Join the Danish Advanced Research Academy (DARA) as Managing Director

Are you a visionary leader with a talent for building strong networks and a passion for research excellence? We are seeking an inspiring Managing Director to lead the novel Danish Advanced Research Academy (DARA). You will have a fundamental role in ensuring that DARA becomes a cornerstone of Denmark’s research landscape with international recognition.

About DARA
DARA is a national PhD academy dedicated to fostering world-class, transformative research across Denmark. The academy will be established in 2025 through a 500 million DKK donation from the Novo Nordisk Foundation. You can read more in the press releases here and here.

The mission of DARA is to unite PhD students from a wealth of scientific disciplines into a vibrant, interdisciplinary community, promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange across traditional boundaries. By nurturing emerging talent, DARA aims to empower the next generation of researchers to tackle global challenges and shape the future of science and society.

Hosted by the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Faculty of Science, DARA provides a platform for research training and events that connect academia, industry, and society. Its initiatives are designed to enrich the educational journey of PhD students, ensuring their integration into a dynamic and supportive network of peers, mentors, and stakeholders.

Your Role
As Managing Director, you will be the strategic and operational leader of DARA. You will work closely with the Board of Directors, fellowship and ecosystem committees, and the Danish research community to implement DARA’s vision and strategies. Key responsibilities include:

• Shaping and executing DARA’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Managing the academy’s operations and budget to ensure efficiency and alignment with goals.
• Overseeing the operation of the DARA secretariat and the administrative duties within the academy.
• Reporting the activities and performance of the academy in annual reports and evaluations.
• Cultivating a strong sense of community among PhD students from diverse disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with researchers, institutions, and industry stakeholders nationally and internationally.
• Overseeing DARA’s funding programs, events, and outreach activities to ensure they deliver measurable impact.
• Acting as an ambassador for DARA in Denmark and abroad.

About You
The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific background and leadership experience, coupled with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. We are looking for someone who can navigate the complexities of interdisciplinary collaboration and inspire others with their vision for DARA’s future.

Key Qualifications:
We expect that you can demonstrate the following capacities:

• Leadership experience, preferably from a research, academic, or innovation environment.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, organizational management, and team development.
• Experience with research funding, grant management, or program development.
• Solid administrative and organizational skills.
• Strong network in the Danish and international research ecosystems.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with PhD students and foster a sense of community.
• Excellent communication skills in English; proficiency in Danish is an asset.

Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to lead a pioneering PhD academy that brings together the brightest young researchers in a multidisciplinary community. You will be responsible for establishing and working with a dedicated secretariat and engage in a dynamic network with the academy stakeholders, driving initiatives that make a tangible difference in research and society.

Location and Terms
The position is based at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Faculty of Science, in Odense, and you will administratively become part of the Faculty of Science secretariat. The position is full-time as senior consultant with an initial appointment from the 1^st of May 2025 or as soon as possible after and until the 31^st of May, 2030. Salary and employment conditions in relation to educational background and applicable collective agreements between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

For more information, you are welcome to reach out to dean at the Faculty of Science, Marianne Holmer, via email ([email protected]) or phone +45 6011 2605.
Application deadline: 28 February 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time. Interviews will be conducted in the weeks after.

At SDU, we believe that diversity drives excellence and innovation. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of age, gender, disability, religion, or ethnicity. We strongly encourage Danish and European experts to apply for this position. SDU and the Region of Southern Denmark provides excellent repatriation services, language courses, day-care, and international schools, and a strong and growing international community.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application, salary etc.
Salary and employment conditions are related to educational background and applicable collective agreements between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

To be considered for this position, please fill out an online profile and attach the following documents:

• cover letter
• resume (CV)
• certificates, and if possible, a list of up to three references.

Documents in connection with the application must not contain CPR number (civil registration number) – in that case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

All attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. Cover letter and CV can contain max. 5 Mb.