Associate Professor Position in Aquatic Ecosystem Functioning in a Climate Change Context

Job title: Associate Professor Position in Aquatic Ecosystem Functioning in a Climate Change Context

Company: Syddansk Universitet


Job description: Job Category: VIPJob Description:Are you an experienced and interdisciplinary researcher interested in how aquatic (freshwater, brackish, coastal or marine) ecosystems structure and function interact with climate change, then this opportunity is for you. We are offering an Associate Professor position in aquatic ecology and ecosystem function with a climate change context at The at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, associated with the (SCC) and the .Starting date: October 2025 (or as negotiated).
Application deadline: 15 August 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish timeDescription of the Position
We are looking for a colleague with expertise in aquatic (freshwater, marine and coastal) ecosystems, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning within the context of climate change to take responsibility for and strengthen the Department’s collaboration with the SDU Climate Cluster (SCC). More specifically, we seek a colleague with expertise in climate interactions with one or more of the following areas:

• Aquatic ecosystem structure and function,
• biodiversity, conservation and community dynamics,
• ecosystems structure-function relationships,
• ecosystem services
• impacts of climate change on coastal and marine ecosystems
• Nature-based solutions in a climate context in aquatic habitats, such as habitat restoration, blue carbon strategies, and sustainable coastal management practices.

We expect you to bring your expertise in play within a climate change context, addressing topics such as climate change related pressures, climate adaptation and climate mitigation, for example via Nature-based solutions in coastal and marine habitats.We expect you to establish and lead your own research group. We are looking for a colleague with proven collaborative skills and the ability to enrich the scientific environment in the Department by initiating, coordinating and/or establishing partnerships in new research initiatives (e.g. Horizon EU, private foundations, and Danish national funding) and by strengthening the Department’s scientific network both nationally and internationally.
We also expect you to play a key role in linking interdisciplinary research, educational and other activities of the SDU Climate Cluster with the Department of Biology, in part via shared projects and activities.
We furthermore expect you to collaborate in an interdisciplinary manner with researchers at the Department of Biology, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and at SDU in general. We also expect you to build national and international collaborations.We expect you to teach and continuously develop mandatory and elective courses in the study programs of the Department (BSc and MSc in Biology, One-year MSc in Climate Adaptation), with topics including, for example, marine and coastal ecology, biodiversity, global element cycling and climate change. Furthermore, the supervision of project, Bachelor, M.Sc. and Ph.D. students is also expected. We also expect you to be engaged in the development of relevant climate-related teaching and outreach activities in collaboration with SCC.About you
The ideal candidate has:

• A PhD in Aquatic Ecology, Marine Biology, Marine Ecosystems Ecology, Biogeochemistry or similar research expertise in the above-mentioned areas.
• Candidates with research expertise in benthic biodiversity, benthic ecology and aquatic ecosystems ecology are particularly encouraged to apply.
• A substantial research and publication track record in aquatic ecology, benthic ecology, aquatic biodiversity or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience with collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
• Significant experience in acquiring external research funding.
• Documented teaching and student supervision experience. The candidates will be expected to possess teaching and pedagogical qualifications corresponding to those obtained as an Associate Professor which should be documented in a teaching portfolio or similar document.

What we offer
We offer a stimulating international and interdisciplinary work environment at the (approximately 200 employees) with research groups spanning from restoration of aquatic ecosystems, Earth evolution and biogeochemistry to population ecology, as well as environmental economics, sustainability, and designing and planning of nature-based solutions. The Department will provide support with networking and fund raising. The Department is equipped with new and state-of-the-art laboratories and analytical devices. SDU provides cloud services and virtual space needed for data repositories, modeling, and analysis.About the Department of Biology:
The Department of Biology (approximately 175 employees) conducts a wide range of research within the broad and diverse field of biology. Our research is organized in 5 research groups focusing on more specific, but still diverse, disciplines and biological focus areas.The Department’s current research groups are:

• Sound and Behaviour – focusing on neuroscience, communication and behavior
• Nordcee – focusing on biogeochemistry of Earth systems
• Ecotoxicology – focusing on environmental effects of anthropogenic chemicals, especially endocrine disrupting chemicals, and materials (e.g., plastics)
• PopBio – focusing on the dynamics of population biology and life history evolution.
• Ecology – focusing on the assessment, protection, and re-establishment of ecological and ecosystems processes in a changing world

The that the successful applicant for this position will join conducts basic and applied research in aquatic ecology, including freshwater, marine and wetland ecosystems. Much of this research is focused on identifying stress factors that impact and degrade aquatic ecosystems but also on finding solutions to address these problems. The group is strong in developing and testing interventions and methodologies to actively restore aquatic ecosystems. The scientific approach includes both field and laboratory-based methodologies and the necessary facilities to support both kinds of research.Research at the Department as a whole is characterized by using state-of-the-art technology, methodologies, and facilities in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary ways to address scientifically and societally relevant biological questions and challenges at local, regional, and global scales.At the Department, staff and students develop collaborative networks both within and outside the department as they conduct research. These collaborative efforts foster the sharing of ideas, techniques, and technologies, thereby greatly increasing research potential and productivity. The Department believes in fostering a stimulating and inspiring environment for both staff members and students.About the Faculty of Science
The is a leading hub for research and innovation, proudly home to a wide range of prestigious ERC projects.The faculty is centered around 4 strong Departments with well-functioning research environments and excellent researchers, who through groundbreaking projects contribute to new knowledge and solutions to global challenges.With a strong focus on scientific excellence, the faculty creates an inspiring environment for both established and emerging researchers passionate about making a difference in the field of science.About SCC
SCC is a climate cluster organization established to create an optimal framework at SDU for groundbreaking, excellent and interdisciplinary research, education and communication within the climate field and the sustainable green transition of society. In addition to the scientific leader, the SCC project secretariat consists of two researchers, four project managers, a chief secretary and a number of student assistants and associated scientific staff who also work on our various climate projects.About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark is Denmark’s third largest university with campuses across the country. As part of the Faculty of Science, the Department of Biology is located in Odense, the University’s largest campus. Odense is the country’s third largest city and is centrally located with easy commutes to Copenhagen and Aarhus (approximately 1½ hour).Living and working in Denmark
Foreign applicants will be offered as part of the employment. (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Among other things, the staff answers questions concerning salary, taxation, and . Additional information about working in Denmark can be found at .Regarding research funding support
The Danish funding landscape is rich and diverse with several public and private foundations. As a researcher, this gives you ample opportunities for financing your research, whether you are looking for grants for minor research projects, large personal research efforts, or large collaborative endeavors. The faculty has a research support team specialized in offering tailored support to researchers irrespective of scientific focus and career stage. This support is especially targeted towards Danish and EU research funding sources.Further information about the position can be obtained from Head of Department Gary Banta, e-mail: .Application, salary etc.
Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on (only available in Danish) and .Applications will be assessed by an expert committee. When the expert committee issues its assessment, the applicants will be sent the portion of the assessment pertaining to them personally.The application must include:

• A curriculum vitae
• A full list of publications
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Copies of all publications on which the applicant wishes to be evaluated
• A brief survey of the applicant’s most important research results and research plans for the next three years

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.
An interview may be included as a part of the overall assessment of the applicant’s qualifications.Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now”. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read before you apply.Since not all members of the appointment committee are Danish-speaking, it is recommended that your application is submitted in English.The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Expected salary:

Location: Odense, Syddanmark

Job date: Sun, 15 Jun 2025 01:09:22 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (jobsnear.pro) you saw this job posting.Thanks&Good Luck