(211-0660/24-2E) Fixed-term Associate Professor of Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes

Fixed-term Associate Professor of Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes
Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

University of Copenhagen, Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management is seeking candidates for temporary position as Associate Professor of Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes.

Cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDE) are major components in the ecosystems of fungi and bacteria. The microorganisms secrete enzymes which are capable of degrading almost any organic polymer, even plastic. CWDEs cover a range of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes, and they are important not only for the carbon cycle of ecosystems but also for industrial biotechnology. Biofuels, detergents, feed, food and textiles are some of the commercial application areas for CWDEs catered for by a multi-billion Danish and international biotechnological industry. The associate professor position in cell wall degrading enzymes covers research within the basic understanding of the enzymes, their structure, substrates and physiological role as well as their industrial application.

The successful candidate should be internationally recognized within the fields of a number of issues and methodological areas relating to cell wall degrading enzymes as appropriate for the level of associate professor. These include

• Cell wall degrading enzymes (CDWE) – origin and characteristics
• LPMO’s (lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases)
• Oxidative enzymes for biomass processing
• Interaction of enzymes, cell walls and environment
• Applied biotechnology

Applicants are required to have university level teaching experience, documented teaching competencies and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice and portfolio. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training programme for assistant professors is required.

Duties include the applicant’s own research, development of the field, assessment tasks, grant applications, and research management such as supervision and training of research fellows and other staff. The successful applicant must also teach, supervise, prepare and participate in examinations, and fulfill other tasks requested by the Department.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, original scientific production at an international level, including contributions to developments in their field, as well as their documented teaching qualifications. Managerial and out-reach qualifications of applicants including the ability to attract external funding will also be considered.

Six overall criteria apply for associate professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for an overall assessment of the candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5b_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Associate_professors.pdf.  

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of department Vivian Kvist Johannsen ([email protected]).

The position is open from 1 March 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

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

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The position is limited until 31 March 2028.

The application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae including information about external funding
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Description and documentation of teaching experience and qualifications according to university guidelines
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 19 December 2024, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.   

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held on 20 February 2025.

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0660/24-2E.