([xxxxx]/23-2N, [xxxxx]/23-2E, [xxxxx]/23-2K) Tenure-track Assistant, Associate or Full Professor in Communi...

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, Associate or Full Professor in community ecology of plants and fungi. The position is to be filled by April 1st, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to negotiation.

Description of the position
The position is aimed at strengthening the department’s expertise within community ecology of plants and/or fungi and the related fields of biodiversity and conservation science. The selected candidate is expected to take a leading role in the establishment of an externally funded research program within plant/fungal community ecology, phylogenetic and functional diversity of plant/fungal communities in parallel with research in conservation and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems.

Another important task will be teaching and supervision of students at the undergraduate, graduate and PhD-levels, with prime course assignments within the biology degree program. The successful candidate is also expected to disseminate scientific evidence to the public and to engage in the science-policy interface by dissemination of knowledge on biodiversity and conservation to decision makers and the public. Finally, the position may include duties requested by the department such as participation in committees and other tasks.

The selected candidate will be embedded in the Section for Ecology & Evolution, however, is expected to explore interdisciplinary collaboration with research groups based in other sections of the department (e.g., Terrestrial Ecology, Microbiology and Freshwater Biology), wherever such interactions will have synergistic benefits.

The Section for Ecology & Evolution (https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/ecology-evolution/) consists of ten research groups taking evolutionary approaches to ecology, including animal behaviour, biodiversity genomics, community ecology, conservation, morphology, social evolution and symbiosis. The section has state-of-the-art laboratory facilities including a fully equipped DNA lab with access to next generation sequencing facilities, as well as established field sites and arrangements with landowners across Denmark.

Qualifications/profile

Applicants should have a strong track record documenting important contributions to the field of ecological research in plant and/or fungal communities, including assembly processes and links to ecosystem processes. The expected focus is on temperate natural and human-altered terrestrial ecosystems. The candidate should have a solid background in the development of ecological theory combined with a profound knowledge of organismal biology of plants and/or fungi in Northern Europe. Expertise in turning scientific evidence into evidence-based decision-making tools for biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration will be considered an asset.

Qualifications needed at the Tenure-track Assistant Professor level: The position requires a positive 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 candidate 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 Program for Assistant Professors.

Qualifications needed at the Associate Professor level:The position requires a considerable publication record in high-level, international, peer-reviewed ISI journals as well as a track record of successful external research funding. 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 their own teaching practice. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training programme is required. Finally, candidates are expected to have managerial and outreach qualifications.

Qualifications needed at the Full Professor level: A significant publication record in high-level, international, peer-reviewed ISI journals as well as a strong and successful track-record of attracting external research funding is expected. Candidates are also required to have documented university-level competencies in delivering high-quality undergraduate and graduate teaching and must be able to explain and reflect upon their own teaching practice. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen Teaching and Learning in Higher Education program is necessary. Finally, candidates are expected to possess managerial qualifications and experience in leading a competitive research group, as well as having outreach qualifications.

The Department of Biology employs about 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 at the University of Copenhagen first in Denmark and among the top 15-25 universities globally. In addition to a PhD-program, three BSc study programs (biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine) and four MSc study programs (biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine, bioinformatics) engage 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. 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. There are good opportunities available to apply for research funding to establish oneself in Denmark.

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

Applicants will be assessed based on their level of documented original scientific production and contributions to developments in the field, their scientific profile in relation to ongoing research, and their documented teaching qualifications. Ability to attract external funding will also be considered, as will managerial and out-reach qualifications.

Six overall criteria apply for 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/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 all three 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 candidates 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 April 1st, 2024, 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 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, please visit our website https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Department, Professor Niels Kroer ([email protected]), or Head of Section, Associate Professor David Nash ([email protected]).

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, Associate or Full Professor level. Please note that it is possible to apply at more than one level. If applying 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 October 29th, 2023, 23:59 GMT +1

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

Interviews will be held on March 1st, 2024. 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 community ecology of plants and fungi 211-0184/23-2N

Associate Professor in community ecology of plants and fungi 211-0542/23-2E

Full Professor in community ecology of plants and fungi 211-0254/23-2K

Kilde: Jobnet.dk