Professor in Ocean and Earth System Sustainability

DTU invites applications for a position as Professor in Ocean and Earth System Sustainability at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua), Section for Ocean Science and Technology.

We are seeking a researcher with a strong international profile and leadership experience within the study of biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape the state and resilience of marine and aquatic ecosystems. The successful candidate will contribute to developing integrative and solution-oriented approaches that link ecosystem dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, and climate processes to support ocean health, sustainable use of ocean resources, and green societal transition. It involves ocean bioengineering solutions that interact with or augment natural biological systems to mitigate climate change and protect and restore ocean health, marine ecosystem structure and productivity.

The position will play a key role in advancing DTU's strategic goals in climate, sustainability, and ecosystem-based innovation and offers an exceptional opportunity to collaborate across national and international ocean and earth system science, DTU's world class innovation and engineering activities, life science, and technology communities in an interdisciplinary and mission driven approach.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The professor will provide scientific leadership for research and innovation in Ocean and Earth system sustainability, with a focus on understanding and predicting ecosystem-scale responses to climate change as well as developing climate mitigation solutions and adaptation strategies for ocean services. Responsibilities include activities contributing to:

• Conducting internationally leading fundamental research on the function and resilience of aquatic ecosystems, including their roles in carbon, oxygen, and nutrient cycles under climate change.
• Developing and coordinating interdisciplinary programs that integrate physical, biological and chemical oceanography, advanced observation and mitigation technology, and data science to advance sustainable and climate-positive solutions.
• Exploring possibilities for ocean bioengineering and carbon dioxide removal techniques in the context of climate mitigation
• Attracting external funding and building partnerships across academia, public agencies, foundations, industry and society to strengthen Denmark's position in sustainability-oriented ecosystem research and innovation.
• Contributing to education and mentoring at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels within Ocean and Earth system sciences.

We seek an internationally recognized researcher who combines scientific excellence with interdisciplinary vision and leadership. The candidate should have:

• A strong research record in ecosystem-scale oceanography, biogeochemistry, or related fields;
• Experience in attracting and leading international collaborative projects;
• Experience contributing to strategic institutional development, interdisciplinary science and cross-sector collaboration;
• A commitment to high quality mentoring, education, and communicative, curiosity-driven, open and inclusive research practices.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) and academic qualifications equivalent to professor level.

You are expected to contribute significantly to teaching at the BEng, BSc, MSc and PhD levels.  

DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these, and in time expected to master both as you will deliver scientific advice and teach in Danish.  

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Documented experience and quality of teaching and curriculum development
• Research impact and experience, funding track record and research vision
• International impact and experience 
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from:   DTU Aqua's Director Anna Rindorf, email: , cell phone:

You can read more about the institute at 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. 

Application procedure
Please submit your online application no later than 31 January :59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter) addressed to the President
• Vision for teaching and research 
• CV including employment history, list of publications indicating scientific highlights, H-index and ORCID (see )
• Teaching portfolio including documentation of teaching experience 
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)

You can learn more about the recruitment process here.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Section of Ocean Science focuses on marine research and education covering oceanography, ocean technology and the future state of ocean ecosystems. Research integrates biological, physical, and chemical interactions in the ocean, ranging in scales from individual plankton to regional seas and the global ocean. We focus on understanding key processes that govern the structure and function of marine food webs and how they provide sustainable ecosystem services such as fish production and carbon sequestration under climate change. We develop and apply ocean technology that integrates across technology development and advanced data analysis in the laboratory and at sea to map and characterize the state of the ocean. Another focus is to predict the future state of ocean ecosystems by understanding how climate change is altering biodiversity and ecosystem services, and how human activities influence ecosystem integrity. We do this through targeted laboratory experimentation, data analyses, ocean-going observations, and modelling.

DTU Aqua provides research, advice, innovation and education at the highest international level within the sustainable exploitation of living marine and freshwater resources, the biology of aquatic organisms, and the dynamics of ecosystems as well as integration of results in ecosystem-based management. DTU Aqua is structured into 9 scientific sections, covering 14 different research areas and has 350 employees, of whom a third are scientific staff. The department has a number of scientific and administrative support functions, including the research vessels DANA and HAVFISKEN. DTU Aqua has locations in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg and regular activities in Greenland. 

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.