Freshwater Ecology

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen, Denmark

The Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a position as Tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Freshwater Ecology. The position is to be filled by July 1st 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to negotiation.

Description of the position

The selected candidate is expected to take a leading role in the establishment of an externally funded research program focussing on pelagic freshwater ecology.

In addition to research, duties also include teaching and supervision of students at the undergraduate, graduate and PhD-levels, with prime course assignments within the Biology degree program. The position may also include duties requested by the department such as departmental citizenship tasks.

The candidate will be embedded in the Section for Freshwater Biology. Research in the section spans all types of freshwaters, generally applying a broad, ecosystem oriented approach. Specifically, research focuses on production and transformation of organic matter, biogeochemical processes, ecology and physiology of aquatic organisms, biodiversity, food chain interactions, and influence of climate change, land use and nature restoration on ecosystem quality. The research is conducted with a local, regional and global scope. The section has well-equipped state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including temperature controlled rooms and a greenhouse. Section staff currently includes three Full professors, one Associate Professor, one Assistant Professor, three technical staff, and nine post-docs and PhD-students.

Qualifications/profile

Applicants should have a scientific background within pelagic freshwater ecology with a solid knowledge of organismal biology, and expertise in one or more of the fields of biodiversity (genetic diversity), eDNA and trophic ecology.  Complementarity to the current research of the section is essential as is an interest in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with other sections at the department and externally with partners from industry and public research institutions.

Needed qualifications at the Tenure-track Assistant Professor level: The position requires an increasing publication trajectory in high-level, international, peer-reviewed ISI journals as well as some personal research grants or a designated (by name) part of major grants. Research plans and publication record should delineate a clear potential for attracting external funding.  The tenure-track assistant professor must have an academic standing showing internationally competitive research, and/or have high potential to make a future scientific impact at the international level. Documented university level experience in delivering high-quality undergraduate/graduate teaching is not mandatory but will be an advantage. If not already holding formal pedagogical qualifications, candidates are required to obtain pedagogical training equivalent to the University of Copenhagen Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Programme for Assistant Professors.

Needed qualifications at the Associate Professor level: The position requires a track-record of successful external research funding as well as a significant publication record in high-level, international, peer-reviewed ISI journals. Candidates are also required to have documented university level competencies in delivering high-quality undergraduate/graduate teaching and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice and portfolio. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training programme is required. Finally, candidates are expected to have managerial and out-reach qualifications.

The Department of Biology employs about 450 academic and technical staff and hosts research programmes and teaching curricula that cover all major biological sub-disciplines. University rankings typically place the field of Biology at the University of Copenhagen first in Denmark and among the top 15-25 universities globally. In addition to a PhD-programme, three BSc study programmes (biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine) and four MSc study programmes (biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine, bioinformatics) engage close to 2000 students. A new Bioinformatics BSc programme is under development as a cross-departmental collaboration anchored at the Department of Biology.

The department is committed to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment that reflects the diversity of society. We highly value a safe, informal, and collaborative working atmosphere.

Copenhagen is among the 10 most livable cities in the world with a vibrant music, dance and theater culture, world class restaurants, an extensive public transportation system and excellent opportunities for biking in the city. Life for families is made easy by a publicly supported daycare and healthcare system, dual career opportunities, maternity/paternity leave and six weeks of annual vacation.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, original scientific production at an international level, including contributions to developments in their field, scientific profile in relation to ongoing research at the section, as well as documented teaching qualifications. Ability to attract external funding will also be considered as will managerial and out-reach qualifications.

Six overall criteria apply for Assistant/Associate appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organizational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for an overall assessment of the candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at:

https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/about/jobs/criteria-for-recognising-merit/ where the local criteria applied at the Department of Biology can also be found.

The Appointment Committee will prepare a short-list of applicants at both levels to be assessed by an Assessment Committee. Note that being on the short-list, is not equivalent to being assessed qualified for the position. Short-listed candidate may potentially be deemed “not qualified” by the Assessment Committee. 

A sub-set of the qualified short-listed candidates will be selected for a formal interview by the Appointment Committee.  Invited candidates may also be given the opportunity to visit the department to meet with the faculty and the Head of Department, and to give a research presentation.

Terms of employment

The position is open from July 1st 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Information on tenure-track programme

An assigned mentor will provide the tenure-track assistant professor with guidance related to career development, other academic topics and administrative procedures.

Performance of the tenure-track assistant professor will be followed via internal yearly evaluations and a mid-term and final international evaluation by an assessment committee. If the ‘final appraisal’ is positive you will be promoted as associate professor. Performance and progression towards the criteria below will be evaluated with due consideration of differences between research fields.

Further information

For more information about the Department of Biology and the various research sections, please visit our web-site https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Department, Professor Niels Kroer (nk@bio.ku.dk) or Head of Section, Associate Professor Dean Jacobsen (djacobseb@bio.ku.dk).

International candidates may find information on living and working in Denmark at www.workindenmark.dk. Useful information is also available at The International Staff Mobility office (ISM) at the University of Copenhagen (https://ism.ku.dk). ISM offers a variety of services to international researchers coming to and working at the University of Copenhagen.

Filing of application

The position may be applied for at the Assistant or Associate professor level. Please note that it is possible to apply at more than one level. If applied at more than one level, separate applications must be submitted (see below).

The application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae including:Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
  • Please describe and document international network and relations
  • Please describe and document internationally based activities
  • Positions held at universities/research institutions outside Denmark
  • Outreach activities, i.e. popular lectures or other activities in the media
  • Grants held, personal or in part. Career development grants.
  • [Other qualifications can be filled in by Department]

• Research plan - description of current and future research plans

• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications- please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training

• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of up to 5 particularly relevant papers

Deadline for applications is 12th February 2023 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

Interviews will be held on 8 June 2023. Invited candidates may also be invited to visit the Department of Biology, to meet with the faculty and the Head of Department, and to give a research presentation. 

Please refer to the following numbers in future communication in this case:

Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Freshwater Ecology: 211-0160/22-2N

Associate Professor in Freshwater Ecology: 211-0473/22-2E

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.