Department of Science Education
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Department of Science Education seeks to appoint an associate professor of University Science Education. The position will have its emphasis on research, research-based teaching and development related to supervision as well as career development of PhD students in the natural sciences during their studies. Further, the position will involve research, teaching and development related to supervision of students in university science programs.

We are looking for applicants with documented research experience within one or more of the following research areas:

• Supervision of PhD students
• Career development of PhD students 
• Supervision of university students,
• Career development of academics more generally 

We prefer applicants who have documented experience with:

• Research on supervision and/or career development within the natural or health sciences
• Design and implementation of competence development activities for university teachers and PhD supervisors 

• Collaboration with educational leaders, graduate schools or similar organisations about planning, implementing, and evaluating teaching, education and/or supervision practices.

Duties include

• Research, development work, grant applications, supervision and research management within the above fields

• Research based teaching on university science education – particularly related to competence development for university staff at other departments, but also supervising students, preparing and participating in examinations and courses.
• Other tasks requested by the Department – including engaging with and participate in Department and Faculty governance structures. 

Specific teaching duties for the position include (co-)leading, developing, and teaching in the department’s courses for PhD students, PhD supervisors and supervisors of bachelor and master students. The successful candidate will be engaged in teaching at the Teaching and Learning in Higher Education program for teachers at the Faculty of Science (see more at https://www.ind.ku.dk/english/course_overview/up/ ) which entails research-based teaching duties beyond the field of supervision and PhD studies.

Applicants are required to have university level teaching experience, documented teaching competencies 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 for assistant professors is required.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, original scientific production at an international level, including contributions to developments in their field, as well as their documented teaching qualifications. Managerial and out-reach qualifications of applicants including ability to attract external funding will also be considered.

Six overall criteria apply for associate professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational 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://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5b_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Associate_professors.pdf .

The Department has since 2007 developed into one of the largest European environments for research on how persons practice, teach and learn sciences.

We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment as well as an attractive and friendly work environment. It is a hallmark of our research to unite strong fundamental, mission-oriented, strategic and applied research that has high impact in society.

The position will become part of the Section for Science Education that pursues research into the teaching, learning and assessment of scientific knowledge and competences at all educational levels. The position will be a part of the research group on University Science Education which has a particular focus on the interaction between the students, the staff, the curricula and the teaching and learning cultures at university.

Further information on the Department is found on https://www.ind.ku.dk/english/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Department Jan Alexis Nielsen, janielsen@ind.ku.dk, +4535320361.

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

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

Terms of employment

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

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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

The deadline for applications is 14 August 2022, 23:59 GMT +2.

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

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews/trial lectures will be held on 9 December 2022.

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0426/22-2E.

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.