Assistant professorship in environmental microbiology/archaeal cell biology at the Department of Biology at Aarhus University

The Department of Biology at Aarhus University (AU) is looking for a skilled research leader in the fields of environmental microbiology and/or archaeal cell biology with a strong academic track-record in these fields. The position is non-tenure track and is as a starting point limited to 20 months. The position is part of an interdisciplinary project funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark aimed at resolving the cellular ultrastructure of environmental Asgard archaea. The appointee is expected to develop a research programme within the framework of this project.

Expected start date and duration of employment:

The position is available from November 15 2024.

The position:

The appointee will be integrated into the research environment at the Department of Biology and here in particular in the Section for Microbiology where environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, and microbial physiology have a longstanding and successful tradition. The position has a focus on microscopy imaging of environmental microorganisms and the appointee should engage in developing workflows for that purpose in close collaboration with the Danish National Cryo-EM Facility at AU.
The appointee is expected to:

• Engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary work with colleagues at the Department of Biology and cultivate a research network within Asgard archaea research.
• Apply for additional funding from Danish and international agencies with the vision to support her/his research beyond the current position.
• Share our enthusiasm for teaching and supervision of bachelor- and graduate students.
• Publish and disseminate results at a high international level.

Qualifications:

• PhD degree in microbiology, molecular/cell biology or related fields.
• Documented research qualifications at a high international level within environmental microbiology and/or archaeal cell biology specifically with respect to imaging of microbial cells.
• Documented teaching and supervision experience is considered an advantage.
• Good communication skills and capability of working within a team.
• Ability to write and speak clear and fluent English.

We offer:

• Well-equipped, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities enabling a fast start start-up.
• A permanent supporting staff of highly qualified laboratory technicians within the Department to assist you.
• An open-minded and interactive work environment promoting collaboration.
• Possibilities to gain further qualifications as a research leader through courses (e.g.leadership, teacher training) and mentoring.
• Funding for travel and consumables.
• Support in applying for future funding (e.g. Internal review, Research Support Office).

The Section for Microbiology at AU employs 10 professors and represents a vibrant, informal and international research environment to study microbial physiology, evolution, ecology, and biogeochemistry (https://bio.au.dk/en/about-biology/sections/microbiology). The Department of Biology hosts research programs and teaching curricula that cover all major biological sub-disciplines. The Department currently employs approximately 140 academic and technical staff and 40 PhD students. The Department hosts BSc and MSc study programs in Biology with about 400 students enrolled as well as a PhD program.  
More information about the Department of Biology is available here: https://bio.au.dk
Aarhus University campus is located in a beautiful park close to the city centre of Aarhus (population 300.000). Life quality and time allocation to family life in Denmark is high, and international investigations usually conclude that no other nationality score higher in terms of life satisfaction. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/

Place of work:

The place of work is Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

The application must contain the following:

• A Cover Letter explaining your motivation for applying.
• A Research Plan presenting your research vision considering the position.
• Your Curriculum Vitae, including personal data, educational background, scientific qualifications, dissemination skills, participation in committees and boards, and additional qualifications relevant to the position.
• Copies of relevant Diplomas (Master of Science and PhD).
• A complete List of Publications, with an indication of up to five publications you wish to be considered by the assessment committee.
• Your Teaching Portfolio including a complete list of previous teaching experience, pedagogical training and administration.

Deadline:

Applications must be received no later than September 6 2024.
 

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. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline. Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

Formalities and salary range

Natural 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.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.


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.