The Department of Biology at the University of Southern Denmark invites applicants for one or more Assistant Professor positions to increase our research and teaching capacity and competencies in societally relevant biological topics.

We are thus looking for excellent researchers and teachers that add to the Department’s knowledge, skill and training base for topics of interest for societal partners such as government agencies, municipalities, companies, NGO’s, advisory councils, etc.  The Department is especially interested in applicants with research focuses in one of the following areas: 

• Ecological Botany

• Effects of multiple stressors 

• Landscape Ecology & Conservation Modeling

We are looking for excellent colleagues from these fields in Biology, who can either strengthen or complement the current research in Biology at our department. The areas of expertise that we are seeking are described in more detail here: 

Ecological Botany
This position is associated with the Ecology Group. We invite applications from candidates specializing in ecological botany who are strongly motivated to collaborate across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems, and to contribute to research that integrates landscape and seascape ecology. The Ecology Group conducts research on habitat quality with particular emphasis on environmental conditions, hydrology, nutrient recycling and turnover—parameters essential for assessing the restoration potential of fragmented or degraded habitats, as well as the circular use of nutrient‑rich residual materials such as sludge and sediments.

We seek candidates with expertise in ecophysiological plant processes to further strengthen our capacity to evaluate how lake, stream, and coastal habitats can support ecosystem restoration. Relevant research includes, but is not limited to, effects of water balance dynamics, soil and sediment conditions, nutrient availability (including eutrophication processes), and natural hydrological regimes on plant physiology and community responses. Given that many habitats are currently in poor botanical and ecological condition, studies of primary producer productivity, plant functional responses to environmental stressors, and mechanisms supporting increased plant diversity are of particular interest.

The position is time-limited for 3 years.

Effects of multiple environmental stressors
This position is associated with the Ecotoxicology Group, but in close collaboration with the Ecology Group. We welcome applicants who are interested in cross-disciplinary cooperation between ecotoxicology and ecology. The position focuses on research and management tasks linked to understanding the effects of multiple environmental stressors (i.e., chemical pollutants, nutrients, temperature, salinity) on organisms in freshwater, wetlands, and marine ecosystems. More specifically, the research aims to assess who combinations of stressors influence the functionality of aquatic or wetland ecosystems. This includes examining how chemical pollutants interact with other factors such as eutrophication, hypoxia, temperature, light and salinity. The ultimate goal is to generate knowledge that supports improvements in water quality and biodiversity. We invite applicants with research backgrounds in aquatic toxicology, aquatic ecology and nature restoration, and ecosystem services to apply.

The position is time-limited for 3 years.

Landscape Ecology & Conservation Modeling
This position is associated with the Population Biology Group. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a mastery of landscape connectivity modeling and habitat suitability analysis, specifically within the context of large and medium-sized mammal conservation across diverse biomes, from Eastern Europe to African savanna to Southeast Asian tropical forests. You must possess advanced technical skills in GIS, Remote Sensing (including LiDAR/GEDI and WorldView-2 imagery), and the application of Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) to classify complex land covers. We are seeking a researcher who utilizes sophisticated path-selection movement models and multi-scale habitat selection methods to identify functional dispersal corridors and core habitats. Furthermore, your work should reflect a commitment to integrative methodology, blending modern technologies like GPS tracking and camera trap surveys with traditional ecological knowledge to address the challenges of monitoring low-density populations in semi-arid or fragmented ecosystems. Key research topics include the impacts of infrastructure development on forest connectivity, the efficacy of protected area networks, and the development of Decision Support Systems that translate complex spatial data into actionable conservation strategies. 

The position is time-limited for 3 years but could be negotiated as a 4-year position with reduced working hours.

Who we are looking for
An ideal candidate is expected to have demonstrated and promising research and research communication in one or more of the above-named focus areas. Experience with the following is also advantageous: 

• International research collaborations

• Management of research projects

• Acquiring own third-party research funding 

• Teaching experience in relevant topics

• Student supervision

• Service to the research community

• Outreach or collaboration outside academia, for example to industry, other organizations, or society. 

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A successful applicant is also expected to contribute with support and direction for the development of the relevant research field as well as the strategic development of the department.

You can find more information about general expectations for academic performance at all levels, including Assistant professors, in the “The academic recruitment and careers at the Faculty of Science” document. 

About the Department of Biology 
The Department of Biology (approximately 230 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 restoration of ecological and ecosystems processes in a changing world

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. 

Application deadline: 22 May 2026 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk