Tenure Track Ass. prof, Associate Prof and Professor of High Performance Computational Genomics

Tenure-track Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Full Professor of High Performance Computational Genomics

Globe Institute

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen

The Globe Institute at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor level, associate professor level or full professor position in High Performance Computational Genomics, particularly for ancient and environmental DNA, to commence as soon as possible. We seek an innovative researcher with a strong background in developing computational methods for processing large-scale genomic datasets, such as ancient and environmental DNA (eDNA), metagenomics, and large reference genome collections. We are looking for a skilled computational scientist with an exciting and ambitious research programme focused on pushing the boundaries of contemporary genomic data analyses. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, taxonomic and phylogenetic read mapping and classification of eDNA, population genomic and functional analysis of eDNA, variant discovery (SNPs and structural variation) and pangenomic approaches for eDNA, reference database curation and decontamination. Due to the focus of the Institute on ancient DNA, further relevant topics include DNA-damage-aware methods, as well as uncertainty quantification and statistical methods for noise reduction in metagenomic classification.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated track-record in tackling challenges in genomic data processing at scale, such as working with large environmental DNA datasets and large reference genomic databases. Experience in related fields such as population genomics, metagenomics, proteomics, phylogenetics, structural variation, and others, is advantageous. The ideal candidate will also have experience in international collaborative projects. Experience in public outreach and science communication, and a track-record of securing grant funding will be advantageous.

The position is part of the AEGIS initiative at the Section for GeoGenetics. The mission of AEGIS is to identify important organismal associations and genetic adaptations in natural and agro-ecosystems that will improve future food security under climate change. As such, it is expected that the successful candidate will demonstrate an active interest and engagement in the project, through collaboration with the researchers in the Section and beyond, and participation in ongoing and future studies and publications. The successful candidate is also expected to exert an innovative mindset by contributing to the translation of project results to societal impact.

Tenure-track assistant professor

The tenure-track assistant professor’s duties will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within relevant fields, sharing knowledge with society and participation in formal pedagogical training programme for assistant professors. To a limited extent the position may also include other duties.

The tenure-track assistant professor must have an academic standing showing internationally competitive research, and/or have internationally recognized high potential to make a future impact.

Assessment of applicants for the tenure-track assistant professorship will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory, but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience are expected.

The tenure-track assistant programme

The tenure track assistant professor’s performance will be evaluated through annual evaluations. Furthermore, the tenure track assistant professor will be evaluated in a mid-track appraisal.

After no more than six years of employment and on condition of a positive final appraisal, the tenure track assistant professor will be employed as associate professor. Find more information about tenure track at the University of Copenhagen.

Associate professor and full professor

Applicants are required to have university level teaching experience, documented teaching competencies and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice and portfolio. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training programme for assistant professors is required.

The associate professor and professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of research, including publication/academic dissemination, research-based teaching, including associated examination, research leadership, including guidance and supervision of researchers, obligation to share knowledge with the rest of society, including participation in public debate and academic assessments.

Assessment of applicants for the associate professorship and full professorship will primarily consider their level of documented, original scientific production at an international level, including contributions to developments in their field, as well as their documented teaching qualifications. Managerial and out-reach qualifications of applicants including ability to attract external funding will also be considered.

Required qualifications for all candidates:

• A Ph.D. or similar in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.

• An academic standing showing internationally competitive research, and/or internationally recognized high potential to make a future impact.

• A proven track record of research excellence as evidenced by publications, open-source bioinformatics software tools, or other impactful research projects.

• Experience with high-performance computing, algorithm and method development, or large-scale genomic data analysis and visualization.

• Expertise in computational genomics, particularly with respect to metagenomics, environmental DNA, ancient DNA, population genomics, phylogenetics, pangenomics, or other areas of high-throughput computational biology.

• An interdisciplinary research portfolio that connects computational biology with other scientific domains, such as ecology, evolution, or climate science.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• A commitment to teaching, mentoring, and community service in a university setting.

• Document a high degree of original academic production at an international level,

• including considerable contributions to the development of the academic discipline.

