211-0503/23-2E - 211-0236/23-2 - Associate or Full Professor in High dimensional biological data analysis / Machine learning

Associate or Full Professor in High dimensional biological data analysis / Machine learning

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen, Denmark

 

The Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a position as Associate or Full Professor in High dimensional biological data analysis / Machine learning. The position is aimed at consolidating and strengthening the research field and creating critical mass. The position is to be filled by November 1st, 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to negotiation.

 

Description of the position
The selected candidate is expected to take a leading role in the establishment of an externally funded research program focussing on the development and implementation of machine/deep learning methods, such as Deep Generative Models and Convolutional Networks, for the analysis of biological datatypes.

In addition to research, duties also include teaching and supervision of students at the undergraduate, graduate and PhD-levels, with prime course assignments within the Bioinformatics degree programs. The position may also include duties requested by the department such as departmental citizenship tasks.

The professor will be embedded in the Section for Computational and RNA Biology (https://www1.bio.ku.dk/scarb/), which currently consists of twelve research groups working in the fields of computational biology, population and statistical genetics and RNA biology. The section has state-of-the-art computational infrastructure and laboratory facilities, and is currently responsible for teaching a 2-year Bioinformatics Master program. A new Bioinformatics BSc program, to be launched in the Fall of 2024, is under development as a cross-departmental collaboration anchored at the Department of Biology. The ambition is to make the Bioinformatics program among the best world-wide.
 

Qualifications/profile
Applicants should have a background in computer science and preferably experience in the application of deep learning methods to solve biological questions. Complementarity to the current research at the section is essential as is an interest in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with other sections at the department and externally with partners from industry and public research institutions.

Needed qualifications at the Associate Professor level: The position requires a considerable publication record in high-level, international, peer-reviewed ISI journals as well as a track-record of successful external research funding. Candidates are also required to have documented university level competencies in delivering high-quality undergraduate/graduate teaching and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training programme is required. Finally, candidates are expected to have managerial and out-reach qualifications.

Needed qualifications at the Full Professor level: A significant publication record in high-level, international, peer-reviewed ISI journals strong as well as a strong and successful track-record of attracting external research funding is expected. Candidates are also required to have documented university level competencies in delivering high-quality undergraduate and graduate teaching and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen Teaching and Learning in Higher Education program is necessary. Finally, candidates are expected to possess managerial qualifications and experience in leading a competitive research group, as well as having out-reach qualifications.
 

The Department of Biology employs about 450 academic and technical staff and hosts research programs and teaching curricula that cover all major biological sub-disciplines. University rankings typically place the field of Biology at the University of Copenhagen first in Denmark and among the top 15-25 universities globally. In addition to a PhD-program, three BSc study programs (biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine) and four MSc study programs (biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine, bioinformatics) engage close to 2000 students.

The department is committed to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment that reflects the diversity of society. We highly value a safe, informal, and collaborative working atmosphere, and offer a friendly and thriving international research and working environment with opportunities to build internationally competitive research groups. There are good opportunities available to apply for research funding in order to establish oneself in Denmark.

Copenhagen is among the 10 most livable cities in the world with a vibrant music, dance and theater culture, world class restaurants, an extensive public transportation system and excellent opportunities for biking in the city. Life for families is made easy by a publicly supported daycare and healthcare system, dual career opportunities, maternity/paternity leave and six weeks of annual vacation.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, original scientific production at an international level, including contributions to developments in their field, scientific profile in relation to ongoing research at the section, as well as documented teaching qualifications. Ability to attract external funding will also be considered as will managerial and out-reach qualifications.

Six overall criteria apply for appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organizational contribution, external funding, and leadership) are considered a framework for an overall assessment of the candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at:

https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/about/job-and-career/ where the local criteria applied at the Department of Biology can also be found.

 

The Appointment Committee will prepare a short-list of applicants at both levels to be assessed by an Assessment Committee. Note that being on the short-list, is not equivalent to being assessed qualified for the position. Short-listed candidate may potentially be deemed “not qualified” by the Assessment Committee. 

A sub-set of the qualified short-listed candidates will be selected for a formal interview by the Appointment Committee.  Invited candidates may also be given the opportunity to visit the department to meet with the faculty and the Head of Department, and to give a research presentation.
 

Terms of employment

The position is open from November 1st, 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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

Further information

For more information about the Department of Biology and the various research sections, please visit our website https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Department, Professor Niels Kroer (nk@bio.ku.dk) or Head of Section, Associate Professor Jeppe Vinther (jvinther@bio.ku.dk).

International candidates may find information on living and working in Denmark at www.workindenmark.dk. Useful information is also available at The International Staff Mobility office (ISM) at the University of Copenhagen (https://ism.ku.dk). ISM offers a variety of services to international researchers coming to and working at the University of Copenhagen.
 

Filing of application

The position may be applied for at the Assistant, Associate 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.
 

Please include

• Curriculum vitae including information about external funding
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Description and documentation of teaching experience and qualifications according to university guidelines
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers
   

Deadline for applications is June 11th 2023 23:59 GMT +2

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

Interviews will be held on October 30th 2023. Invited candidates may also be invited to visit the Department of Biology, to meet with the faculty and the Head of Department, and to give a research presentation. 

 

Please refer to the following numbers in future communication:

Associate Professor in High dimensional biological data analysis/ Machine learning: 211-0503/23-2E

Full Professor in High dimensional biological data analysis/ Machine learning: 211-0236/23-2K