Associate Professor of Space Exploration, Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

The University seeks to appoint an Associate Professor of Space Exploration at the Globe Institute to commence November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Job description

The Globe Institute invites applications for an associate professorship in space exploration at the Centre for Star and Planet Formation starting November 2026 or soon thereafter. The Centre for Star and Planet Formation is a multidisciplinary research centre focused on understanding planetary systems and their evolution, including the Solar System, using approaches that combine astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and cosmochemistry. The Globe Institute is a department within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach addressing fundamental questions across Earth and planetary history.

The candidate is expected to lead original scientific research addressing fundamental questions within space and planetary exploration and to contribute actively to ongoing and future robotic and/or satellite space missions. We are particularly interested in candidates with substantial experience in space exploration missions and a demonstrated track record of collaboration with international space agencies, industry partners, and interdisciplinary research teams in the development of mission concepts, instruments, and exploration strategies. The successful candidate should be able to position the University of Copenhagen for leading roles in national and international space exploration initiatives, such as the Danish-led Máni mission within the framework of the European Space Agency’s exploration programme. The candidate will apply for external funding to build and expand an independent research group. Moreover, the candidate is expected to engage with the public through outreach activities, educational programmes, and media contributions to promote awareness and enthusiasm for space exploration and space science.

The associate professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• Research, including publication/academic dissemination
• Research-based teaching, including course leadership at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD levels
• Research leadership, including guidance and supervision of researchers
• Obligation to share knowledge with the rest of society, including participation in public debate
• Academic assessments

Required qualifications

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

Furthermore, each applicant must be able to document:

• Research qualifications at the level that can be achieved by satisfactorily completing a period of employment as an assistant professor/postdoc, but may also be obtained in other ways
• Teaching qualifications and pedagogical competencies
• Research-based teaching

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

About the Globe Institute

The Globe Institute is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The Institute addresses fundamental scientific questions through interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of the natural sciences, medical sciences, and the humanities. More information can be found at https://www.globe.ku.dk/.

The Globe Institute is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment in which employees and students can thrive. Candidates whose research, teaching, and service contribute to the diversity and academic profile of the Institute are encouraged to apply. The University of Copenhagen offers a family-friendly and flexible working environment with a sustainable balance between work and private life, including parental leave schemes (up to 47 weeks for both parents) and up to six weeks of paid holiday per year. Researchers who have not been tax liable in Denmark for the past ten years may apply for a special reduced tax scheme. The University provides a range of services for international researchers and accompanying families.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://healthsciences.ku.dk/.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is a permanent full-time appointment. The average weekly working hours are 37 hours.

Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation 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.

Place of employment

The place of employment is the Section for Star and Planet Formation, Globe Institute, Øster Voldgade 5–7, 1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark.

Questions

For further information, please contact Professor Martin Bizzarro (bizzarro@sund.ku.dk).

International applicants may find the University’s International Staff Mobility useful.

Application

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

• Application, including motivation for applying for the 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 5 publications to be considered in the assessment
• Teaching plan
• Teaching portfolio (Guidelines)

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 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 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, 12 June 2026.

Interviews for this position are likely to be held on 2 October 2026.