• Provide research-based teaching (candidates for associate professor and professor position)

• Manage research and other management functions, e.g. engage in the university’s external academic activities, as well as knowledge and technology transfer.

Responsibilities for all candidates:

• Build an independent and collaborative research profile, including peer-reviewed publications of the results.

• Develop and apply high-performance computational methods and tools for genomic data analysis, particularly in the context of ancient environmental DNA.

• Research leadership, including guidance and supervision of researchers

• Engage in research-based teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

• Participation in a formal pedagogical training programme for assistant professors (candidates for the tenure-track assistant professor position).

• Active participation in the local scientific community, particularly with respect to community service within the Institute.

• Engage in public outreach and science communication, both internally and externally of the Institute.

• Contribute to the development of the computational genomics research environment at the Globe Institute and the wider University

University of Copenhagen’s criteria for recognising merit

General criteria apply to the appointment of assistant professor / associate professor / professor at the University of Copenhagen. The criteria (research, teaching, Innovation & societal impact, organizational contribution and leadership) are considered as a framework for an overall assessment of the applicant. In addition, each applicant will be assessed according to the specific requirements listed in this advertisement.

Please read more below.

Criteria for appointment of assistant professors at the University of Copenhagen.

Criteria for appointment of associate professors at the University of Copenhagen.

Criteria for appointment of professors at the University of Copenhagen.

Applicants are encouraged to read the University of Copenhagen's Guidance on the merit criterion Innovation and Societal Impact here

Terms of employment

The position is a permanent full-time appointment. The average weekly working hours are 37 hours.

Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant professional organisations.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

Questions

For further information, please contact Professor Kurt H. Kjær (kurtk@sund.ku.dk). Foreign applicants may find the University’s International Staff Mobility useful.

About Globe Institute

The Globe Institute is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The Institute’s main purpose is to address basic scientific questions through interdisciplinary approaches. The Institute operates at the intersection of natural and medical sciences and the humanities. Information on the Institute can be found at: https://www.globe.ku.dk/. 
The Globe Institute is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where employees and students can belong and thrive. See website for more information. Candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, contribute to diversity and competencies of our Institute are encouraged to apply. The University of Copenhagen strives to offer a family friendly and flexible working environment with a sustainable balance between work- and private life, including parental leave schemes (up to 47 weeks for both parents) and up to six weeks of paid holidays per year. Researchers that have not been tax liable in Denmark for the last 10 years can apply for a special (reduced) tax scheme. The university offers a variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://healthsciences.ku.dk/.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Filing of application

The position may be applied for at the tenure-track assistant professor level, associate professor level or full professor level. Please note that it is possible to apply at more than one level. If applied at more than one level, separate applications must be submitted (see below).

The application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Applying for the tenure-track assistant professorship please include:

• Application (Including motivation for applying for this position (Maximum 2 pages))

• Curriculum vitae (Including information about external funding)

• Diplomas (Master’s, PhD and other relevant diplomas)

• A complete list of publications

• Research plan (2-4 pages)

• Teaching plan

• Uploads of maximum 5 publications to be considered in the assessment

• Teaching portfolio, if applicable (Guidelines)

Please note: It is mandatory to upload a teaching plan in the online application form. 

Should you not be able to produce a teaching plan, please upload a blank document in this box instead.

Applying for the associate professorship or full professorship please include:

• Application (Including motivations for applying for the position (Maximum 2 pages))

• Curriculum vitae (Including information about external funding

• Diplomas (Master’s, PhD, and other relevant certificates)

• A complete list of publications

• Research plan (3-5 pages)

• Uploads of maximum 10 publications to be considered in the assessment

• Teaching plan

• Teaching portfolio including teaching plan (Guidelines)

Application procedure

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee.  All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The Dean then appoints an expert assessment committee in order to make an assessment of the selected applicants for the specific post. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at the university's Job Portal.

Please note that the applicant will be contacted if the assessment committee requires further documentation.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen encourages all interested applicants to apply for this position.

Please submit the application with the required attachments.

The closing date for applications is 23.59 p.m. CET, 12 August 2026. 

Interviews for this position are likely to be held on 10 December 2026.