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Thank you for your interest in the position of Distinguished William Chalmers Professor in Health Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology. As President of the University, it is an honour to lead this strategic recruitment, made possible through the generous support of the Sten A Olsson Foundation. This appointment represents a pioneering initiative: a new form of professorship designed to raise the level of ambition across the entire University, and therefore named in recognition of our founder, William Chalmers.
Founded as a school of crafts in 1829, Chalmers University of Technology has evolved into a globally connected, research-intensive institution with a strong and well-established reputation within the Swedish higher education and research landscape. Our distinguishing characteristic is a genuinely collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit, consistently dedicated to advancing society through science and technology. This spirit reflects the enduring legacy of our founder, whose family motto ‘Avancez’ captures a steadfast commitment to progress.
We firmly believe that universities are essential institutions in shaping a sustainable future. They are also powerful engines of innovation, driving competitiveness and, ultimately, societal prosperity.
At a time when change is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, and technological development is propelling us into uncharted territory, this mission is more important than ever. The world is a work in progress—and so too is Chalmers University of Technology. We therefore seek an individual who is, at heart, a pioneer: someone eager to break new ground through visionary research leadership, high-quality education, and meaningful cross-disciplinary collaboration.
This is a role defined by exceptional expectations and responsibilities. At the same time, it offers a unique environment in which an outstanding individual can realise their full potential, both in terms of scientific achievement and quality of life.
Welcome to a world in progress.
Chalmers University of Technology invites applications for a permanent position as Distinguished William Chalmers Professor in Health Engineering. As a Distinguished Professor, you will play a key role in shaping the long-term academic development of health engineering at Chalmers, contributing through visionary research leadership, high-quality education, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The professorship in Health Engineering has been made possible thanks to generous support from the Stena Foundation.
The Gothenburg region offers a uniquely strong and integrated life science environment, where Chalmers, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital form a closely connected ecosystem.
In areas such as precision medicine and data-driven life sciences, this ecosystem combines internationally competitive research with advanced infrastructure, including SciLifeLab, and close collaboration with healthcare and industry. There are well-established strengths in areas such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cancer, infections, and nutrition, supported by extensive joint projects, shared infrastructure, and mobility of researchers and students.
Chalmers is also a core partner in the Health Engineering Alliance, together with the Sahlgrenska Academy, the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Gothenburg, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital—further strengthening the integration of engineering, life sciences, and clinical practice. Further information about research infrastructure at Chalmers can be found here.
We are seeking an internationally leading scholar with the ability to shape research directions and build strong, sustainable environments at the interface of engineering and health.
As a Distinguished Professor at Chalmers, you are expected to:
Distinguished Professors are recognised international leaders who take an active role in shaping Chalmers’ long-term academic direction and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across organisational boundaries.
The position is expected to contribute to the development of health engineering across Chalmers, including collaboration with clinical, biomedical, and life science partners.
To be qualified for the position, the applicant must have:
Additional merits include:
Chalmers is seeking a candidate with an internationally leading profile and a demonstrated ability to shape research directions at institutional or field level. We welcome candidates with expertise in health engineering, including areas such as:
Candidates whose work complements or extends these areas and contributes to the strategic development of health engineering at Chalmers are strongly encouraged to apply.
This is a permanent, full-time faculty position as Distinguished Professor at Chalmers University of Technology, located in Gothenburg, Sweden. The appointment is subject to the regulations governing public employment in Sweden and includes the responsibilities and benefits associated with a senior academic position.
Read more about Chalmers as an employer and our employee benefits. Learn more about life in Gothenburg and Sweden’s family-friendly policies, including generous parental leave, subsidized childcare, free education, and universal healthcare, at Move To Gothenburg.
Chalmers promotes gender balance and actively works with equality and inclusion initiatives, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.
Chalmers University of Technology is one of the leading technical universities in the Nordic region, with a strong reputation for applied research, close collaboration with industry and a clear focus on sustainability. Our mission is to produce and spread knowledge, expertise and solutions that benefit everyone, both individuals and society
Gothenburg is a meeting point of technology and healthcare, with academic, a university hospital and a strong pharmaceutical and medical technology industry.
A research infrastructure with advanced labs, testbeds, large databases, computer capacity for large-scale calculations and magnificent research facilities.
Work/life balance, a lot of control over your working hours, generous benefits regarding remote work and paid annual leave.
among technical universities in the Nordic countries
full-time students on campus
To attract researchers in competition with the world’s leading universities, external funding in the form of donations from foundations and industry is crucial. The William Chalmers Professorship in Health Engineering is made possible through the Stena Foundation, which becomes the largest external contributor and whose donation complements Chalmers’ own investment of SEK 50 million. With the initiative Chalmers Sahlgrenska Health Engineering Alliance, Chalmers University of Technology, the Sahlgrenska Academy, the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Gothenburg, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital are deepening their collaboration to advance leading healthcare and research both nationally and internationally.
The combined competence and expertise within the Chalmers Sahlgrenska Health Engineering Alliance presents an opportunity to work with innovation on critical global health challenges and will generate several synergies and opportunities for national and international collaboration.
Chalmers University of Technology is part of a thriving and dynamic life science and health‑innovation region. The Health Engineering area at Chalmers unites leading expertise in engineering within bio-, nano- and neurotechnology with medicine, design, digitalization and AI, to deliver transformative research and technology that address society’s most critical health challenges. In addition, the resources at Chalmers within e.g. material science and quantum technologies allow the expansion of health science into new domains.
