Our employees
A university is a melting pot of knowledge-thirsty students, dedicated teachers, and specialised researchers; a dynamic and international workplace in constant motion. It is also a workplace for many members of staff who contribute with strong administrative support to the academic activities. Together, we create change that makes an impact and builds the future.
Almost 2 200 employees work at our two campuses in Växjö and Kalmar.
Who works at a university?
Work in academia
With a job in academia, you meet students in what is perhaps the most important developmental period of their lives. Both students and colleagues may come from all corners of the world, and no two days are the same.
The majority of those who work in academia are university teachers. This means that you teach and research, to varying degrees, at the university. The teaching is based on a scientific foundation with the aim of, among other things, developing the students' critical thinking and societal engagement.
Research and scientific studies are constantly conducted, with the aim of gaining new insights that in turn contribute to previously untested perspectives for the benefit of society.
Broad administrative support
To support the university's main mission within research, education, and knowledge dissemination, there is administrative support – an expert organisation consisting of knowledgeable and experienced employees.
Linnaeus University is a large employer in the regions, both in Kalmar and Växjö, in areas such as finance, communication, IT, HR, and library services. You can also find administrative roles within academia in, for example, coordination, planning, education administration, and technology.
As a specialist in one of these areas, you encounter new and exciting conditions at a university. Workdays here require curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to develop. Here, you work in an organisation with a crucial societal function and contribute to the university's success.
Camilla Nilvius, senior lecturer in pedagogy
“There have been opportunities for me to work at other universities, but the strong research environment at Linnaeus University means that I can continue to develop, and this has made me want to stay”.
Camilla Nilvius currently works in Växjö as senior lecturer in pedagogy and programme coordinator for the Special Teacher Programme. She has held several different roles since she started working at Linnaeus University in 2015.
"I chose Linnaeus University partly because I was satisfied with the courses I had taken here, and partly because I heard good things about working here – there seemed to be a good atmosphere".
What do you think about working at Linnaeus University?
"I am very happy, and I very much enjoy working here. I am still being challenged at work and I continue to develop. The work is well organised while also having the flexibility needed to intellectually challenge me”.
What do you appreciate?
"The university has allowed me to grow with the task, and today I am programme coordinator. I have gotten the opportunity to develop freely while taking responsibility, which I really value. And, of course, I appreciate my fantastic colleagues!”
"Another detail in this context that makes me appreciate my workplace even more is that services and support around things like IT and technology work so well. That’s not the case everywhere.
How would you describe your work?
"Working at a government agency, like a university, may sometimes seem a bit 'square’, but the work is constantly changing. It can be about setting new degree objectives or new directives coming in – and each student cohort is also new. Thus, while we have a stable foundation, there is a lot of flexibility within that ‘square’. I like that!”
"As programme coordinator, I also get to work with quality development, which I find very rewarding and interesting”.
Finally, do you have any favourite spots in the area that you like to visit?
"I like the surroundings around campus with Teleborg Castle, the lakes, and nature next door. It's wonderful to go there to recharge. It's so close, and a mere fifteen-minute walk around campus gives you greenery, fresh air, and new energy".
Gustaf Waxegård, senior lecturer in clinical psychology
"It’s hard to find an equivalent to my job outside academia. Guaranteed lifelong learning and development in the area that I am most passionate about".
Gustaf Waxegård is employed as senior lecturer in clinical psychology at the Department of Psychology in Växjö.
"There is an interesting diversity of people here, who have connections with different parts of society and the world. It feels like my workplace and my opportunities don't end where campus ends," says Gustaf.
What do you think about working at Linnaeus University?
"Working here means freedom under responsibility. There is a certain leeway, but there are also clear expectations that you take responsibility for that leeway".
What else do you appreciate?
"I value the freedom of thought, and the opportunity to contribute to a cycle of learning that so many carry together – in particular all the talented students".
How would you describe your role?
"The knowledge development within neuroscience is extremely fast. Remaining relevant and teaching the students for tomorrow and not for yesterday is a central challenge. Matching the material to the specific student group is both exciting and rewarding – and sometimes challenging considering the often limited time available for preparation of teaching and personal reading”.
