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:

1. Leading research initiatives and securing external funding
2. Teaching and supervising students at undergraduate, graduate, and PhD levels, with primary course assignments in bioinformatics and biology degree programs
3. Disseminating research and scientific results to the public
4. 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.

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.

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 outreach qualifications.

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

Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Department, Professor Niels Kroer ( ), Head of Section, Associate Professor Jeppe Vinther ( ), or Head of Section, Professor Søren J. Sørensen ( ).

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).

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.