (Félag háskólakennara á Akureyri) and the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs.

The processing of applications, assessment of qualifications, and appointment to the position shall be in accordance with the Higher Education Institution Act No. 63/2006, the Act on Public Higher Education Institutions No. 85/2008, the Regulations for the University of Akureyri No. 694/2022, and regulations on the recruitment of academic staff at the University of Akureyri No. 724/2023. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The University of Akureyri reserves the right to reject all applications. All applicants will be informed of the outcome once a decision on the appointment has been made.

The application deadline is 15 December 2025.

Further information

Further information about the position is provided by Dr. Richard Tähtinen, Head of the Faculty of Psychology, via email at richard@unak.is.

Equality statement

The University of Akureyri is committed to gender equality and encourages all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, to apply for vacant positions.

Apply for this position