"While knowledge development is fast, knowledge building in the individual case/research project is a slow process that requires patience and persistence. As a new-old employee, it is both rewarding and challenging to find sustainable paths into relevant research".
Finally, do you have any favourite spots in the area that you like to visit?
"I will have to say Husebymaden nature reserve at Grimslöv. It's a great place to take children and dogs to, regardless of the time of year, but especially when bird life is most active".
Helene Hansson, controller
"Linnaeus University is a stimulating workplace in many ways, with many exciting meetings that help you grow, and it never stands still".
Helene Hansson works as controller at the Teacher Training Office in Kalmar.
"My guiding principle is 'together’, and I am passionate about collaboration. You can make incredible progress, both in small and large ways, if you work together", says Helene.
What made you choose Linnaeus University?
"It seemed like an exciting workplace and I was curious to be in a dynamic environment where 'things happen'. Here, I work right at the heart of education, research, and collaboration".
What else do you appreciate?
"In addition to the dynamism: the people, the environments, and the challenges in my work".
How would you describe your role?
"As a controller, my goal is to act as professional support in all contexts – to the academic leadership, colleagues within the administration, teachers and researchers in the core activities, and the central offices. I want them to feel that I am useful and that I make a difference".
Finally, do you have any favourite spots in the area that you like to visit?
"As a resident of the island of Öland, I warmly recommend a trip along the coastal road from Äleklinta northwards, all the way up to Byxelkrok. Pack a picnic basket and stop at all the stunningly beautiful places along the way. I promise that you’ll have a fantastic experience, and it's so beautiful that you sometimes have to pinch yourself to understand that it's real".
Linn Andergren, study and career counsellor
"I actively sought out a position at Linnaeus University".
Linn Andergren works as study and career counsellor at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities in Växjö.
"I wanted to work in a large organisation with societal relevance, where you have the opportunity to meet new people from different backgrounds and with various interests", says Linn.
What do you think about working at Linnaeus University?
"I find it fun, challenging, and creative. For me, factors such as the work environment, social community, and feeling appreciated are important. I enjoy the campus environment and meeting students who are taking new steps every day towards their future careers, in academia or the job market. I have the best colleagues in the world and we work in a non-pretentious climate, which is important to me".
What else do you appreciate?
"It’s a vibrant and dynamic workplace where my skills and personality are valued while I also get the opportunity to learn new things".
How would you describe your role?
"My main task is to meet our students in conversations to support, motivate, and inspire them to take the next step in their career development. Listening to their thoughts about dreams and working together with obstacles and challenges feels important and meaningful".
Finally, do you have any favourite spots in the area that you like to visit?
"I have loads! I enjoy taking a lunch walk around Lake Trummen next to campus, and working out at the gym here. I'm also fond of Bokhultet Nature Reserve – it's like Narnia in both spring and autumn with all the beech trees. And I mustn’t forget: enjoying the delicious food at Izakaya Moshi".
Omar Aljanabi, systems developer
"I work with fantastic and positive colleagues who are experts in their fields. We are a great team that works well as a unit and we usually solve most things together".
Since 2021, Omar Aljanabi works as systems developer at the IT Office in Växjö. As a systems developer, it is Omar's responsibility to drive the development of both new and old IT systems and tools.
"It feels cool to spend my workdays in an environment where I'm surrounded by students, teachers, and researchers of various nationalities, backgrounds, and cultures", says Omar.
What do you think about working at Linnaeus University?
"There's an inspiring atmosphere here and, obviously, my colleagues contribute a lot to the good work environment. But I also value that the office provides us with the resources needed for me to continuously be able to develop and improve myself as well as my professional role. Overall, it feels like my work environment is favourable for me".
What else do you appreciate?
"I have many areas of responsibility and the tasks are varied. But what truly inspires me is when I see that students, researchers, and other colleagues actually use the tools and systems that I have helped to develop".
What challenges do you see in your role?
