211-0745/26-2E Fixed-term Associate Professor in Genetics and Physiology

The Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen is offering a 2-year fixed-term position as Associate Professor in Genetics and Physiology commencing January 1st 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of position
The aim of the position is to elucidate how metabolic shifts associated with local tissue repair are accommodated through adaptive changes in feeding behaviour using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. Tissue regeneration is typically studied as a locally regulated process, driven by changes in cellular dynamics and stem cell behavior. However, tissue damage also imposes altered metabolic demands that may require coordination at the level of the whole organism. This position will explore how organisms interact with their environment to thrive and survive, focusing on the molecular, cellular and network mechanisms that enable them to cope with various physiological challenges. This includes linking cellular responses to systemic adaptive processes and behaviours, providing insights into how physiological systems respond and adapt to changing external environments.

Applicants are required to have university level teaching experience, documented teaching competencies and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice and portfolio. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training programme for assistant professors is required.

Duties include the applicant’s own research, development of the field, assessment tasks, grant applications, and research management such as supervision and training of research fellows and other staff. The successful applicant must also teach, supervise, prepare and participate in examinations, and fulfill other tasks requested by the Department.

The candidate will be embedded in the Section for Cell and Neurobiology (https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/cell-neurobiology/).

Profile and Qualifications
We are seeking highly motivated candidates with expertise in using Drosophila as a model system to study stress responses, host-microbe interactions, environmental adaptation, organ physiology, and the integration of physiological processes underlying adaptive responses. It is essential that applicants have a strong background in tissue regeneration and inter-organ communication, and experience with advanced bioimaging.

Applicants are expected to:

• Hold a PhD in Biology or a related field and have substantial postdoctoral experience
• Have a substantial publication record in leading international, peer-reviewed journals
• Show a proven track record of securing external research funding
• Have documented experience in delivering high-quality teaching at undergraduate and/or graduate level, including the ability to reflect on and develop their own teaching practice
• Have completed formal pedagogical training or possess equivalent qualifications (e.g. at the level of the University of Copenhagen’s teacher training programme)
• Demonstrate managerial experience and engagement in outreach activities

Assessment of applicants
The assessment will primarily consider the candidates level of documented, original scientific production at an international level, including contributions to developments in their field, scientific profile in relation to ongoing research at the section, as well as documented teaching qualifications. Ability to attract external funding will also be considered as will managerial and out-reach qualifications.

General criteria apply to the appointment of associate professors 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 at https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-meritering-maj-2026/5b_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Associate_professors.pdf

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

The Appointment Committee will prepare a short-list of applicants at all levels to be assessed by an Assessment Committee. Note that being on the short-list, is not equivalent to being assessed qualified for the position. Short-listed candidate may potentially be deemed “not qualified” by the Assessment Committee. 

A sub-set of the qualified short-listed candidates will be selected for a formal interview by the Appointment Committee.  Invited candidates may also be given the opportunity to visit the department to meet with the faculty and the Head of Department, and to give a research presentation.

Further information
Further information on the Department of Biology can be found on the website. Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor and Head of section Kim Rewitz (kim.rewitz@bio.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 open from January 1st, 2027. The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

• Curriculum vitae including information about external funding
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Description and documentation of teaching experience and qualifications Guidelines
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is Thursday 2 July 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews/trial lectures will be held on 10 November 2026.

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0745/26-2E.