211-0187/22-2K - Full Professorship in Evolution of Eukaryotic Genomes

Full Professorship in Evolution of Eukaryotic Genomes
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen, Denmark

The Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a position as Full Professor in Evolution of Eukaryotic Genomes. The position is to be filled by 1 February 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to negotiation.

The Department of Biology employs about 450 academic and technical staff and hosts research programmes and teaching curricula that cover all major biological sub-disciplines. University rankings typically place the field of Biology at the University of Copenhagen first in Denmark and among the top 15-25 universities globally. In addition to a PhD-programme, three BSc study programmes (biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine) and four MSc study programmes (biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine, bioinformatics) engage close to 2000 students. A new Bioinformatics BSc programme is under development as a cross-departmental collaboration anchored at the Department of Biology.
The department is committed to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment that reflects the diversity of society. We highly value a safe, informal, and collaborative working atmosphere.
Copenhagen is among the 10 most livable cities in the world with a vibrant music, dance and theater culture, world class restaurants, an extensive public transportation system and excellent opportunities for biking in the city. Life for families is made easy by a publicly supported daycare and health care system, dual career opportunities, maternity/paternity leave and six weeks of annual vacation.

Description of the position
The position is aimed at strengthening the department’s expertise in experimentally based evolutionary genomics to understand how eukaryotic genomes evolve at the molecular level.
The professor will be embedded in the Section for Ecology & Evolution. The section's research spans the organizational levels of life from the perspectives of genome evolution, population and community ecology, evolutionary biology, and animal behaviour. The Section has state-of-the-art laboratories, and section staff currently includes four Full Professors, seven Assistant and Associate Professors, eight technical staff, and more than 35 post-docs and PhD-students.
The selected candidate is expected to take a leading role in the establishment of an externally funded research program in the evolution of eukaryotic genomes. Complementarity to the current research of the section is essential as is an interest in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with other sections at the department and externally with partners from industry and public research institutions. In addition to research, duties also include teaching and supervision of students at the undergraduate, graduate and PhD-levels, with prime course assignments within the Biology and Biochemistry degree programs. The position may also include duties requested by the department such as dissemination of scientific research or departmental citizenship tasks.

Qualifications/profile
Applicants should have a scientific background within genetics and genomics of eukaryotic DNA. Candidates having experience in combining yeast genetics and genomics, cancer biology, experimental evolution, and computational biology to understand the biology of circular DNA and its impact on genome evolution will be preferred.

A strong and successful track-record of attracting external research funding as well as a significant publication record in high-level, international, peer-reviewed ISI journals is expected. Candidates are also required to have documented university level competencies in delivering high-quality undergraduate and graduate teaching and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen Teaching and Learning in Higher Education programme is necessary. Finally, candidates are expected to possess managerial qualifications and experience in leading a competitive research group, as well as having out-reach qualifications.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their 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

Six overall criteria apply for Full Professorship appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organizational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for an overall assessment of the candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at:
https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/about/jobs/criteria-for-recognising-merit/ where the local criteria applied at the Department of Biology can also be found.
The Appointment Committee will prepare a short-list of applicants to be assessed by an Assessment Committee. Note that being on the short-list, is not equivalent to being judged 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 on Zoom with the Appointment Committee.  Based on the outcome of the first interview, 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.

Terms of employment
The position is open from February 1st 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.
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 Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Further information
For more information about the Department of Biology and the various research sections, please visit our web-site https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/ .
Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Department, Professor Niels Kroer ([email protected] ) or Head of Section for Ecology & Evolution, Professor Michael Poulsen ([email protected] ).
International candidates may find information on living and working in Denmark at www.workindenmark.dk . Useful information is also available at The International Staff Mobility office (ISM) at the University of Copenhagen (https://ism.ku.dk ). ISM offers a variety of services to international researchers coming to and working at the University of Copenhagen.

Filing of application
The application including all attachments must be in English and 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 according to university guidelines
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

Deadline for applications is 18 October 2022, 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.

Interviews will be held on Zoom on 12 January 2023 

Please refer to this number 211-0187/22-2K in any future communication regarding the position.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.