Associate Professor in environmental biogeochemistry

The Department of Science and Environment (DSE) at Roskilde University invites applications for the position of Associate Professor in biogeochemistry and ecosystem processes, starting on September 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

DSE is one of four departments at Roskilde University. The Department conducts basic and applied research within Environmental Science, Medical Biology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. Bachelor, master, and PhD programs are offered within these areas. In accordance with the university strategy, research and education takes place in a collaborative and interdisciplinary university environment. Further, we encourage collaboration with the other internal university departments, covering social sciences and humanities where relevant, as well as external partners at regional, national, and international level. The Department is organized in four sections. The associate professor will be part of the Section for Environmental Dynamics. This section comprises now eight professors, associate professors, and assistant professors as well as a varying number of PhD-students, postdocs, and technicians.

Read more here

Responsibilities and tasks
The Associate Professor's primary responsibilities will encompass research, including publication/academic dissemination and scientific communication, as well as research-based teaching with associated examination obligations. The Associate Professor is expected to be willing to and capable of teaching subjects that are central to the curriculum in Environmental Biology and Environmental Science. Additionally, the position requires the sharing of knowledge with society at large, including participation in public debates and outreach activities. Furthermore, the Associate Professor is expected to secure research grants, manage research projects, provide guidance and supervision to early career scientists (e.g. post docs and assistant professors), and participate in academic assessments and other tasks as requested by the Department.

Applicants are encouraged to review the university's Faculty expectations for specific details regarding the required qualifications in research, teaching, networking, fundraising, impact, outreach, etc.

The ideal candidate for the position is expected to:

• Conduct fundamental and/or applied research in the field of biogeochemistry, ecosystem processes and environmental chemistry in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
• Be enterprising and possess good communication skills and to be a visible, involved participant in the department’s daily activities,
• Being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration within and outside of the department, including with external partners in securing research grants.

Qualifications
Applicants must possess a relevant PhD degree and qualifications equivalent to a completed employment period as an assistant professor in the fields of ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental science, or related areas.

The candidate should demonstrate the following characteristics:

• An internationally recognized research profile in ecology with a special focus on biogeochemistry (i.e. carbon and element cycling including matter-metal interactions within and across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems), environmental chemistry, or similar fields using cutting-edge techniques to characterize key biogeochemical processes.
• Candidates with an ability to examine the importance of climate change and anthropogenic forcings for ecosystem metabolism, mineralization and sequestration of organic matter and/or nutrient cycling and transformation processes across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are especially relevant.
• A strong profile in interdisciplinary research (e.g. integrating knowledge across geochemistry, physics, biology, and environmental sciences).
• Ability to secure external funding.
• Excellent networking capabilities.
• An interest in and preferably experience with project-based teaching and interdisciplinary supervision.
• Experience in teaching Environmental Biology and Environmental Science at the bachelor and master levels.
• The successful candidate should be capable of teaching at the B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. levels, as well as supervising student-led projects in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Fluent in English.

Candidates who are not native Danish speakers are expected to achieve a working knowledge of Danish within three years allowing them to read official documents in Danish and to participate in the mentioned administrative tasks, collaboration and networking. Roskilde University will make appropriate Danish classes available.

Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates, consideration will be given to;

• The relevance of the research topics undertaken by the candidate.
• The candidate's scientific output and potential for future research at an international level.
• The ability to generate, promote, and utilize research outcomes effectively.
• Experience in securing external funding and managing research projects in collaboration with external partners, including public authorities, private companies, and non-governmental organizations.
• Expertise in teaching and educational development within the relevant field.
• Strong teaching qualifications, including experience with project-based learning and interdisciplinary teaching.
• Academic experience, such as peer reviewing or editing academic papers, and organizing research conferences or seminars.
• Experience in establishing networks, familiarity with research environments, and collaborative abilities.
• The capacity to contribute to the advancement of the department's internal and external cooperation and collaborations.

Questions
For further information about the position, please contact please contact Dean of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Susanne Sørensen on tel. ( 45) 4674 2111 or email: susa@ruc.dk and/or Head of the Environmental Dynamic section Kristian Syberg on tel. ( 45) 4674 3776 or e-mail: ksyberg@ruc.dk.

Terms of employment
The employment is full-time, and you will refer to Dean of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Susanne Sørensen.

The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

Application procedure
After the deadline for applications the Dean will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.

Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Application
To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/

Only applications in English are accepted.

Applications must include:

1. Cover letter

2. Research plan (maximum 2 pages)

3. CV

4. Documentation of education

5. Teaching portfolio (read more about teaching portfolio at Roskilde University here)

6. A complete list of publications

7. A maximum of 5 relevant scientific works that you want included in the assessment

If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement (find template here)

Please submit your application no later than May 11, 2025.

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration.

Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Department:

Location: RUC

Application deadline: 11 May 2025