Professor Positions in Biology at the Department of Biology

The Department of Biology at the University of Southern Denmark invites applicants for full professor positions in the fields of:

• Microbial physiology and biochemistry focusing on electromicrobiology, applied and environmental microbiology
• Bioacoustics/neuroethology of vocal communication
• Coastal marine and habitat restoration ecology

We are looking for excellent colleagues from these fields in Biology, who can either strengthen or complement the current research in Biology at our department. The areas of expertise that we are seeking are described in more detail here:

Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry Focusing on Electromicrobiology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology
This professorship is affiliated with the Nordcee Group.
We seek an excellent researcher in environmental microbiology with an outstanding record in electromicrobiology and microbial ecophysiology. Especially, the physiology and metabolism of methane producing and consuming archaea and extracellular electron transfer are of interest. You should have a documented track record of attracting external funding for innovative research in environmental biotechnology (white biotech) and climate change microbiology.

Bioacoustics/Neuroethology of Vocal Communication
This professorship is associated with the Sound Communication and Behaviour Group. We are looking for applicants in Bioacoustics with emphasis on the physical and neural mechanisms underlying vocal communication. We seek an excellent researcher with an outstanding record of interdisciplinary research in Bioacoustics with emphasis on the physical and neural mechanisms underlying vocal communication. You should have bold and visionary research ideas that have the potential to successfully attract external funding.

Coastal Marine and Habitat Restoration Ecology
This professorship is associated with the Ecology Group with focus on estuarine habitat recovery restoration, including coastal realignment, development of innovative coastal and marine methods for improvement of water quality and the ecological status of these ecosystems. We are looking for applicants with expertise in coastal habitat restoration in theory and practice. You should be able to assess the applicability and feasibility multiple coastal habitat restoration methodologies with goals of restoring ecological function and structure in these habitats. Furthermore, you can predict and evaluate the changes in ecosystem function and services provided in coastal habitats restored using various methodologies. Having a holistic, ecosystem perspective in your research is an advantage.

Who we are looking for
An ideal candidate is expected to have an excellent research track record in the outlined areas of Biology corresponding to professor level. We also expect participation in as well as documented experience of:

• teaching at different levels within biology;
• student supervision;
• excellent research;
• successful competition in third-party funding;
• service to the research community;
• outreach outside academia, for example to industry, other organizations, or society.

A successful applicant is also expected to contribute with support and direction for the development of the relevant research field as well as the strategic development of the department. You can find more information about general expectations for academic performance at all levels, including professors, in the “The academic recruitment and careers at the Faculty of Science” document.

Department of Biology:
The Department of Biology (approximately 165 employees) conducts a wide range of research within the broad and diverse field of biology. Our research is organized in five research groups focusing on more specific, but still diverse, disciplines and biological focus areas:

• Sound and Behaviour - focusing on neuroscience, communication and behaviour
• Nordcee - focusing on biogeochemistry of Earth systems
• Ecotoxicology - focusing on environmental effects of anthropogenic chemicals, especially endocrine disrupting chemicals, and materials (e.g. plastics)
• CPop-Biology – part of SDU’s interdisciplinary centre on aging and demography
• Ecology - focusing on the assessment, protection and reestablishment of ecological and ecosystems processes in a changing world.

The department is responsible for teaching in the Bachelor and Master programmes in Biology and a new interdisciplinary one-year Danish Master’s programme in Climate Adaptation. Teachers at the department also contribute to other teaching programmes (e.g. pharmacy, audiology) at the university.

At the department, staff and students develop collaborative networks both within and outside the department as they conduct research and as part of educational activities. The department believes in fostering a stimulating and inspiring environment for both staff members and students.

Additional information on Odense/SDU:
The University of Southern Denmark is Denmark’s third largest university with campuses across the country. It was founded in 1966 and now has more than 27,000 students, almost 20% of whom are from abroad. It has 3,800+ employees, and 115 different study programmes in the fields of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, and engineering. Its main campus is located in Odense, the third largest city in Denmark. Odense provides family-friendly living conditions, with the perfect combination of a historic city centre with an urban and vibrant feel and yet close proximity to beaches and recreational areas. Its location on the island of Funen is ideal with easy access to the larger cities and airports in Aarhus and Copenhagen.

We are flexible with respect to the starting date, but expect this to be in 2022. Application deadline: 19 May 2022.

For further information please contact Head of Department Gary Banta at [email protected].

Application, salary etc.
Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

Applications will be assessed by an expert committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

The application must include the following:
• A curriculum vitae
• A full list of publications
• Copies of all publications on which the applicant wishes to be evaluated
• A brief survey of the applicant's most important research results and research plans for the next three years.
• A teaching portfolio.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

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

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply online". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply before you apply.

Since not all members of the appointment committee are Danish-speaking, it is recommended that your application is submitted in English.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.