OTM-R at Uppsala University

Uppsala University uses OTM-R (Open, Transparent, Merit-based Recruitment) as a basis for its recruitment processes. The fundamental principles are stated in the Employment Protection Act and Uppsala University’s Appointment Regulations. Furthermore, Uppsala University applies competency-based recruitment.

Open, Transparent, Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) is an important part of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for Researchers. To ensure that Uppsala University fulfils the requirements for open, transparent and merit-based recruitment, an OTM-R checklist (Word, 20 kB) has been produced. This checklist clarifies the areas in which OTM-R can be developed further at Uppsala University.

OTM-R enhances the conditions for equal opportunities within the recruitment process and ensures that the most qualified person is employed based on their merits.

Open recruitment

As a public authority, Uppsala University is obliged to publish vacancies in an appropriate manner so that applicants can register their interest in the position. Vacancies are always published under ‘Join Us’ on uu.se. Many international recruitments of teaching staff and/or researchers are also announced on the EURAXESS vacancies portal.

Transparent recruitment

For teaching positions, eligibility and assessment criteria are regulated and available to applicants.

All recruitment decisions can be appealed via the Higher Education Appeals Board. This Board is the highest authority for appeals and its decision cannot be appealed further.

Merit-based recruitment

When making appointments to posts within the central government administration, only objective factors, such as merit and competence, are to be taken into account, as stipulated in Chapter 12, Article 5 of the Instrument of Government. This law is complemented by Section 4 of the Public Employment Act (1994:260), which states that competence shall be the primary consideration, unless there are special reasons for doing otherwise. Discrimination is prohibited under the Discrimination Act (2008:567).