DIAS Fellow Position in Biology

A DIAS Assistant Professor tenure track position in Biology is open at the Department of Biology at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) affiliated with the Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS).

DIAS Assistant Professor tenure track positions run for up to six years, after which tenure will be offered subject to positive evaluations and reviews in the Department of Biology with continued affiliation with DIAS.

In line with DIAS’s unique and ambitious research aims, DIAS Assistant Professors have reduced teaching obligations compared to a regular Assistant Professor position at SDU.

The starting date for the positions is August 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.  

About DIAS
DIAS at SDU is a hub for interdisciplinary excellence at and beyond the frontier of knowledge, bringing together outstanding researchers from various disciplines to foster cross-fertilization between fields and stimulate interdisciplinary projects.

It hosts Chairs and Fellows from all faculties of the university, fostering an interdisciplinary environment.

DIAS encourages and supports curiosity-driven research and fosters the meeting of minds across disciplines and levels of seniority. The center cultivates an ambitious, open-minded and playful environment that nurtures both academic growth and a strong sense of community.

The candidate will be anticipated to contribute actively to DIAS, including but not limited to participation in DIAS activities, promotion of DIAS nationally, internationally and within SDU, as well as through strengthening the bonds between the department/faculty on one hand and DIAS on the other, through interdisciplinary collaborations where meaningful.  

About the Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science is a leading hub for research and innovation, proudly home to a wide range of prestigious ERC projects.

The faculty is centered around 4 strong Departments with well-functioning research environments and excellent researchers, who through groundbreaking projects, contribute to new knowledge and solutions to global challenges.

With a strong focus on scientific excellence, the faculty creates an inspiring environment for both established and emerging researchers passionate about making a difference in the field of science. 

About the Department of Biology
The Department of Biology (approximately 200 employees) conducts a wide range of research within the broad and diverse field of biology. Our research is organized in 5 research groups focusing on more specific, but still diverse, disciplines and biological focus areas.

The Department of Biology is seeking to appoint one fellow within Biology in 2025. The research fields might include, but are not limited to:

• Molecular Biology, biogeochemistry and global element cycling
• Aquatic ecology, biodiversity and conservation
• Ecotoxocology and Environmental Risk Assessment
• Population Biology and Biodemography
• Bioacoustics / neuroethology 

We seek creative and ambitious applicants with excellent records of achievement to join our Department, which is comprised of an interdisciplinary faculty with expertise in bioacoustics, behavioral neuroscience, biodemography, biogeochemistry, climate change research, freshwater and marine ecology, biological oceanography, habitat restoration, ecotoxicology, and environmental and conservation biology.

We are particularly interested in candidates who will utilize the interdisciplinary framework and environment of DIAS leveraging their biological expertise to make impactful contributions. We are also interested in applicants bringing new approaches and methods (e.g., AI, bioinformatics, big data, theoretical modelling, etc.) to the biological research at the department.  

About you
The successful candidate must have an international profile and a strong emerging record of research and funding excellence as well as novel ideas with a clear potential to expand our frontiers of knowledge. 

Specific Qualifications
You can demonstrate the following professional and personal qualifications:

• A relevant PhD degree or equivalent qualifications
• Excellent track record in research and obtaining external funding
• Experience in under- and postgraduate teaching and supervision
• Excellent pedagogical skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Some experience with outreach activities
• Have demonstrated national and international research collaboration 

You are expected to

• Establish and lead your own biology research area
• Conduct externally funded research of the highest international standard
• Publish research outcomes through international peer-reviewed publications
• Contribute to teaching and curriculum development at the Department
• Supervise bachelor, master's and PhD students
• Contribute to Department and university general tasks (e.g. serving on committees)
• Complete the SDU Lecturer Training Program for Assistant Professors 

Regarding research funding support
The Danish funding landscape is rich and diverse with several public and private foundations. As a researcher, this gives you ample opportunities for financing your research, whether you are looking for grants for minor research projects, large personal research efforts, or large collaborative endeavors. Of note, several foundations offer calls targeted researchers moving to Denmark, providing financial support for establishing the research lab. The calls targets researchers at all levels of seniority and with a very broad research scope. You can find an overview of recruitment calls here.
The faculty has a research support team specialized in offering tailored support to researchers irrespective of scientific focus and career stage.  

The deadline for applications: 28. Februar 2025.
Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk