Organizational Unit: Faculty
Grade: P2
Duty Station: Malmö, Sweden
Duration of contract: Two-year fixed-term appointment. Further renewals may be offered subject to satisfactory performance.
Starting date: January 2026 (or at mutually agreed time).
1. Organizational Setting
The World Maritime University (WMU) is a postgraduate education and research university established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. WMU offers MSc and PhD programmes, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Professional Development Courses (PDCs) with the highest standards in maritime and oceans education and training. WMU also has a highly respected research programme supported by specialized research groups across the maritime and oceans fields. The Assistant Professor position falls within the Faculty Unit at WMU’s headquarters in Malmö, Sweden.
2. Main Purpose
The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Vice-President (Provost), and functionally under the Head of Shipping Management and Logistics, and Port Management. As a WMU faculty member, the Assistant Professor is expected to provide teaching, mentoring, research and publication and promote inter-university cooperation in areas related to port business and management.
In particular, the Assistant Professor of Port Business and Management is expected to contribute to the overall efforts of WMU to strengthen the business and management components in its academic programmes. This position is, therefore, open to those who have a range of interests and expertise in business, economic and managerial matters related to ports and global logistics. The work involves teaching both introductory and advanced courses, mentoring PhD and MSc students, serving on internal committees and panels, and providing services to the University, IMO, and maritime and oceans communities as directed by the President.
The position holder shall be committed to the development and execution of sound research projects and the dissemination of scholarly results. The appointee will be engaged in maritime-related research projects and scholarship, leading to the publication of peer-reviewed and impactful articles and scholarly books at well-regarded outlets in the field of transport, maritime and logistics.
New maritime trends, such as automation, digitalization and decarbonization in the shipping, port and logistics sectors, are comprehensively and rigorously analyzed and taught in our education and research programmes. The faculty member must be knowledgeable and supportive of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and understand their relationship with IMO and the University’s mandate and goals.
3. Working Relationships
Internal engagements – Incumbent liaises and interacts with all faculty members on a regular basis as well as with support staff as required.
External engagements – Incumbent liaises with the global maritime communities (especially, shipping and port sectors), research institutes, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and engages with learned societies, scientific journals and publishing entities.
4. Duties and Responsibilities
The Assistant Professor of Port Business and Management is expected to be engaged in:
- Teaching for the MSc programmes in Malmö, WMU Outreach Campuses, and other locations as assigned;
- Coordinating and participating in student field studies;
- Mentoring of PhD and MSc students and supervision of research theses/dissertations in areas related to his or her expertise;
- Maintaining scholarship in the form of publications in peer-reviewed journals, books, book chapters, and other related academic activities in an effective and productive manner;
- Developing research projects, submission of project proposals, and delivery of such projects with high standard in a timely manner;
- Disseminating research findings at academic and professional conferences and meetings on a regular basis;
- Maintaining active engagements with peers in the area of his/her expertise, remaining up-to-dated in the field, and collaborating with relevant industry partners and professional bodies on a global scale;
- Being involved in distance learning (e-learning) programmes, PDCs, and capacity-building courses as required;
- Serving on WMU committees and working groups, and participating in administrative, academic, and curriculum duties; and
- Undertaking special projects and duties as required by the Vice President (Provost).
5. Requirements – education, experience and language skills
Education
- PhD in the area of Port Business, Economics, and Management or relevant disciplines.
Experience
Essential
- A minimum of three* years of working experiences including teaching and mentoring post-graduate students and research;
- Demonstrated knowledge of port business, management and governance within a context of global trade, maritime business and logistics;
- A track record with potential in research and scholarly publication in the discipline of port business and management or related field to the position; and
- Familiarity with IMO and UN key instruments related to trade facilitation.
Desirable
- Demonstrated competence in data-driven and econometric analysis;
- Professional experience in working within or with shipping and port organizations;
- Experience in research project management in relation to the position and in capacity-building programs for developing countries;
- Experience in organizing conferences, seminars and fund-raising activities; and
Languages
- Essential – Fluency in spoken and written English.
- Desirable – Knowledge of another UN language would be an advantage.
6. Knowledge and Skills
- Excellent communication skills in an international and diverse academic community;
- Ability to work independently as well as collegially with an academic and professional team;
- Ability to effectively organize time and prioritize teaching, administrative and other associated duties as appropriate;
- Ability to deal with administrative matters as appropriate to the rank of an Assistant Professor and with reference to other colleagues within the University;
- Ability to act as the point of contact for problems/inquiries from students in the areas of expertise; and
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes;
WMU is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WMU recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.
Application
The position offers an attractive salary (P-2 Grade of the ICSC salary scale with UN Pension Scheme), free of income tax in Sweden, a benefits package and relocation expenses. Applicants must fill in the Personal History Form, which can be found at https://www.wmu.se/docs/personal-history-form, and should send a letter of interest, a fully updated CV, and contact information of three referees to Human Recourses ([email protected])
Deadline for Applications: 31 August 2025.
* Candidates with less than 3 years’ experience may be considered but for appointment at the Lecturer level (P1).