"Linnaeus University is a large organisation with many different systems. Some have been around for a long time and were created by previous systems developers who are no longer working at the university. Sometimes it can be challenging to examine and understand the code they created, and their reasoning behind code-related decisions".
Finally, do you have any favourite spots in the area that you like to visit?
"I like Växjö city centre. For example, I often visit Hong Kong, which is a very cosy restaurant. And I like the cinema at Oxtorget, which is cosy and comfortable”.
Pablo E Contardo Aubke, lecturer in Optometry
"It's extremely important that the person teaching is truly passionate about their subject – and I have the freedom to do that here".
Pablo E Contardo Aubke is a lecturer at the Department of Medicine and Optometry in Kalmar. He has previously worked at University of Cologne, among others, but eventually chose Linnaeus University.
"As a teacher on an optician training programme, you are quite specialised. I knew that the optician programmes in Sweden have a much more clinical focus, which attracted me. In Germany, there's more emphasis on mathematics and the technology behind it", says Pablo.
What do you think about working at Linnaeus University?
"Here, teachers are divided according to their specialties, and that feels good. In Germany, it could sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable to teach according to their system, in all parts and subjects, even those I did not feel completely confident in".
What else do you appreciate?
"I like my team. My colleagues and I complement each other, and can support and understand each other, which means that the workload becomes reasonable".
How would you describe your role?
"My work never gets monotonous or boring, to a large extent thanks to the research that constantly moves us forward. We learn something new every day that we can bring into our lectures. Then there is the exciting challenge of finding the didactic methods needed for each new student to gain as much as possible from the teaching".
Finally, do you have any favourite spots in the area that you like to visit?
"I appreciate the enormous cultural offerings of Kalmar, Öland, and the entire coast. There are lots of art exhibitions and art tours throughout the year, for example, during the Harvest Festival on the island of Öland in autumn, where I have actually exhibited".
"Here in the city, a variety of exciting cultural activities and try out activities are also organised, in which amateurs and children can participate. These are very much appreciated and well attended”.
Sofia Enell, Associate Professor in Social Work
"Work is largely about the people you work with. I have colleagues who challenge my thoughts and ideas while also showing appreciation and offering support".
The Department of Social Work in Växjö is where Sofia Enell works as a senior lecturer.
"I am given relatively large freedom and trust from management and colleagues to shape my work the way I believe will be effective. This creates room for creativity and for me to grow with the tasks", says Sofia.
What made you choose Linnaeus University?
"I wanted to be part of an active and stimulating research environment that focused on my field of research, but also included exciting research in social work. I also wanted to work with education and have the opportunity to influence the social work programme together with competent colleagues. Another important part of my work is to have close collaboration with organisations that conduct social work".
How do you find working here?
"Besides the positive work climate, my job is, of course, also about the tasks I have. At the Department of Social Work, I can dedicate myself, in both research and teaching, to my research field, which is young people's own experiences of society's support in vulnerable life situations".
"What is more, I am in a workplace that strives to collaborate with the surrounding society. Contributing to knowledge development and participating in discussions outside of academia is often very stimulating and enriching".
What else do you appreciate?
"My biggest driving force is to contribute to knowledge development in social work. Thus, what I appreciate most is when my research is implemented in practice by professional social workers, or when I get to talk about my studies with young people who have received some form of support from society".
"I also appreciate being in different contexts – whether this is in the staff room, teaching, or at project meetings – that generate deep and curious conversations. Quite often, I leave work with a new thought or a new perspective".
How would you describe your role?
"What stimulates me in my role is that the challenges never end. It can be demanding and tiring to face new questions and tasks so often, but it also means that I am in a workplace where it rarely gets boring or monotonous".
Finally, do you have any favourite spots in the area that you like to visit?
"I have many! I moved here in 2019 (because of the job) and appreciate all the nature reserves close to the city. Bokhultet, Helgö, and Hissö are places to which we often take visitors. The beech forests here with the dark Småland lakes right next to them are magically beautiful".
"Then I have two secret favourite spots. One is cliffs along a lake, the other a jetty that is completely secluded, where you can watch the sunset in silence".