Senior Researcher and Head of Section - Coastal Ecology at DTU Aqua

If you want to make a real difference for our understanding, management and use of marine coastal ecosystem, then you may be the person we are looking for to join us as leader of the section of Coastal Ecology at DTU Aqua. We are looking for a senior researcher with a strong international network, a flair for leadership and a research profile suited to implement the strategy of the section, institute and university. The candidate will be leading a strong and diverse team of dedicated researchers and technicians and will have the opportunity to collaborate with a range of leading researchers across the institute and develop your personnel management skills at a leading European marine research institute. The section is located both at campus in Nykøbing Mors, where the majority of the staff and facilities are located, and at DTU’s Lyngby Campus. Substantial physical presence is expected at campus in Nykøbing Mors.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As section leader of a research unit of approx. 40 staff, you will be responsible for the strategic development of the unit and expected to manage and organise resources concerning personnel, finances, and infrastructure. You will also be responsible for coordinating the section’s contribution to the strategic goals of the institute and university, drawing on and integrating expertise from within the section and institute. This includes coordinating contributions to advice to government agencies and other public and private entities. Your primary tasks will be to:

• Advance research on the impact of human use, pressure factors and environmental changes on marine coastal ecosystems and present the achievements in peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, expert meetings and research based advice.
• Lead and contribute to the preparation of national and international grant proposals.
• Contribute to teaching and supervision of PhD, Bachelor and Master students
• Establish and strengthen collaborations with universities, national and international government agencies, fisheries sectors, NGOs, and international research and advice networks.

You must contribute to teaching at the Department. DTU operates with two working languages: Danish and English. Given the strong focus on national collaborations outside universities, it is expected that you are fluent in a Scandinavian language when starting.

You are expected to have a documented strong international research profile and a comprehensive network, that complements the section’s research and activities and strengthens future strategic development. In addition to having a strong track record in marine science it will be an advantage to have experience with:

• planning, funding, and implementing interdisciplinary research projects;
• attracting external research funding from national and international foundations;
• providing research based advice;
• leading multidisciplinary research groups.

As a formal qualification you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) as well as academic qualifications equivalent to those obtained by holding a position as a researcher or postdoc. To be appointed as a senior researcher, you must have completed a didactic/pedagogic education. If you do not have the necessary education, then it is possible to complete this requirement within a period of two years of appointment.

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Research experience
• Experience and quality of teaching
• Research vision and potential
• International impact and experience
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Institute Director Anna Rindorf, email: ar @aqua.dtu.dk , cell phone Se telefonnummer på jobbank.dk or Deputy Director Anders Koed, email: Se e-mailadresse på jobbank.dk , cell phone: Se telefonnummer på jobbank.dk.

You can read more about the institute at and about the Section of Coastal Ecology here

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark .

Application procedure
Please submit your online application no later than 15 July 2026 (23:59 Danish time) .

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• Vision for teaching and research
• CV including employment history, list of publications indicating scientific highlights, H-index and ORCID (see )
• Teaching portfolio including documentation of teaching experience
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)
• Documentation of personnel management qualifications

You can learn more about the recruitment process here .

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

About the Section of Coastal Ecology
The research covered by the Section of Coastal Ecology, DTU Aqua includes the ecology of the coastal zone from nutrient dynamics to fish as well as the coastal zone as a fishing ground and production area for low-trophic aquaculture, i.e. farming of shellfish, seaweed etc.

The research topics include some general themes:

• Aquaculture of low-trophic species (mussels, oysters, lobsters, seaweed etc.)
• Fisheries and effects of fishery and seaweed collection in the coastal zone
• Invasive species and their importance
• Marine habitats and their importance in the coastal zone for biodiversity and fish stocks
• Effects of anthropogenic pressure factors.

Research in the aquaculture of low-trophic species is based on hatchery facilities and grow out units for mussels, oysters, and seaweed, and covers all aspects from production of seeding material to market or restoration size products. The area also includes the use of low-trophic species as a marine mitigation measure for eutrophication.

The section is divided into two research groups: "Sustainable Resource Utilization" and "Environmental Impact and Habitats". The section is in two locations: Nykøbing Mors and Lyngby, where the section is located on campus.

About DTU Aqua
DTU Aqua – National Institute of Aquatic Resources – works for well-functioning oceans, rivers, and lakes where biodiversity can thrive. Our research, advisory service, and education contribute to the development of a sustainable blue bioeconomy, robust aquatic ecosystems, and reduced effects of climate change. We have a large national and international network and cooperate with research partners, public authorities, industry, and NGOs. We have state-of-the-art research facilities and Denmark’s only ocean- and arctic-going research vessel. The Institute has about 360 employees, one-half being scientific staff, including about 50 PhD students. More than 35 nationalities are represented at the Institute, and we support an equal gender distribution. We are located in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg and have regular activities in Greenland. Learn more on aqua.dtu.dk

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.

Location
Nykøbing Mors, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-07-15T21:59:00+00:00