Tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Metagenomics/Microbiomics

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 Metagenomics/Microbiomics. The position is to be filled by April 1st 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to negotiation.

Description of the position
We are seeking a dedicated and innovative researcher to strengthen our expertise within the development and application of bioinformatic tools for analyzing metagenomes obtained from human and environmental samples. The selected candidate is expected to take a leading role in establishing an externally funded research program within metagenomics/microbiomics, focusing on the development and application of bioinformatic tools for large metagenomic datasets.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading research initiatives and securing external funding
• Teaching and supervising students at undergraduate, graduate, and PhD levels, with primary course assignments in bioinformatics and biology degree programs
• Disseminating research and scientific results to the public
• Participating in departmental committees and other tasks as requested

The selected candidate will join either the Section for Computational & RNA Biology or the Section for Microbiology, depending on the specific profile of the candidate. Regardless of the affiliation, the candidate is expected to explore interdisciplinary collaboration with other sections in the department, as well as with industry and public research institutions when such interactions provide synergistic benefits.

The Section for Computational & RNA Biology (https://www1.bio.ku.dk/scarb/) consists of twelve research groups working in the fields of computational biology, population and statistical genetics and RNA biology. The section has state-of-the-art computational infrastructure and laboratory facilities and is responsible for teaching a bioinformatics BSc and MSc program. At the Section of Microbiology (https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/microbiology/), DNA and RNA sequencing (inhouse Illumina, Nanopore, and PacBio platforms) is used to study complex microbial communities in various environments. Both population level and single cell sequencing approaches are performed using a combination of cutting-edge molecular techniques and a state-of-the-art FACS facility. Research and teaching focuses on microbial interactions e.g. in the human microbiome, multi-species biofilm and horizontal gene transfer.

Qualifications/profile
Applicants should have a background in metagenomics/microbiomics, particularly in the analysis of large datasets and/or the development of new tools for this type of analysis. They should have demonstrated the ability to perform independent, original, and hypothesis-driven research at a high international level. Complementarity to current research at the sections is essential. Applicants should be able to contribute to teaching existing BSc and MSc courses in the bioinformatics and biology curricula and 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 (BIO) employs around 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 and biochemistry at the University of Copenhagen first in Denmark and among the top 15-25 universities globally. We offer PhD, BSc, and MSc programs in biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine, and bioinformatics, engaging 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. At BIO, we see diversity as a strength. 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. Excellent opportunities are available for research funding to establish oneself in Denmark.

Learn out more about working at BIO here.

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. Family life is supported by publicly funded daycare and healthcare systems, dual career opportunities, generous 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 April 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.
We encourage women and other underrepresented groups to apply, as we are dedicated to diversifying our faculty and promoting an inclusive environment.

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]), Head of Section, Associate Professor Jeppe Vinther ([email protected]), or Head of Section, Professor Søren J. Sørensen ([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 on positions held, grants held (principal investigator, co-investigator, career development grants), international networks and activities, outreach activities etc.
• 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 8th 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 on February 26th 2025. 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 Metagenomics/Microbiomics: 211-0223/24-2N

Associate Professor in Metagenomics/Microbiomics: 211-0636/24-2E

We look forward to receiving your application.

Kilde: Jobnet.dk