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 or Associate Professor in physiology and metabolism. The position is to be filled by January 1st 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to negotiation.

Description of the position
The position is aimed at strengthening the department’s expertise within the fields of physiology and metabolism, with a focus on the regulation of hormone secretion and control of metabolic homeostasis. The selected candidate is expected to take a leading role in establishing an externally funded research program focussing broadly on the adaptation of tissue and organ systems to external and physiological cues, and the coordination of metabolic processes and physiological responses at the cellular and organismal levels. Complementarity with the current research focus of the section for Cell Biology and Physiology (CBP) is essential.

Another important task will be teaching and supervision of students at the undergraduate, graduate and PhD-levels, with primary course assignments within the biology and biochemistry degree programs. The successful candidate is also expected to disseminate research and scientific results to 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 CBP, however, is expected to explore interdisciplinary collaboration with other sections at the department, when such interactions provide synergistic benefits. CBP (https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/cbp/) consists of nine research groups aimed at deciphering the molecular and cellular basis of human diseases and genetic disorders, as well as physiological adaptations in response to environmental challenges. The work of the section spans from genome research, structure and function of cells, membrane transport, metabolism and cellular signaling networks over physical activity to the development, structural organization and function of tissues and organs. The section has state-of-the-art laboratory, sequencing and imaging facilities.

Qualifications/profile

Applicants should have a strong track record documenting important contributions to the field of metabolism and endocrine control of metabolic homeostasis. The ideal candidate integrates mammalian model systems at different organizational scales, ranging from cell cultures over tissue explants to the whole organismal level, using molecular biology techniques and classical physiology approaches (e.g. advanced live cell imaging, gene editing and in situ microsurgical techniques). It is expected that the candidate has shown or has the potential to establish a rigorous hypothesis-driven research program.

Applicants should be able to teach a wide range of topics in existing cell biology and physiology courses at the BSc and MSc levels, and is also expected to help develop novel courses.

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 records 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 and experience.

The Department of Biology employs +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 the vacant position and ongoing research at the department, 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 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 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 January 1st, 2025, 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, Professor Søren Christensen ([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 Tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor level. 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 August 11th 2024, 23:59 GMT +2

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 November 28th 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 Physiology and Metabolism: 211-0215/24-2N

Associate Professor in Physiology and Metabolism: 211-0614/24-2E

Kilde: Jobnet.dk