Associate Professor Positions in STEM Education Research

The Faculty of Science at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applicants within STEM Education Research for two positions at associate professor level. One position is in STEM Education and Science Communication, the other position is in Educational Innovation and Collaboration.

The Faculty of Science has four departments: Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB), Department of Biology (BI) and Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy (FKF). Together these departments span a wide spectrum of science degrees on BSc, MSc and PhD level. In addition, the faculty offers further education for high-school teachers in mathematics and science.

The associate professor positions are the key in a larger initiative to further develop the cross-departmental collaboration in Centre for Research in Science Education and Communication (Forskningscenter for Naturvidenskabelig Uddannelse og Formidling (FNUG)) with expertise needed for the following activities:

Position 1: STEM Education and Science Communication

Expertise is needed for the following activities:

a) STEM education research,
b) discipline-based science education research,
c) teaching History of Mathematics and Philosophy of Science,
d) project supervision,
e) collaborative teaching development,
f) training of future upper secondary school (gymnasium) teachers and communicators in natural sciences and mathematics,
g) collaboration between the departments at the Faculty of Science and with other faculties at SDU within STEM-education,
h) support and collaboration with university colleges within Mathematics and Science Education and STEM initiatives.

This position will have a particular focus on Secondary and Tertiary Education, including university science education research. The position will contribute research to collaborations in university science education, the national Science Education programme NAFA, and science education partnerships with regional university colleges.

Position 2: Educational Innovation and Collaboration

Expertise is needed for the following activities:

a) collaborative educational innovation in relation to science education and science education research,
b) research in systems oriented change management,
c) interdisciplinary teaching in project management,
d) training of future upper secondary school (gymnasium) teachers and communicators in natural sciences and mathematics,
e) collaboration between the departments at the Faculty of Science and with other faculties at SDU within STEM-education,
f) cross-institutional collaboration in the educational sector with a focus on university colleges and universities,
g) participatory and collaborative research and communication methods,
h) support and collaboration with universities and university colleges within Mathematics and Science Education and STEM initiatives.

This position particularly focuses on educational innovation in science and the other STEM disciplines, including the professional development of teachers, teacher educators and teaching at tertiary level and in primary and lower secondary school. The position will focus on the collaboration in Naturfagsakademiet with a focus on Center of Excellence in Science Education (CESE).

Together, our new colleagues will be responsible for:

- teaching and supervision at all levels from BSc to PhD and help to shape the future educational profiles at the faculty
- active research and research dissemination corresponding to associate professor level
- developing and supporting ongoing initiatives within STEM-education, Science Education and/or Science Communication in which the faculty is involved
- together with other faculty members or collaborators from other faculties, university colleges or similar, devising new projects within STEM-education, Science Education, and/or Science Communication and bring home third-party funding for such projects
- supporting the dialogue with new external collaborators and funding bodies
- taking part in centre leadership and everyday collegiality.

The positions will strengthen existing research and educational initiatives within STEM-education, Science Education and Communication. Through our ongoing national and international collaboration, we support STEM-education all the way from pre-elementary school to university levels.

For both positions we expect successful candidates to hold a PhD and have research experience on minimum postdoc or assistant professor level. For a hiring at the level of associate professor, applicants are expected to have a strong research track record of more than four years after their PhD, and to have demonstrated the ability to direct independent research projects and obtain external funding. In addition, applicants are expected to have substantial experience in teaching and supervision at all levels.

Fluency in English and Danish is required.

Based in Odense, the Faculty of Science offers a modern, inclusive, international and interdisciplinary working environment with state-of-the-art facilities as well as a strong tradition for collaboration across departments and faculties, with university colleges and upper secondary schools, municipalities, industries and museums in the region.

As the third largest city in Denmark, Odense provides family-friendly living conditions with the perfect combination of a historic city centre with an urban feeling yet a close proximity to beaches and recreational areas. Its location on the beautiful island of Funen is ideal with easy access by train or motorway to the bigger cities of Aarhus and Copenhagen. As the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’s famous fairytale-author, the city is home to a vibrant and creative population that hosts numerous festivals and markets throughout the year.

For more information, please contact IMADA Section Leader and Centre Director, Professor Connie Svabo [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. When the expert committee issues its assessment, the applicants will be sent the portion of the assessment pertaining to them personally.

The application must include:
• 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.

An interview may be included as a part of the overall assessment of the applicant’s qualifications.

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.

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 international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.