STEM-education and Science Communication at the Faculty of Science: Associate Professor...

The Faculty of Science at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applicants for several new positions on associate and full professor level in STEM-education and science communication. The positions are key components in a larger initiative to build up a cross-departmental research group with expertise needed for the following activities: a) to continue training of future high school/gymnasium teachers and communicators in natural sciences; b) to support and collaborate with the regional university colleges within STEM initiatives; and c) to strengthen the collaboration between the Faculty of Science and other faculties at SDU within STEM education.

The faculty has four departments: Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA), the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB), the Department of Biology (BI) and the 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 in natural sciences. Through our ongoing collaboration with the regional university colleges, we also support STEM education all the way from pre-elementary school to university levels. The new positions will strengthen existing research and educational initiatives within science didactics and communication, including those within the centre LSUL and the recently established Center for Grundskoleforskning which is being established across several faculties at SDU in collaboration with the regional university colleges.

Our new colleagues will be responsible for:
• teaching and supervision on all levels from BSc to PhD in STEM-education and/or science communication as well as assisting in shaping the future educational profiles within these areas at the faculty
• active research and research dissemination corresponding to associate or full professor level
• developing and supporting ongoing initiatives within science didactics 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 and/or science communication and bring home third-party funding for such projects
• supporting the dialogue with new external collaborators and funding bodies.

We are inviting applicants on the levels of both associate and full professor, and the applicants are asked to state in their letter of application on which level they wish to apply.

We expect a successful candidate to hold a PhD and have research experience on associate or full professor level within STEM-education or science communication on university or university college level. While the research group will be cross-departmental, each candidate will be affiliated with the department that best fits with their background and research interests.

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.

For hiring on the level of full professor, applicants are in addition to the above also expected to have experience as research leaders and to have the ability to contribute with support and direction for the strategic development of the research field within the faculty.

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Danish is not a prerequisite for application. However, the primary administrative language at SDU is Danish and our new colleagues should therefore be willing to acquire Danish skills within a couple of years.

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 high 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 field 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 highway 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 Martin Svensson, Head of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, [email protected], or Marianne Holmer, Dean of the Faculty of Science, [email protected].

Application deadline: 16 March 2020.

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.

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.

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.