The Research Unit of Cardiovascular and Renal Research at the Department of Molecular Medicine (IMM), SDU, invites applications for a full-time 4-year faculty position as Assistant Professor in the field of immunometabolism, focusing on cardiometabolic disease, inflammatory mechanisms, and vascular pathology. The position is available as soon as possible. 

Researchers in the Cardiovascular and Renal Research Unit work within an international and collaborative environment where English is the preferred language at meetings and seminars. The successful candidate will be based in the brand new “NytSUND building”, located between the university campus and Odense University Hospital. “NytSUND” offers modern laboratory spaces, advanced imaging platforms, and state-of-the-art animal facilities that support cutting-edge experimental research. More information about the department and its research units is available on the IMM website.

The assistant professor will be responsible for initiating, supervising, and publishing research within a group investigating immunometabolic mechanisms in cardiometabolic disease, including atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and metabolic liver dysfunction. This may involve murine models, molecular and biochemical analyses, flow cytometry, primary cell culture, imaging, and bioinformatic work. In addition to these research responsibilities, the assistant professor will contribute to teaching activities within the Department of Molecular Medicine, support coordination of relevant courses, and undertake limited administrative duties. 

Qualifications

We seek candidates who demonstrate:

• A PhD in biomedical sciences, immunology, vascular biology, pharmacology, molecular medicine, biochemistry, or a closely related field

• Experience in metabolic and inflammatory disease research (e.g., atherosclerosis, liver disease, AAA, immunometabolism)

• Experience with animal models, molecular or cellular techniques, and/or multi-omics or bioinformatics approaches

• A documented ability to produce scientific publications relevant to the field

• Strong communication skills and proficiency in English

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, showing initiative and scientific curiosity

The appointment requires scientific qualifications at PhD level in accordance with the job structure for universities. The assistant professor will be expected to complete the higher education pedagogy course during the employment period. 

Areas of responsibility

Research Responsibilities

•   Develop and conduct research in immunometabolism and cardiometabolic disease

•   Contribute to collaborative projects across IMM and with Odense University Hospital

•   Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific meetings

•   Apply for external research funding

•   Contribute to assessment committees and other academic duties

Teaching Commitments

•   Deliver teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels within biomedicine, molecular medicine, and related       areas

•   Contribute to course development and implementation

•   Supervise bachelor, master’s, and PhD students

•   Participate in relevant departmental teaching and examination activities

The Research Environment (Workplace Description)

The Research Unit of Cardiovascular and Renal Research is part of the Department of Molecular Medicine (IMM), which hosts approximately 180 employees, including ~30 tenured researchers, >40 PhD students and postdocs, and >30 technical staff. IMM consists of six closely collaborating research units: Winsløw Anatomy, Inflammation, Genome Biology, Cardiovascular & Renal, Cancer, and Neurobiology. The department collaborates extensively with Odense University Hospital and delivers teaching across Medicine, Pharmacy, Clinical Biomechanics, Health Technology, Audiologopedia, and Biomedicine.

More information about the department and its research units is available on the IMM website.

Management

The Assistant Professor will report to the Head of Research of the Cardiovascular and Renal Research Unit, Professor Per Svenningsen at psvenningsen@health.sdu.dk

Contact information

Further information can be obtained by e-mail to Professor Daniel Ketelhuth at ketelhuth@health.sdu.dk or to the Head of the Department of Molecular Medicine, Prof. Per Svenningsen at psvenningsen@health.sdu.dk

Application deadline

December 7, 2025, at 23.59 hrs. CET

Salary and terms of employment

The successful applicant for the position will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the 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 online applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

The application must contain (as pdf- or Word/docx- files):

• a motivation letter

• a detailed CV

• degree certificates (inclusive of Master’s and PhD diploma)

• a complete and numbered list of publications

• 3 scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the candidate as most important for this position.

• a teaching portfolio

• a research plan detailing the candidate’s ideas and plans for her/his future research work

Incomplete applications regarding the above-mentioned requirements will not be assessed.

Applications may be shortlisted. 

Shortlisted applications will be assessed by an assessment committee.

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign applicants 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.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.