Associate Professor in Insect Nutrition and Production

The Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, invites highly qualified applicants for a position as associate professor in insect nutrition and production from 1 January 2027.

The position

We seek a candidate with a background in entomology and experience in the nutrition of insects used for industrial insect production.

Research tasks

The focus of the position is to:

• Build and lead an externally funded, interdisciplinary research group in insect nutrition and production, engaging national and international collaborators.
• Lead research on nutrient requirements to optimize production efficiency and resource use in industrial insect systems, with emphasis on Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens .
• Explore how different insect species have potential for industrial production based on sustainable or circular biomasses and byproducts.
• Conduct research-based advisory work for authorities, including risk assessment of substrates to support regulatory and policy decisions.
• Develop and apply methods to monitor metabolism and production performance in collaboration with industry partners.
• Support the strategic development of insects as a growing research area within the department.

Further, you will be responsible for teaching and supervising students at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels, as well as supervising technical staff within your area of expertise.

Your profile

Qualifications for the associate professor level at Aarhus University must include postdoctoral training or employment as a researcher or similar with a relevant research profile and a strong scientific publication record in one or several of the areas as described above. This includes that you have:

• The ability to carry out independent and well-organized research work, as well as work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Documented teaching qualifications at a high international level.
• Experience with project management.
• Qualifications for appointment as associate professor, including fulfillment of the academic criteria as outlined here

The preferred candidate is expected to join and contribute to the development of ongoing research within the research group Monogastric Nutrition .

What we offer

• A well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment and animal experimental facilities.
• An informal and multicultural research environment with high professionalism and close collaboration and networking activities.
• A workplace characterized by equality and a good work-life balance, and open discussions across different fields of research.
• A position where the applicant can solve tasks of great importance for society and the agricultural sector.

Who we are

Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences is well-known for its skilled and very innovative interdisciplinary research environments with high international impact. We perform world-class research, which contributes with solutions to solve essential societal challenges within the green transition: food production and veterinary medicine – nationally and globally.

The department generates novel research at the highest international level within sustainable food production, environment, climate, and health and welfare for animals and humans. The activities form the basis for the research-based public sector consultancy and degree programs covering bachelor, master and PhD degree programs within animal science and veterinary medicine. We offer a lively, engaged and innovative learning and study environment, which is closely integrated into the research environment.

Our department has unique and advanced animal experimental research facilities and technologies, situated in close connection to the research environment, and a comprehensive national and international research network and good industrial and professional collaboration.

Please refer to Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences (anivet.au.dk) for further information about the department.

Contact information

Further information on the position may be obtained from:
Head of Section, Professor Jan V. Nørgaard, phone: Se telefonnummer på nature.com,
email: Se e-mailadresse på nature.com

Living in Denmark

Please visit the international staff website: for information about arriving to and living in Denmark for both the applicant and their potential family.

Place of employment and place of work

The place of work is Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AU Viborg, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

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.

Formalities and salary range

Technical 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.

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.