Tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor/Professor in Ecophysiology and Ecology Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
fuldtid
Tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor/Professor in Ecophysiology and Ecology Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
The Department of Biology at Aarhus University aims to advance and strengthen the Departments research and education program in ecophysiology and ecology. Therefore, we invite applications for 1-2 new faculty members at the levels of Tenure-track Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor. The positions are to be filled by October 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to negotiation.
Position 1:
The Department of Biology is interested in recruiting a Tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor to expand and strengthen the department’s research and teaching expertise within plant ecophysiology and ecology. We are looking for a motivated and talented researcher with strong background within these fields. Ideal candidates will develop new areas of study that complement our existing program or markedly strengthen current key disciplines at the Department. Key expertise in plant ecophysiology and ecology could include, but is not limited to, vegetation ecology, water-soil-plant biogeochemical processes, plant functional traits, dispersal ecology, nutrient uptake and cycling, carbon assimilation and primary productivity. We welcome applicants with experience in using a range of methodologies, from field studies and laboratory experiments to advanced modeling techniques. The selected candidate is expected to take a leading role in the establishment of an externally funded research program within the area and to disseminate research and scientific results to the public. Applicants should have a strong track record documenting important contributions to relevant areas within plant eco-physiology or ecology. To promote integration with the department’s existing research activities, we are particularly interested in candidates with a focus on aquatic ecosystems including wetlands. You must indicate in your application whether you apply for the Tenure-track Assistant Professor position or the Associate Professor position. You may apply for more than one level of position.
Successful candidates are expected to:
• Conduct research of the highest international standard and publish in high-impact scientific journals.
• Contribute to developing an excellent research environment within the field of aquatic biology, plant eco-physiology or ecology.
• Establish synergies between own research and other related research activities.
• Contribute to relevant teaching and supervision at the biology degree program.
• Obtain competitive research funding from external funding bodies.
• Contribute positively to the department’s strategy and social working.
• Be able to communicate and teach in Danish within four years after employment.
Position 2:
The Department of Biology is interested in recruiting a Professor particularly in molecular microbial physiology and ecology, to consolidate the Departments’ profile in this field. The successful candidate will have an established track record in the use of cutting-edge molecular biology techniques to determine the function and identity of uncultivated and cultivated microorganisms in a variety of microbial habitats. Such techniques may include third generation nucleic acid sequencing and advanced microscopic techniques. To promote integration with the department’s existing research activities, we are particularly interested in candidates with a focus on geomicrobiology and aquatic sediment.
Accomplished candidates will be expected to develop or expand an internationally competitive research program with both fundamental and applied projects, attract significant external funding, and contribute to teaching and supervision at all levels, including bachelor, master and PhD students.
Successful candidates are expected to:
• Conduct high-quality research and secure external funding
• Teach and supervise students at undergraduate, graduate, and PhD levels
• Develop courses in your area of specialization
• Contribute to the Department’s strategy and administration
• Develop collaborations within the Department, Aarhus University, and internationally
Applicants must have an internationally recognized academic track record and documented experience in:
• Research leadership and funding acquisition
• Teaching and supervision at university level
• Collaboration across disciplines and with international research environments
• Scientific communication and outreach
Assessment Criteria
The qualifications of each candidate will be evaluated according to the Criteria for evaluating candidates for scientific positions at AU Natural Sciences.
Assessment will include:
• Research output, including peer-reviewed publications
• Proven ability to attract external funding
• Research leadership experience
• Teaching and supervision experience
• International collaboration and networking
For both positions, teaching is significant aspect of the positions, encompassing both bachelor and master-level programs. This includes contributing to teaching in basic and advanced courses providing a broad overview of fundamental biological principles and in particular plant physiology, plant, soil or microbial ecology. You will also be expected to supervise undergraduate, graduate and PhD students. Qualifications and experience in teaching will be carefully evaluated during the assessment process.
In addition, the positions may include other departmental duties, such as participating in committees and public outreach initiatives. Involvement in university services and departmental community engagement programs is an expected and integral part of all positions at the department.
About the Department of Biology
The Department of Biology (www.bio.au.dk) hosts research programs and teaching curricula that cover all major biological sub-disciplines. The Department employs ~ 40 tenured staff, 60 postdocs, 40 PhD-students and 60 technical staff. The Department hosts BSc and MSc study programs in Biology with about 400 students enrolled as well as a PhD program. The working language is English, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Our research covers arctic, temperate, and (sub)tropical ecosystems, with an overarching focus on understanding the impact of global changes on ecosystems' functions. We aim to use this fundamental knowledge acquired to also improve the understanding, planning, and management of natural resources.
The Department is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, research vessel, marine field station, research growth facilities, and proximity to diverse ecosystems, and offers a robust platform for experimental eco-physiology and ecology.
The place of employment is Aarhus University, Department of Biology, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Position 1 will be part of the Section for Aquatic Biology, while position 2 will be part of the section for microbiology. Both sections are situated on the university campus in Aarhus. The Department's research encompasses a wide array of basic and applied topics in across biomes, species and methodologies.
Further information
For additional information please contact Head of Section for Aquatic Biology Professor Tenna Riis (tenna.riis@bio.au.dk) (position 1), Head of Section for Microbiology Associate Professor Ian Marshall (position 2) or Head of Department Professor Jesper Givskov Sørensen (jesper.soerensen@bio.au.dk) (both positions).
Deadline
Applications must be submitted online and received by: 1 June, 2026.
Application procedure
Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the assessment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. The selection is made on the basis of an assessment of who of the candidates are most relevant considering the requirements of the advertisement. All applicants will be notified within 6 weeks whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee and will receive his/her assessment. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.
