Professor in Oral and Dental Diseases and Maxillofacial Surgery

The Research Unit of Odontology at the Department of Clinical Research , Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Southern Denmark invites applications for a professorship in Oral and Dental Diseases and Maxillofacial Surgery.

The position is initially offered as a fixed-term appointment of five years at 20% time. Subject to approval by the relevant funding authorities, there may be an opportunity for extension following the initial term.

There may be potential for an increase in the employment percentage at a later stage, depending on future needs and mutual agreement.

Job description

We are seeking a professionally accomplished academic with a broad odontological and research background. Ideally, the candidate will hold Danish specialist recognition in one of the two odontological master's disciplines: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery or Orthodontics.

A strong and preferably diverse research portfolio within dental, oral, and maxillofacial diseases is highly valued, as the development of this new research unit must ultimately encompass the core competencies of dentistry. The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to research-based teaching across multiple levels and possess documented leadership experience in managing research groups. This includes securing external funding and supervising master's students, PhD fellows, postdoctoral researchers, or equivalent.

The successful candidate is expected to have proven competencies in establishing a research unit from the ground up. Experience in health research management and formal training in research leadership will be considered a significant advantage.

We are looking for a candidate who can engage in constructive dialogue—both interpersonally and within strategic or policy contexts. The ability to communicate effectively across various platforms, including dissemination of research findings and contributions to public engagement via national media, will be considered an asset.

The ideal candidate will possess a creative mindset and a strong drive to advance dental research, particularly in relation to the development of a new degree programme structure aligned with the foundational pillars of dentistry. Future research activities will encompass prevention, health promotion, diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with oral and craniofacial diseases, including interdisciplinary collaboration with adjacent medical and surgical specialties.

This newly established research unit will support research and development activities for the forthcoming Dentistry and Dental Hygiene programmes under the Department of Clinical Research at SDU. The recruitment plan includes 2–3 professors, as well as associate professors, assistant professors, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD fellows. Academic staff will be expected to contribute to teaching, supervision, research, and academic citizenship.

The research unit will be gradually established from autumn 2025, with the overarching aim of building a vibrant and sustainable research environment that actively supports the Dentistry and Dental Hygiene programmes over the next 2–5 years.

Further information

Further information about the position can be obtained from the Head of Department of Clinical Research, SDU, Rikke Leth-Larsen, e-mail: , phone:

Application deadline

November, 16, 2025, at 23.59 hrs. (CET)

Salary and terms of employment

The successful candidate will be employed in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link " Apply now " - see below.

We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

The application must include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total):

• a motivation letter
• a detailed CV
• degree certificates (inclusive of Ph.D.-diploma)
• a complete and numbered list of publications
• 10 scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the candidate as most important for this position. It is permitted to merge copies of the selected publications into a single PDF file.
• a teaching portfolio detailing the candidate's prior teaching experience, teaching skills, and teaching philosophy
• a research plan detailing the candidate's ideas and plans for her/his future research work.

For technical issues, please contact: hcm-

Please note that all the above-mentioned information must be included in the application.

Applications received after the deadline and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assessment

Shortlisting will be used as part of the initial selection process.

Assessment of shortlisted applications will be done under the existing Appointment Order for universities. Shortlisted applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. The committee may request additional information, and, if so, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the necessary material.

When the assessment committee has submitted its report, the applicants will receive part of the evaluation that concerns themselves.

References will be obtained for the preferred candidate from their current and previous employers. Applicants invited for interview should expect to complete a work-related personality assessment.

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign new employees will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment.

The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Read about working in Denmark (Danish rules and guidelines) here

About SDU

SDU is committed to fostering a diverse staff that reflects society's diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of personal background.

SDU was founded in 1966 and now has over 27,000 students, nearly 20% of whom are international. SDU employs more than 3,800 staff and offers 115 study programs across disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, and engineering. While SDU's main campus is in Odense, it also has campuses in other locations.