Our vision is to advance human health through pioneering technologies—shaping future methods in prevention, diagnostics, treatment, and sustainable healthcare delivery. This work is enabled by a collaborative ecosystem converging into the cross departmental Area of Advance in Health Engineering. This brings together researchers across all Chalmers with both, regional and international world‑class partners in academia, healthcare, and industry.
Core research priorities include:
Our work contributes to improved public health and prevention, enhanced quality of life, and equitable, sustainable healthcare systems and bioelectronic medicine. Chalmers researchers develop cutting‑edge diagnostic platforms, implantable devices, precision drug‑delivery systems, technologies for antibiotic resistance, digital tools for personalised care, and innovative clinical and built environments—solutions designed for real-world clinical translation and global impact.
Saba Afekteya’s research progresses to real impact
Lukas Matter is exploring a groundbreaking approach to treating spinal cord injuries
A foundational strength of the Gothenburg region is the Chalmers–Sahlgrenska Health Engineering Alliance, a strategic collaboration connecting:
This alliance strengthens the bridge between engineering and medicine, creating unparalleled opportunities for joint research programmes, shared infrastructures, clinical testbeds, dual‑affiliated positions, and large-scale interdisciplinary initiatives.
Identified potential areas for collaboration within the initiative include; Digital health and technologies for novel care models; AI for precision medicine and genomics; Bioinformatics and molecular diagnostics; Advanced therapies and biomaterials; Biomedical engineering and medical devices; Infectious diseases and pandemic readiness and Health economics and system innovation.
One of AstraZeneca’s global strategic research sites located just minutes from Chalmers and central to the region’s expertise in pharmaceuticals, biologics, advanced therapeutics, and emerging modalities.
Adjacent to AstraZeneca is a rapidly growing innovation district hosting more than 100 companies and organisations working at the intersection of health, tech, and science. Among these are global health care players such as Mölnlycke Healthcare and Fujirebo as well as many SMEs, including AstraZeneca’s BioVentureHub, creating an ecosystem designed for collaboration, entrepreneurship, and accelerated translation.
Regional networks that connect industry, healthcare providers, academia, and public actors to stimulate cross-sector innovation and attract talent, companies, and investment into West Sweden. The close collaboration with Västra Götalandsregionen, the principal health care provider and regional development authority is also an important asset.
A joint doctoral training environment between Chalmers, the University of Gothenburg, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital. GRSHE strengthens interdisciplinary competence and deepens the link between engineering, medicine, and clinical practice—an important example of the region’s integrated ecosystem.
Together, these actors form one of northern Europe’s most comprehensive and internationally connected environments for health engineering, biomedical innovation, and translational research.
Researchers at Chalmers have access to extensive infrastructure across the Gothenburg region, including:
To facilitate the development from research to implementation, Chalmers provides a well-connected system for support from early development to venture creation.
The professorship at Chalmers creates conditions for research that renews technology and medicine and delivers tangible societal benefits. It is an important step toward translating cutting-edge expertise into real impact for patients and society.
Chalmers will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. Enquiries can be made directly to Dr Valia Sakkoula ([email protected]).
Applications can be uploaded below referencing the project number 8280. The closing date of applications is Friday, 5th June 2026.
Interested candidates are expected to submit:
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide further documentation and references at a later stage, including full pedagogical portfolio, certificates, and full documentations. A background check may be conducted as part of the recruitment process.
Click HERE to submit your application.
On the west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg is a perfectly sized ‘big little city’, with a population of around 570,000. It’s a contemporary and outgoing city, known for its friendly atmosphere and international vibe. Here’s plenty of cultural activities, a lively nightlife, and miles of natural green space, with forests, lakes, and a beautiful collection of islands, all within easy distance of the centre.
Chalmers takes pride in its collaboration with the City of Gothenburg, the University of Gothenburg, and other prominent companies in the region.Together, we have established a safe, meaningful, and inspiring meeting place for international employees and their families in Gothenburg. Additionally, we are a proud member of the EU network EURAXESS, dedicated to career development of researchers and promoting transnational cooperation and common standards for researchers and institutions in Europe. For more information, explore the resources available through Sweden Information & Assistance
As Global Senior Partner, Sinéad is responsible for the long-term strategic development of Perrett Laver alongside the acceleration of its commercial growth.
During her ten years at Perrett Laver, Sinéad established and led the firm’s operations in Amsterdam and Dublin, while continuing to grow Perrett Laver’s Research, Technology and Innovation, and Higher Education practices across Europe.
Sinéad’s experience at Perrett Laver includes advising on senior executive and non-executive appointments for universities, public and privately funded research institutes, as well as research-oriented charities and non-profits.
Sinéad holds an honours degree in Natural Science from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD in Neuroscience from University College Cork.
Valia brings her expertise in STEM fields to our team as a Consultant for Higher Education and Research, Technology, and Innovation at our Amsterdam office. With a focus on Europe, she has successfully guided the selection of top-tier academic and administrative leaders.
Valia holds a BSc in Physics, an MSc in Applied Physics, and a PhD in Laser Physics and Spectroscopy from Radboud University of Nijmegen. Prior to her career at Perrett Laver, she worked as a Postdoctoral researcher in the Life Science Trace Detection Laboratory at Radboud University in Nijmegen.