Letter of reference
If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline. Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.
If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattech@au.dk
Formalities and salary range
Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.
Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.
Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.
Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.
The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
Aarhus University
Position 1:
The Department of Biology is interested in recruiting a Tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor to expand and strengthen the department’s research and teaching expertise within plant ecophysiology and ecology. We are looking for a motivated and talented researcher with strong background within these fields. Ideal candidates will develop new areas of study that complement our existing program or markedly strengthen current key disciplines at the Department. Key expertise in plant ecophysiology and ecology could include, but is not limited to, vegetation ecology, water-soil-plant biogeochemical processes, plant functional traits, dispersal ecology, nutrient uptake and cycling, carbon assimilation and primary productivity. We welcome applicants with experience in using a range of methodologies, from field studies and laboratory experiments to advanced modeling techniques. The selected candidate is expected to take a leading role in the establishment of an externally funded research program within the area and to disseminate research and scientific results to the public. Applicants should have a strong track record documenting important contributions to relevant areas within plant eco-physiology or ecology. To promote integration with the department’s existing research activities, we are particularly interested in candidates with a focus on aquatic ecosystems including wetlands. You must indicate in your application whether you apply for the Tenure-track Assistant Professor position or the Associate Professor position. You may apply for more than one level of position.
Successful candidates are expected to:
• Conduct research of the highest international standard and publish in high-impact scientific journals.
• Contribute to developing an excellent research environment within the field of aquatic biology, plant eco-physiology or ecology.
• Establish synergies between own research and other related research activities.
• Contribute to relevant teaching and supervision at the biology degree program.
• Obtain competitive research funding from external funding bodies.
• Contribute positively to the department’s strategy and social working.
• Be able to communicate and teach in Danish within four years after employment.
Position 2:
The Department of Biology is interested in recruiting a Professor particularly in molecular microbial physiology and ecology, to consolidate the Departments’ profile in this field. The successful candidate will have an established track record in the use of cutting-edge molecular biology techniques to determine the function and identity of uncultivated and cultivated microorganisms in a variety of microbial habitats. Such techniques may include third generation nucleic acid sequencing and advanced microscopic techniques. To promote integration with the department’s existing research activities, we are particularly interested in candidates with a focus on geomicrobiology and aquatic sediment.
Accomplished candidates will be expected to develop or expand an internationally competitive research program with both fundamental and applied projects, attract significant external funding, and contribute to teaching and supervision at all levels, including bachelor, master and PhD students.
Successful candidates are expected to:
• Conduct high-quality research and secure external funding
• Teach and supervise students at undergraduate, graduate, and PhD levels
• Develop courses in your area of specialization
• Contribute to the Department’s strategy and administration
• Develop collaborations within the Department, Aarhus University, and internationally
Applicants must have an internationally recognized academic track record and documented experience in:
• Research leadership and funding acquisition
• Teaching and supervision at university level
• Collaboration across disciplines and with international research environments
• Scientific communication and outreach
Assessment Criteria
The qualifications of each candidate will be evaluated according to the Criteria for evaluating candidates for scientific positions at AU Natural Sciences.
Assessment will include:
• Research output, including peer-reviewed publications
• Proven ability to attract external funding
• Research leadership experience
• Teaching and supervision experience
• International collaboration and networking
For both positions, teaching is significant aspect of the positions, encompassing both bachelor and master-level programs. This includes contributing to teaching in basic and advanced courses providing a broad overview of fundamental biological principles and in particular plant physiology, plant, soil or microbial ecology. You will also be expected to supervise undergraduate, graduate and PhD students. Qualifications and experience in teaching will be carefully evaluated during the assessment process.
In addition, the positions may include other departmental duties, such as participating in committees and public outreach initiatives. Involvement in university services and departmental community engagement programs is an expected and integral part of all positions at the department.
About the Department of Biology
The Department of Biology (www.bio.au.dk) hosts research programs and teaching curricula that cover all major biological sub-disciplines. The Department employs ~ 40 tenured staff, 60 postdocs, 40 PhD-students and 60 technical staff. The Department hosts BSc and MSc study programs in Biology with about 400 students enrolled as well as a PhD program. The working language is English, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Our research covers arctic, temperate, and (sub)tropical ecosystems, with an overarching focus on understanding the impact of global changes on ecosystems' functions. We aim to use this fundamental knowledge acquired to also improve the understanding, planning, and management of natural resources.
The Department is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, research vessel, marine field station, research growth facilities, and proximity to diverse ecosystems, and offers a robust platform for experimental eco-physiology and ecology.
The place of employment is Aarhus University, Department of Biology, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Position 1 will be part of the Section for Aquatic Biology, while position 2 will be part of the section for microbiology. Both sections are situated on the university campus in Aarhus. The Department's research encompasses a wide array of basic and applied topics in across biomes, species and methodologies.
Further information
For additional information please contact Head of Section for Aquatic Biology Professor Tenna Riis (tenna.riis@bio.au.dk) (position 1), Head of Section for Microbiology Associate Professor Ian Marshall (position 2) or Head of Department Professor Jesper Givskov Sørensen (jesper.soerensen@bio.au.dk) (both positions).
Deadline
Applications must be submitted online and received by: 1 June, 2026.
Application procedure
Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the assessment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. The selection is made on the basis of an assessment of who of the candidates are most relevant considering the requirements of the advertisement. All applicants will be notified within 6 weeks whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee and will receive his/her assessment. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.
Letter of reference
If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline. Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.
If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattech@au.dk
Formalities and salary range
Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.
Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.
Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.
Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.
The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
Aarhus University
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/