Modeling of Biological Systems
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 Associate Professor or Full Professor in Modeling of biological systems. The position is to be filled by 1 August 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to negotiation.

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 15-30 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, trusting and collaborative working atmosphere.

Description of the position

The position is aimed at developing the department’s expertise in biological modeling in a direction that will integrate and bridge organismal biology, community ecology and ecosystem ecology using modeling approaches. The successful candidate is expected to take a leading role in the establishment of an externally funded research programme in modeling of biological/ecological systems. Another important task will be the development and teaching of new courses, and to integrate modeling in existing relevant courses at the undergraduate, graduate and PhD-levels. To a limited extent, the position may also include duties requested by the Department such as dissemination of scientific research or participation in local committees.

The position is broadly described and not a priori designated one specific research section at the department. Rather, the selected candidate will be integrated into the most relevant section (Terrestrial Ecology, Microbiology, Freshwater ecology, Ecology & Evolution and Marine Biology) depending on the profile and wishes of the candidate. The candidate, however, is expected to explore interdisciplinary collaborations with all research groups at the department where such interactions will have clear synergistic benefits.

Qualifications/profile

We welcome candidates having expertise within hypothesis-driven mathematical modeling of ecological and ecophysiological processes. Areas of interest include development and application of mechanistic models (numerical/individual-based/process-based) by combining knowledge from theoretical ecology (food web theory, metabolic theory of ecology, ecological stoichiometry) and experimental ecology (trait data bases, field studies, experimental manipulation studies).

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.

Needed qualifications at the Full Professor level: Applicants are expected to have a significant track-record of attracting 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 Teaching and Learning in Higher Education programme is required. Finally, candidates are expected to have managerial qualifications and experience in leading a competitive research group, as well as out-reach qualifications.

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/ Full 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://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.

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

Terms of employment

The position is open from 1 August 2021 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.

Commencing salary is currently at the Associate professor level up to DKK 481.303 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 82.302).

Commencing salary is currently at the Full professor level DKK 631.009 including annual supplement (+ pension DKK107.902).

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.

Further information

For more information about the Department of Biology, 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 Deputy Head of Department for Teaching, Professor Ole Pedersen (opedersen@bio.ku.dk). Also, inquiries may be made to the Heads of the relevant sections.

Copenhagen is one of the 10 most livable cities in the world with a rich culture within music, theater and associations. Life for families is made easy by a publicly supported daycare and health care system, dual career opportunities, maternity leave and six weeks of annual vacation. 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 Associate professor level or the Full Professor levels. 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 17 March 2021 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 15 June 2021 and 17 June 2021. 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 no. in future communication in this case:

Associate Professorship of Modeling of Biological Systems 211-0299/20-2E

Full Professorship of Modeling of Biological Systems 211-0093/20-2K

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.