Tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor Functional Biology and Ecology of Marine Animals

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen, Denmark

The Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a position as Tenure-track or Associate Professor in functional biology and ecology of marine animals. The position is set to be filled by June 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter, pending negotiation.

Position Overview
We are looking for a passionate, innovative and collaborative researcher with expertise in hypothesis driven research on the functional biology and experimental ecology of marine animals. The ideal candidate will complement and strengthen our existing research areas, and take advantage of our experimental facilities and easy access to different coastal ecosystems. We expect the successful candidate to take a leading role in establishing an externally funded research program and take an active part in developing existing and new courses in the teaching curriculum of the section.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading research initiatives and securing third-party funding
• Teaching and supervising students at undergraduate, graduate, and PhD levels, with primary teaching responsibilities in the biology degree program
• Disseminating research and scientific results to the public
• Participating in departmental committees and other tasks as requested

The Research Environment
The candidate will join the Section for Marine Biology, which operates across both the Copenhagen and Helsingør campuses. The position will be based in Helsingør, where laboratory and office facilities will be provided. The section’s research encompasses a wide range of topics within marine biology including aquatic microbiology and virology, sensory biology, physiology and functional biology of marine organisms, climate change biology, aquaculture, coral reef biology, deep sea biology and the diversity, phylogeny, and evolution of metazoans and protists. Studies are conducted across polar, temperate, and (sub)tropical ecosystems.

The section boasts modern laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure for experimental research including sea-water facilities for animal keeping. This also includes specialized labs for microenvironmental analyses, respirometry, electrophysiology, advanced bioimaging, and DNA and RNA analyses. Additionally, our research vessel, Ophelia , and the proximity to diverse marine habitats in Øresund and other areas provide an excellent platform for a broad range of biological studies.

We encourage interdisciplinary collaborations within the department and externally with industry and public research institutions, where synergistic benefits are evident.

Qualifications and Profile
Applicants should have a strong background in functional biology and experimental ecology of marine animals and their response to environmental changes. Applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to conduct independent, original, and hypothesis-driven experimental research at an international level.

Applicants should be capable of teaching a variety of topics within animal science and ecology in the BSc and MSc biology programs and are expected to contribute by developing new courses.

Qualifications for Tenure-track Assistant Professor level:

• A strong publication trajectory in high-level, international, peer-reviewed ISI journals
• Experience with personal research grants or participation (by name) in major grants
• Research plans and publication records that demonstrate clear potential for attracting external funding
• Academic standing reflecting internationally competitive research and/or high potential to make a future scientific impact at the international level
• Documented university-level teaching experience is advantageous but not mandatory
• If not already holding formal pedagogical qualifications, the candidate must complete pedagogical training equivalent to the University of Copenhagen’s Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Program for Assistant Professors

Qualifications for Associate Professor level:

• A substantial publication record in high-level, international, peer-reviewed ISI journals
• A proven track record of securing major external research funding
• Documented university-level experience in delivering high-quality undergraduate/graduate teaching, with the ability to explain and reflect on own teaching practices
• Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen’s teacher training program
• Managerial and outreach experience

The Department of Biology (BIO) employs around 425 academic and technical staff and hosts research programs and teaching curricula that cover all major biological sub-disciplines. University rankings typically place the field of biology and biochemistry at the University of Copenhagen first in Denmark and among the top 15-25 universities globally. We offer PhD, BSc, and MSc programs in biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine, and bioinformatics, engaging around 1,800 students.

The department is committed to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment that reflects the diversity of society. At BIO, we see diversity as a strength. We highly value a safe and collaborative working atmosphere, and offer a friendly and thriving international research environment with opportunities to build internationally competitive research groups. Excellent opportunities are available for research funding to establish oneself in Denmark.

Learn out more about working at BIO

Copenhagen is among the 10 most livable cities in the world with a vibrant music, dance and theater culture, world class restaurants, an extensive public transportation system and excellent opportunities for biking in the city. Life for families is made easy by a publicly supported daycare and healthcare system, dual career opportunities, maternity/paternity leave and six weeks of annual vacation.

Assessment of applicants
Assessment of applicants for the tenure-track assistant professorship will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.

Assessment of applicants for the associate professorship 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 ability to attract external funding will also be considered.

University of Copenhagen’s criteria for recognising merit
General criteria apply to the appointment of assistant professor / associate professor at the University of Copenhagen. The criteria (research, teaching, Innovation & societal impact, organizational contribution and leadership) are considered as a framework for an overall assessment of the applicant. In addition, each applicant will be assessed according to the specific requirements listed in this advertisement.

Please read more here:

For associate professors:

Applicants are encouraged to read the University of Copenhagen's Guidance on the merit criterion Innovation and Societal Impact here

The Appointment Committee will prepare a short-list of applicants at both levels to be assessed by an Assessment Committee. Note that being on the short-list, is not equivalent to being assessed qualified for the position. Short-listed candidate may potentially be deemed “not qualified” by the Assessment Committee. 

A sub-set of the qualified short-listed candidates will be selected for a formal interview by the Appointment Committee.  Invited candidates may also be given the opportunity to visit the department to meet with the faculty and the Head of Department, and to give a research presentation.

Terms of employment
The position is open from June 1st, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

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

Employment is either as tenure-track assistant professor or associate professor under the applicable collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. There will be an opportunity to negotiate supplements based on qualifications. You can read more about salary levels in the state sector (in Danish).

We encourage women and members of other underrepresented groups to apply, as we are committed to diversifying our department and fostering an inclusive environment.

Information on tenure-track program
An assigned mentor will provide the tenure-track assistant professor with guidance related to career development, other academic topics, and administrative procedures.

Performance of the tenure-track assistant professor will be followed via internal yearly evaluations and a mid-term and final international evaluation by an assessment committee. If the ‘final appraisal’ is positive you will be promoted to associate professor. Performance and progression towards the criteria above will be evaluated with due consideration of differences between research fields.

Further information
For more information about the Department of Biology and the various research sections, please visit our website .

Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Department, Professor Edda Klipp (Se e-mailadresse på jobportal.ku.dk) or Head of Section, Associate Professor Anders Garm (Se e-mailadresse på jobportal.ku.dk).

International candidates may find information on living and working in Denmark at . Useful information is also available at The International Staff Mobility office (ISM) at the University of Copenhagen (). ISM offers a variety of services to international researchers coming to and working at the University of Copenhagen.

Filing of application
The position may be applied for at the tenure-track assistant professor and Associate Professor level. Please note that it is possible to apply at more than one level. If applied at more than one level, separate applications must be submitted (see below).

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

Applying for the tenure-track assistant professorship please include

• Curriculum vitae including:
  • Please describe and document international network and relations
  • Please describe and document internationally based activities
  • Positions held at universities/research institutions outside Denmark
  • Outreach activities, i.e. popular lectures or other activities in the media
  • Grants held, personal or in part. Career development grants.
  • [Other qualifications can be filled in by Department]
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan - description of current and future research plans
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications- please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of up to 5 particularly relevant papers

Applying for the associate professorship 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

Deadline for applications is 20  December 2026  at 23:59 GMT+2

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

Interviews will be held on 8 April 2027. Invited candidates may also be invited to visit the Department of Biology, to meet with the faculty and the Head of Department, and to give a research presentation. 

Please refer to the following numbers in future communication in this case:

Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Functional Biology and Ecology of Marine Animals 211-0265/26-2N

Associate Professor in Functional Biology and Ecology of Marine Animals 211-0769/26-2E

We very much look forward to receiving your application.