The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Southern Denmark invites applications for a tenured position as associate professor in the area of functional genomics and metabolism. Expected starting date is October 1, 2026, or soon thereafter.

The position is based in the Center for Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS) at the University of Southern Denmark supported by the Danish National Research Foundation. The aim of ATLAS is to obtain systems-level, mechanistic, and cell type-resolved understanding of human adipose and hepatic tissue plasticity in response to severe obesity and its reversal. These efforts are supported by ongoing clinical studies as well as translational studies in mouse models of diet-induced obesity and regression. The center applies a combination of functional genomics approaches including single-cell multiomics, proteomics, spatial transcriptomics, and computational biology.

ATLAS is hosted by the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, a research section that currently hosts seven independent groups focusing on various aspects of functional genomics, metabolism, and cellular differentiation and plasticity. The section runs an in-house sequencing platform and applies a wide range of advanced sequencing-based technologies including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. Target systems include cell culture models, advanced mouse models and clinical biopsies. The research unit constitutes an international, ambitious, highly dynamic, and well-equipped working environment.

The unit and the department have state-of-the-art facilities for next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, bioimaging and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with Odense University Hospital (OUH) and regional hospitals. In addition to the ATLAS Center of Excellence, the unit also hosts the Center for Adipocyte Signaling (ADIPOSIGN) supported by a major grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Other internationally renowned research directions in the department include Proteomics, Microbiology, and Bioimaging, and the department hosts the Danish Molecular Biomedical Imaging Center (DAMBIC ).

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Establish and lead their research area in functional genomics and metabolism,

• Conduct externally funded research of the highest international standard,

• Publish research outcomes through international peer-reviewed publications,

• Contribute to the teaching of existing courses and the development of new courses within the Department (Bachelors, master’s level),

• Supervise Bachelor, Master's, and PhD students as well as postdocs,

• Be deeply involved in the coordination of our section and our joint research activities within and outside ATLAS, 

• Contribute to departmental administrative affairs as defined by the head of department,

• Contribute through public outreach and community engagement programmes, and help highlight the visibility of our section, department and university.

The successful candidate will be supported with:

• Access to a well-developed and shared research infrastructure

• Laboratory space, shared equipment, and access to modern core facilities, such as NGS, imaging and computational facilities

• An open, lively, supportive and stimulating research environment that facilitates critical academic discussions and the generation of ideas.

Qualifications:
We seek an ambitious and collaborative candidate with qualification at the level of associate professor and an excellent track record of achievements. The research interests of the successful candidate should synergise with the activities in ATLAS, in the research section as well as in the department.

Specifically, the ideal candidate has

• A track record in research and obtaining external funding commensurate with the associate professor rank

• Experience in international research and an independent research programme

• Formal training in pedagogics at university level and documented pedagogical skills

• Experience in under- and post-graduate teaching and supervision

• Experience in research communication, outreach and dissemination to a wider public

• The ability to strengthen national and international collaboration within the research area

• Strong interpersonal skills.