157355 Professor of Molecular Natural History

Professor of Molecular Natural History

Globe Institute,

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

The University seeks to appoint a professor to the Globe Institute to commence as soon as possible.

The Globe Institute is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The Institute’s main purpose is to address basic scientific questions through interdisciplinary approaches. The institute operates at the intersection of natural and medical sciences and the humanities. Information on the institute can be found at: https://www.globe.ku.dk/ .

The Globe Institute is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where employees and students can belong and thrive (https://globe.ku.dk/about/diversity-programme/ ). All qualified applicants will receive full consideration. Candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, contribute to diversity and competencies of our Institute are encouraged to apply.

As part of the Globe’s remit and to strengthen its existing research and teaching program, we seek to appoint a professor in molecular natural history to work at the intersection of Earth sciences, Life sciences and Arctic Research.

Job description
When considering applications for the professorship, the main emphasis will be on the applicant’s ability to document a high level of original scientific work at an international level that draw upon techniques from the Earth and Life Sciences (for example population genetics, ancient DNA, population reconstruction and demographic history, palaeoecology etc) to address questions of Arctic ecosystems. In this regard, given the Globe Institute’s plans to build a strategic programme on Arctic research, prior documented research and/or educational collaborations with Arctic based researchers is considered of particular interest. In addition to leading research, and where relevant contributing towards teaching, the applicant will also be expected to be involved in the highest levels of institute management.

The professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• Research, including publication/academic dissemination
• Research-based teaching, including course leadership
• Research leadership, including guidance and supervision of researchers and students
• Obligation to share knowledge with the rest of society, including participation in public debate
• Academic assessments
• Strengthening pre-existing and building new collaborations with Arctic institutes such as Ilisimatusarfik and the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources

Required qualifications
Six overall criteria apply for professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Find information about each criterion here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit .

Furthermore, each applicant must be able to document:

• A high degree of original academic production at an international level, including considerable contributions to the development of the academic discipline
• Participation in the management of senior level research and other institute level functions, e.g. engagement in the university’s external academic activities, management of permanent research staff, build and lead strategic programs, as well as knowledge and technology transfer
• Substantial experience with research-based teaching and associated activities
• Significant contributions to other positions of trust, e.g. advisory boards, non-governmental organisations, research councils, employment assessment committees, editorial boards

The successful applicant will have a PhD in molecular ecology or a related discipline and an experienced track record of original, interdisciplinary research at international level.

In addition, the successful applicant should be able to document:

·     an outstanding publication record at the interface of population genetics, ancient DNA, palaeoecology, and climate change research

·     a proven track record of research that includes, but need not be limited to, the Arctic

·     pedagogical competencies and a proven track record of research-based teaching, including the creation and running of undergraduate and postgraduate courses

·     experience in supervising students at all levels (Bachelor, Master’s and PhD students) and Postdoctoral fellows

·     a proven track record in attracting competitive external funding at both national and international level

·     excellent team and project management skills, including the management of major international collaborative research projects

·     a proven track record in setting up fruitful collaborations with public and private sector partners, at both nationally and internationally

·     an experienced track record in communicating research results to the wider public through various media including TV and radio

The professor is also required to possess excellent interpersonal and communicative skills.

Terms of employment
The position is a permanent position. The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant professional organisations.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information, please contact Head of Department Anders Johannes Hansen, ajhansen@sund.ku.dk .

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: https://www.ism.ku.dk/ (International Staff Mobility).

Application
The application must be submitted in English and must include the following documents:

• Application, including motivation for applying for this position (Maximum 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae, including information about external funding
• Diplomas (Master’s, PhD and other relevant certificates)
• A complete list of publications
• Research plan (3‐5 pages)
• Uploads of maximum 10 publications to be considered
• Teaching plan
• Teaching portfolio (Guidelines: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/job-application-portfolio )

Application procedure
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorised recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee.  All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The Dean then appoints an expert assessment committee in order to make an assessment of the selected applicants for the specific post. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Please note that the applicant will be contacted if the assessment committee requires further documentation.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen encourages all interested applicants to apply for this position.

Please submit the application with the required attachments. Only online applications will be accepted. The closing date for applications is on 9 October 2022 23.59 p.m. CET.

Interviews for this position are likely to be held on 27 January 2023.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.