The SDU Metaverse Lab is seeking one or more new colleagues to join our team. Our focus is the interface of technology and people, working across domains to create experiences and technologies that enable people to shape and engage with the future. We seek two new colleagues to support the strengths of the lab across all forms of interactive technologies, while unlocking new opportunities to provide societal benefit through cutting-edge technical research. The targeted starting date of the positions is January 2025.

The application deadline is August 5, 2025, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

The SDU Metaverse Lab 

The Metaverse Lab is a small, interdisciplinary research, academic and impact-generating organization. The Metaverse Lab pursues research focusing on creating experiences and technologies that enable people to shape and engage with the future. In the Metaverse Lab, staff and students work together with companies and organizations on projects across disciplines – from games to health, learning to robotics, data to code – in an environment designed for collaboration and technology transfer.  

The overall goal of the SDU Metaverse Lab is to explore and address the challenges and opportunities related to digital technology and virtual environments, and their impact on society, well-being, and economies. Our research is divided into three multidisciplinary themes or streams of critical R&D: 

• Digital and Technical Literacy in Society: as our world becomes increasingly digital, a substantial portion of the population lacks the essential skills to effectively engage with technology, impacting their ability to participate in the digital economy, access information, and fully engage in society. 
• Digital Pathways to Wellbeing: Globally, the rise in mental health challenges and physical disabilities demands urgent attention. Leveraging digital innovations, such as innovations like virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), adaptive systems, and behavioral analytics, can help address these critical gaps in healthcare provision.  
• Virtual environments and economies: The rapid developments across online realities, digital economies, and AI create pivotal challenges in ensuring that future digital realities are supportive, safe spaces for users and creators.  

You can read more about the current research strategy of the SDU Metaverse Lab here. Within the research themes outlined, we are involved in a number of research projects together with industry and academic partners; read more about some of our projects here.

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About the positions 

The Metaverse Lab is in a phase of expansion and renewal and seeks to fill one or more positions at the Associate or Assistant Professor level. We are looking for people who can contribute to our core research themes, develop and teach subjects in our undergraduate and graduate courses, and secure funding to further support the lab’s growth. 

The successful candidate will be actively engaged with the latest technological and methodological developments in their area of research and demonstrate a well-developed teaching philosophy. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the SDU Metaverse Lab. 

The purpose of these positions is to contribute to our mission of creating the technological solutions of the future that support the meeting between people and technology. You will be expected to bring your expertise to our team, helping us meet our future skill requirements and enabling further growth of the group. 

The Metaverse Lab has a strong focus on societal benefit and collaboration with external stakeholders such as industry. Our research is characterized by being purpose-led R&D. We strive to have very direct impact, working across the technology level readiness chain. 

We provide excellent support for your work, and a highly flexible environment. Our lab and SDU offer numerous opportunities for professional development. You will have the chance to influence the direction of our lab, improve on our teaching degree, and explore your areas of interest. You are expected to take on leadership roles within our lab and lead research projects. 

We are a small and agile team and are looking for colleagues who are motivated and not afraid to think outside the box to get results. As a team in growth, these positions provide an excellent opportunity for putting your imprint on the lab and furthering your career. We have immense respect for each other, and we recognize that as a supportive team, everything is easier. 

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Location 

These positions are primarily located at SDU’s Odense campus, and you are expected to be regularly present on campus to facilitate student interaction, etc. Remote work is however common when there is no critical need to be on location, subject to local Danish regulations and rules. 

The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is a thriving institution located in the vibrant city of Odense, Denmark's third-largest city. SDU is home to more than 27,000 students, with nearly 20% international.  

Odense is a city rich in history and culture, known for its close associations with the famous fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen. It is also known for its expansive robotics industry, and despite being a rural city, has a high technology footprint. It offers a high quality of life, and Denmark's healthcare system is world-class, providing universal access and high-quality care. The country's public holidays offer a work-life balance, contributing to Denmark's reputation as one of the happiest countries in the world. 

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark can be found with the SDU International Office here. You may also visit Work in Denmark for additional information.

Please contact the SDU International Office for any questions related to international relocations to Denmark, living in Denmark, etc.

Contact information

For questions about the positions, please contact Head of the SDU Metaverse Lab, Professor Anders Drachen, on adrac@mmmi.sdu.dk

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk. 

Conditions of employment

Assistant professor:

Appointment as assistant professor is temporary and for an initial 3-year period, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding. 

Employment as assistant professor requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment.

During employment, the assistant professor must complete the Lecturer Training Programme, unless similar prior training has been obtained and this is approved as a replacement tertiary pedagogical competence.  

Associate professor: 

Appointment as associate professor is offered on a permanent basis.

Employment as an associate professor requires academic qualifications at PhD level as well as scientific and teaching qualifications at a level achievable based on satisfactory completion of a period of employment as assistant professor/researcher but may be achievable by other means. 

The preferred starting date is October 1, 2025, but is flexible.

The application deadline is August 5, 2025,at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST)

The University of Southern Denmark wishes our staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, are subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position.

Please find the full job advertisement and information on how to apply on our website.