Senior Researcher and Head of section for Ocean Science - DTU Aqua

We are looking for a marine researcher with a strong international network and a flair for leadership, as section leader for our new Section for Ocean Science which has a regional focus in the Arctic. The candidate will be leading a team of dedicated researchers and technicians through an important phase in the development of both the section and the institute. You will have the opportunity to develop your research and collaborate with a range of leading researchers across the institute, as well as develop your personnel management skills at a leading European marine research institute. The section is located at DTU’s Lyngby Campus, where you will also be able to expand your network and establish cooperation with a suite of engineers and researchers with a skillset at the forefront of technological sciences in different units of the university. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
As section leader of a larger research unit within the institute, you are responsible for the strategic development of the unit and expected to manage and organise resources concerning personnel, finances, and infrastructure. You will also be responsible for coordinating the section’s contribution to the strategic goals of the institute and university, drawing on and integrating expertise from within the section and institute. This for example includes coordinating the institutes contribution to cross campus maritime and arctic coordination initiatives.

You are expected to have a documented and strong international research profile and comprehensive network that both complements current research and activities in the section as well as future strategic development. In addition to having a strong track record in marine science, the ideal candidate will also have experience with: Planning, funding, and implementing interdisciplinary research projects; attracting external research funding from national and international foundations; coordinating both on national and international level; providing research based advice to stakeholders; as well as leadership of multidisciplinary research groups. As a university, DTU requires that you also contribute to education.

DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both. As a formal qualification you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) as well as academic qualifications equivalent to those obtained by holding a position as a senior researcher. To be appointed as a senior researcher or above at DTU, you must have completed a didactic/pedagogic education. If you do not have the necessary education, then it is possible to complete this requirement within a period of two years of appointment.

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Research experience 
• Experience and quality of teaching
• Research vision and potential
• International impact and experience 
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Institute Director Fritz Köster, email: fwk@aqua.dtu.dk, cell phone: +45 21362805 or Deputy Director Anders Koed, email: ak@aqua.dtu.dk, cell phone: +45 21685641. 

You can read more about the institute at www.aqua.dtu.dk 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. 

Application procedure

Please submit your online application no later than 13 January 2025 (23:59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• Vision for teaching and research 
• CV including employment history, list of publications indicating scientific highlights, H-index and ORCID (see http://orcid.org/)
• Teaching portfolio including documentation of teaching experience 
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD) and 
• Documentation of personnel management qualifications

You can learn more about the recruitment process here.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Section of Ocean Science focuses on marine research and education covering oceanography, ocean technology and the future state of ocean ecosystems. Research integrates biological, physical, and chemical interactions in the ocean, ranging in scales from individual plankton to regional seas and the global ocean. We focus on understanding key processes that govern the structure and function of marine food webs and how they provide ecosystem services such as fish production and carbon sequestration. We develop and apply ocean technology that integrates across technology development and advanced data analysis in the laboratory and at sea to map and characterize the state of the ocean. Another focus is to predict the future state of ocean ecosystems by understanding how climate change is altering biodiversity and ecosystem services, and how human activities influence ecosystem integrity. We do this through targeted laboratory experimentation, data analyses, ocean-going observations, and modelling.

DTU Aqua provides research, advice, innovation and education at the highest international level within the sustainable exploitation of living marine and freshwater resources, the biology of aquatic organisms, and the dynamics of ecosystems as well as integration of results in ecosystem-based management. DTU Aqua is structured into 9 scientific sections, covering 14 different research areas and has 350 employees, of whom a third are scientific staff. The department has a number of scientific and administrative support functions, including the research vessels DANA and HAVFISKEN. DTU Aqua has locations in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg and regular activities in Greenland. 

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.