Open Position: Adjunct in Law with a focus on Polar Law

The University of Akureyri invites applications for a 100% Adjunct I position in Law with a focus on Polar Law, within the Faculty of Law, School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The appointment is fixed-term for one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension. The anticipated start date is 1 August 2026, or by agreement. The direct line manager is the Dean of the Faculty of Law. The position is based in Akureyri.

Primary responsibilities:

Teaching, research, and administrative duties in polar law. Courses in polar law offered within the Faculty of Law at the University of Akureyri include for example public international law, natural resources law, indigenous peoples' law, and human rights law. The position also involves teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels within the Faculty of Law, including in the areas of human rights and comparative law. The ability to teach in English is required, and proficiency in Icelandic is necessary.

Applicants must be able to actively participate in the implementation and development of flexible learning and contribute to the general development of programmes within the faculty. The distinctive character of legal studies at the University of Akureyri lies in its forward-looking, flexible approach, in which no distinction is made between on-campus and distance learning.

Educational requirements:

Applicants must hold at minimum a qualifying law degree; cand.jur. or a master's degree in law.

Competency requirements:

  • Experience in university-level teaching is required; experience in flexible higher education delivery is desirable
  • Experience in academic work, particularly in areas related to the applicant's teaching
  • Familiarity with university learning management systems, including Ugla and Canvas
  • Strong command of English and the ability to communicate effectively in both speech and writing is required
  • A minimum level of proficiency in Icelandic is required
  • Independent and disciplined working practices
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate knowledge effectively
  • Initiative, flexibility, and organisational ability
  • Ability to work under pressure

Applications must include:

  • A detailed curriculum vitae covering academic background, professional experience, scholarly work, and teaching experience
  • Certified copies of diplomas and certificates in Icelandic or English
  • A cover letter explaining the reasons for applying and setting out the applicant's qualifications for the position

At least two referees must be nominated, and it is desirable that one of them be the applicant's most recent direct line manager in their current or previous role as a university lecturer.

Applications will be assessed on the basis of how well the applicant meets the needs of the Faculty of Law at the University of Akureyri.

Further information about the position

Salary is in accordance with the current collective agreement concluded between the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Association of University Lecturers at Akureyri.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. All applicants will be notified once a decision on the appointment has been made. The University of Akureyri reserves the right to reject all applications.

The University of Akureyri promotes gender equality and encourages all genders to apply for vacant positions.

The position is full-time (100%). The application deadline is 25 June 2026.

For further information, please contact:

Ingibjörg Ingvadóttir, Dean of the Faculty of Law — ingibjorging@unak.is — +354 891 9009 or Thomas Barry, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences — tom@unak.is — +354 460 8028

Apply here