Associate Professor of Marine Biology

Position Overvie

We are looking for a passionate and innovative researcher to strengthen and expand our expertise in the biology and ecology of marine animals. The ideal candidate will complement and integrate with our existing research areas. We expect the successful candidate to take a leading role in establishing an externally funded research program within the area.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading research initiatives and securing external funding
• Teaching and supervising students at undergraduate, graduate, and PhD levels, with primary course assignments in the biology degree program
• Disseminating research and scientific results to the public
• Participating in departmental committees and other tasks as requested

The Research Environment
The candidate will join the Section for Marine Biology, which operates across both the Copenhagen and Helsingør campuses. The section’s research encompasses a wide range of topics within marine biology including aquatic microbiology and virology, sensory biology, physiology and functional biology of marine animals, climate change biology, aquaculture, coral reef biology, and the diversity, phylogeny, and evolution of metazoans and protists. Studies are conducted across polar, temperate, and (sub)tropical ecosystems.

The section boasts newly refurbished laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure for experimental research. This includes microsensors, respirometry, electrophysiology, bioimaging platforms, and modern DNA- and RNA-based molecular analyses. Additionally, our research vessel, Ophelia, and the proximity to diverse marine habitats in Øresund provide an excellent platform for a broad range of marine biological studies.
We encourage interdisciplinary collaborations within the department and externally with industry and public research institutions, where synergistic benefits are evident.

Qualifications and Profile
Applicants should have a strong background in the ecology or functional biology of marine animals and demonstrate a proven ability to conduct independent, original, and hypothesis-driven research at an international level. An experimental approach will be viewed as a valuable asset.

Applicants should be capable of teaching a variety of topics within animal science and ecology in the BSc and MSc biology programs, and are expected to contribute by developing new courses.

Qualifications for Tenure-track Assistant Professor level:

• A positive publication trajectory in high-level, international, peer-reviewed ISI journals
• Experience with personal research grants or participation (by name) in major grants
• Research plans and publication records that demonstrate clear potential for attracting external funding
• Academic standing reflecting internationally competitive research and/or high potential to make a future scientific impact at the international level
• Documented university-level teaching experience is advantageous but not mandatory
• If not already holding formal pedagogical qualifications, the candidate must complete pedagogical training equivalent to the University of Copenhagen’s Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Program for Assistant Professors

Qualifications for Associate Professor level:

• A substantial publication record in high-level, international, peer-reviewed ISI journals
• A proven track record of securing major external research funding
• Documented university-level experience in delivering high-quality undergraduate/graduate teaching, with the ability to explain and reflect on own teaching practices
• Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen’s teacher training program
• Managerial and outreach qualifications and experience are expected
   

The Department of Biology (BIO) employs around 450 academic and technical staff and hosts research programs and teaching curricula that cover all major biological sub-disciplines. University rankings typically place the field of biology and biochemistry at the University of Copenhagen first in Denmark and among the top 15-25 universities globally. We offer PhD, BSc, and MSc programs in biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine, and bioinformatics, engaging around 1,800 students.

The department is committed to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment that reflects the diversity of society. At BIO, we see diversity as a strength. We highly value a safe, informal, and collaborative working atmosphere, and offer a friendly and thriving international research and working environment with opportunities to build internationally competitive research groups. Excellent opportunities are available for research funding to establish oneself in Denmark.

Learn out more about working at BIO here.
 

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 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/bio-as-a-workplace/job-and-career/ 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 June 1st, 2025, 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. A start-up package is provided that includes funds to establish a research group, laboratory space, access to excellent equipment and infrastructure, and funding support.

We encourage women and other underrepresented groups to apply, as we are dedicated to diversifying our faculty and promoting an inclusive environment.

Information on tenure-track program
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 to associate professor. Performance and progression towards the criteria above 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 website 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, Assoc. Prof. Anders Garm (algarm@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 tenure-track assistant professor and 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 information about external funding
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Description and documentation of teaching experience and qualifications according to university guidelines
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

Deadline for applications is January 5th, 2025 at 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 May 5th and 9th, 2025. 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 Marine Biology: 211-0229/24-2N

Associate Professor in Marine Biology: 211-0651/24-2E

We look forward to receiving your application.

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.