Head of Department for the Computer Science Department (DIKU)

The Faculty of Science is seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Department for DIKU. With experience from academia or industry, who can install a shared vision and strengthen the sense of belonging at DIKU. You will collaborate with academic and administrative staff as well as external partners to elevate DIKU to a world-leading computer science department where both staff and students thrive.

DIKU, Denmark's first computer science department, was established by Peter Naur in 1970. We create conditions that enable our researchers and students to succeed.Our research environment has positioned us as one of Europe's leading departments.

We value academic freedom, immersion, and career development. We believe that diversity, curiosity, and synergies between research, education, and innovation create the best foundation for strong collaboration, world-class research, and quality education.

Responsibilities and Tasks of the Head of Department
As the Head of Department, you report to the Dean of SCIENCE and hold overall responsibility for the department's academic, financial, and personnel matters.

You will lead the strategic development of DIKU in research and education in close collaboration with the department’s management team, faculty, research and teaching committees, and other staff, while also contributing to the implementation of KU's policies and strategy through goals and action plans.

As Head of Department, you must thrive at the intersection of research, education, innovation, communication, leadership, administration, and fundamentally understand the value of the academic breadth that the department covers.

The role as Head of Department also involves efforts to open doors, build and nurture networks, and represent the department and faculty in a wide range of contexts at the university as well as nationally and internationally among companies and other research and educational institutions.

To be considered for the position

• You should be motivated in the leadership role with a background in research and experience in personnel management.
• You are an internationally recognized researcher with at least qualifications at the associate professor level in computer science and have experience in university-level teaching and educational development.

Please read the full job and personal profile for the position here, where the organization, tasks, and desired qualifications and qualities are further described.

If you have any questions regarding the position, you are welcome to contact the dean
via email at dekan@science.ku.dk.

Terms and conditions of employment

As a general rule, the position of Head of Department will be on a fixed-term basis with a five-year period of employment and the possibility of an extension of up to three years. The appointment will be made in accordance with the collective agreement for academics employed by the state entered into between the Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC), as well as in accordance with the protocol covered by the collective agreement for academics employed by the state relating to heads of department and deans at universities.

For external applicants, academic assessment may be required in line with the executive order on university appointments.

The scope of any research and teaching activities will be negotiated and agreed with the Dean.

Application
The application deadline is Monday, 5 May 2025. Applications must be received electronically via the UCPH job portal.

The application must include:

• your CV
• a presentation in English (max. three pages) of your vision for DIKU

The position is expected to be filled by August 1, 2025
 

The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is in the process of implementing a new joint administrative organization and new workflows, which will bring changes in the coming years. For further information, you may contact the dean at dekan@science.ku.dk. You can also read more here.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

The Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen – or SCIENCE – is Denmark's largest science research and education institution with 4,000 employees and 9,700 Bachelor and Master's students in 12 departments. The Faculty has an annual budget of DKK 3 billion. Learn more about The Faculty of Science at science.ku.dk/english.