Two Associate Professors in Comparative Pediatrics

Two Associate Professors in Comparative Pediatrics, Section for Biomedicine, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

University of Copenhagen

We are looking for two experienced and highly motivated researchers interested in comparative paediatrics with special focus on translational science related to large animal neonatal models.

There are two 2-years Associate Professor positions with focus in 1) Animal Models of Neonatal Infectious Diseases, and 2) Comparative Pediatric Neurobiology, starting 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Our research

We offer a highly international, diverse and interdisciplinary environment in the Section of Biomedicine. We perform research and teaching related to development, nutrition and disease in both farm animals and human infants. Our work extends from basic in vitro studies on cells and tissues (mechanisms and –omics technologies), over animal model studies (mainly in piglets), to intervention and cohort studies in infants at hospitals (growth, gut, brain, immunity, microbiota). The wide range of methodologies requires interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork among our group members with different academic backgrounds (from basic biology to veterinary and human medicine) and diversity and a broad international network.

Information on the department and the section can be found at: https://ivh.ku.dk/.

General criteria apply to the appointment of 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

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

Your job

Two Associate Professors will be part of Comparative Pediatrics led by Prof. Thomas Thymann.

In considering applications for the Associate Professorship, the main emphasis will be on the applicants’ abilities to document a high level of original scientific work on an international level within the area of Comparative Pediatrics, as described above.

For both positions, the responsibilities will consist of:

• Research, including project applications, publications and academic dissemination
• Research-based teaching, including lectures, tutorials, supervision and examination
• Research management and leadership, including guidance and supervision of younger researchers
• Sharing knowledge with society
• Academic assesments

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• PhD degree related to the subject area, e.g. human nutrition, human physiology, human medicine, veterinary medicine, biology, biomedicine, neuroscience or similar
• At least 5 years’ experience working with translational animal models of brain development, infections and gut diseases, preferably using pigs as models
• You have relevant university-level teaching experience and documented pedagogical competences
• A proven record of securing external research funding
• You have a publication record in translational science of neonatal development
• You have experience as key participant and/or leader in research projects

Place of employment

The place of employment is at Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and animal facilities.

Terms of employment

The positions are full-time and of 2 years duration with average weekly working hours of 37 hours per week.

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

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

Questions

For further information, please contact Head of Comparative Pediatrics, Thomas Thymann, thomas.thymann@sund.ku.dk.

International applicants may find the International Staff Mobility website useful. The ISM website includes information about relocating to and living in Denmark, the taxation, healthcare and education systems, how to get assist with finding housing etc., as well as information for accompanying spouses/partners.

Application documents required

The application should be submitted in English, by clicking on “Apply online” below, and must include the following:

• Cover letter, including the position sought, reasons for applying, and particularly how you see your research and teaching fitting into the Department’s research themes and teaching activities (max 2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae, including information about previous and current external funding
• A complete list of publications
• List of 2-3 of your publications to be considered in the assessment
• Copies of Degree/Diploma certificates (Master’s, PhD, and other relevant)
• Research plan for the next 2 years (3‐5 pages) including how your research aligns with one or more of the research themes in the Department
• Information on teaching skills, teaching plan and your teaching portfolio (maximum of 5 pages, see guidelines here).

Application procedure
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized 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 can comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at the university's Job Portal.

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.

The closing date for applications is 23.59 p.m. CET, 2 July 2026

Interviews for this position are likely to be held 6 November 2026

Only online applications will be accepted and must include all the required attachments.