Assistant professor in biomedicine with teaching commitments in macroscopic anatomy

The Department of Molecular Medicine, SDU, invites applications for a full-time 3-year faculty position as assistant professor with a specific teaching focus in the field of human anatomy. The position is available as soon as possible.

Construction of a new, up-to-date human anatomy unit at SDU-Campus will be completed in April 2025. This highly innovative and IT-enhanced space includes a new morgue, new dissection facilities, new museum and plastination capacity. The unit is physically joined to forensics, the new Odense University Hospital and is part of the Department of Molecular Medicine as a fully integrated part of existing Campus in Odense.

The assistant professor will be responsible for teaching at this human anatomy unit within the Department of Molecular Medicine and help to coordinate its activities. The assistant professor will also be responsible for initiating, supervising, and publishing research within a research group focusing on muscle, tendon and connective tissues including aspects on structure and integrated function in whole organisms with relation to metabolic, cardiovascular and neurological control mechanisms.

Qualifications 

We seek candidates with a PhD and educational background in medicine, human anatomy or a related field e.g. pathology, orthopedics, sports science, human physiology, biomedicine, clinical biomechanics or similar.

Areas of responsibility

Teaching commitments 

The candidate will deliver dynamic functional human anatomy teaching, primarily at the undergraduate level for Bachelor students in Medicine and Clinical Biomechanics taught at SDU. Principal teaching duties will include the teaching of anatomy courses, and the development of courses including postgraduate courses. The unit at SDU uses touch screens, group teaching, podcasts and interactive approaches. Additionally, the assistant professor will mentor postdocs, PhD students, and undergraduate students at the Faculty of Health Sciences, 

Research profile and responsibilities

The ideal candidate will contribute with a robust research portfolio within the field of tissue research. The unit focuses primarily on pathophysiological changes in muscle, tendon, and connective tissues in patients with CNS lesions and neuromuscular diseases. However, research in other tissue-related areas—such as sports medicine, cardiology, dermatology, tissue engineering or other—may also align with the scope and objectives. Preferred methodologies include 3D imaging, 3D microscopy, plastination, and histology. Familiarity with one or more of these techniques will be expected, along with the potential to introduce complementary methods that enhance the units research capabilities.

Research infrastructure with new labs, several core facilities within imaging, transcriptomics and animal models will be available and are physically close to the anatomy unit. Ability to secure external funding is crucial for the research. Close collaborations will be expected within the unit, the department, and with Odense University Hospital. Establishment of strong international collaborations of benefit to the unit as well as the department will be expected as well. Participation in assessment work and other faculty duties will be part of the position. Moreover, profiling this research area in the public eye will be an important task.

The research units

The Winsløw Unit for Anatomy

The Winsløw Unit for Anatomy, Histology, and Plastination at the University of Southern Denmark is committed to integrate research, education, and postgraduate training into a cohesive and mutually supportive framework. In education, our unit delivers cutting-edge anatomy instruction by leveraging advanced pedagogical methods, human specimens (both wet and plastinated), and dissection-based learning. We serve students across diverse programs, including medicine, clinical biomechanics, and biomedicine, striving for excellence in every aspect of their learning experience.  Our research focuses on uncovering pathophysiological mechanisms and exploring structural adaptations in various tissues, such as muscle, tendon, nerve, brain, and intestinal tissue. We bridge macroscopic techniques (e.g., MR imaging, X-rays, ultrasound) with microscopic approaches (e.g., TEM, synchrotron imaging, and immunohistochemistry) to address both fundamental scientific questions and clinical challenges.

Additionally, our section specializes in advanced embalming techniques and plastination, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of specimens for education and research. We are also proud to host an anatomical museum that continues to evolve and grow, offering an engaging resource for learning and discovery. You will participate in supporting and developing these facilities. 

These activities form a dynamic and innovative department, where continuous development is at the heart of our mission.

The Anatomy unit is part of the Department of Molecular Medicine (IMM). IMM has approximately 180 employees: Ca 30 tenured researchers, +40 Phd students and post docs and +30 technical staff. It consists of 6 closely collaborating and cohabitating research units: The Winsløw Unit; Inflammation; Genome Biology; Cardiovascular & Renal, Cancer, Neurobiology. Additionally, IMM collaborates with Odense University Hospital and hosts ca 130 staff from OUH that perform lab-based research. IMM researchers deliver teaching at several academic educations: Medicine, Pharmacy, Clinical Biomechanics, Health Technology, Audiologopedia, and Biomedicine. 

Management

The Assistant Professor will refer to the Head of Research of the Winsløw Unit.  

Contact information

Further information can be obtained by e-mail to the Head of Research at the Winsløw Unit Jessica Pingel, PhD Associate Professor, [email protected] or to the Head of the Department of Molecular Medicine, professor Boye L Jensen at [email protected] 

Application deadline

April 20, 2025, at 23.59 hrs. CEST

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.

Attached files must be Adobe PDF or Word format. Each field in the application form can contain up to max. 10 MB.

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

• a motivation letter
• a detailed CV
• degree certificates (inclusive of 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.