<!-- ko if: isJobTitleVisible --> Assistant/Associate Professor in Aquatic Toxicology <!-- /ko --> <!-- ko if: isAlreadyAppliedVisible --><!-- /ko -->

The Department of Biology at the University of Southern Denmark invites applications for a position in Aquatic Toxicology at the assistant/associate professor level with a background in invertebrate toxicology and endocrinology and skills in teaching in ecotoxicology and toxicology, to begin as soon as possible. The candidate’s research interests should synergize with the Ecotoxicology  group, and potentially also with one or more of the other main research groups at the Department of Biology : Earth evolution , Ecology , Population Biology , Sound and behavior . 

The Ecotoxicology Group at the Department of Biology has its main emphasis on research on the effects of xenobiotics and nano- and microplastic on aquatic organisms. Endocrine disrupting chemicals, metals, pesticides, biocides and pharmaceuticals in the environment are quantified by LC-MS-MS, GC-MS-MS and AAS and their effects in fish, amphibians and invertebrates are investigated by i.e. advanced imaging, omics, immunochemical and histological methods in our well-equipped modern laboratories. 

The Ecotoxicology Group has more than 30 years of experience in aquatic toxicology including basic research in vertebrate and invertebrate endocrinology, development of sensitive biomarkers for chemical exposure. The group has led and participated in development of several OECD test guidelines for endocrine disruptors in fish and invertebrates and offers very good facilities for a variety of in vitro- and in vivo experiments. We strongly support the “One Health” approach in toxicology by investigating and developing methods for read across between human health and environmental health effects including “new approach methodologies” (NAMs) to reduce animal testing of chemicals. Currently, 4-6 researchers and 2 laboratory technicians form the core group, and a varying number of postdocs, PhD, master, and bachelor students supplement the group where both scientific and social well-being is highly prioritized.

The aim of the advertised position is to consolidate and strengthen the research in aquatic toxicology with a main focus on invertebrates in both marine and freshwater environments. We are primarily looking for a candidate with a strong background in invertebrate toxicology and endocrinology. We are also interested in candidates that work with the ecotoxicology of multiple stressors, i.e., combinations of xenobiotics exposure and environmental stressors in the aquatic environment. Applicants with experience in application of molecular biological techniques in ecotoxicology (PCR, omics, in vitro assays, organoids, etc.) and advanced imaging and chemical analytical methods will be preferred. Computational toxicology skills will be a strong advantage.

The successful applicant will be obliged to run courses in basic toxicology/ecotoxicology for our biology and pharmaceutical students and to supervise biology and pharmaceutical students in their bachelor, master and PhD projects.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Establish and lead their own research area in aquatic toxicology
• Conduct externally funded research of the highest international standard
• Publish research outcomes through international peer-reviewed publications 
• Contribute to teaching courses in Ecotoxicology and Toxicology and develop other courses at the Department 
• Supervise bachelor, masters and PhD students
• Contribute to the development of public outreach and/or community engagement programs, and perform departmental and university service.
• Provide documentation of courses in pedagogics at university level or completion of postgraduate teacher training for Associate Professors at SDU within the first year of employment

The successful candidate will be supported with:

• Access to a well-developed research infrastructure
• Laboratory space with laboratory technician support, shared equipment, and access to modern core facilities, such as imaging (bioimaging)  and computational (DEIC)  facilities.
• A research climate of lively, open and critical academic discussion within and across different fields of research
• Access to network activities among young scientists

Qualifications
The professional and personal qualifications required for Assistant Professors at SDU are listed here  and include:

• PhD degree or equivalent qualifications
• Ability to develop own research profile in accordance with the department's strategy
• Experience in international research
• Experience in management of research projects and co-supervision of PhD students
• Experience in research communication
• Experience with external funding (eg as a co-applicant)
• Strong pedagogical skills
• Strong interpersonal skills

The professional and personal qualifications required for Associate Professors at SDU are listed here  and include:

• PhD degree or equivalent qualifications
• Excellent track record in research and obtaining external funding
• Experience in international research
• Experience in under- and postgraduate teaching and supervision
• Experience in research communication
• Ability to strengthen national and international collaboration within the research area
• Excellent pedagogical skills
• Strong interpersonal skills

Qualifications commensurate with the Associate Professor rank include an international standing and a well-documented teaching experience.

If applying for the Assistant Professorship, it will be a tenure-track position. If applying for the Associate Professorship, the position will be tenure.

About the Department of Biology:

The Department of Biology (approximately 240 employees) conducts a wide range of research within the broad and diverse field of biology. Our research is organized in 5 research groups focusing on more specific, but still diverse, disciplines and biological focus areas. The Department’s current research groups are:

• Sound and Behaviour - focusing on neuroscience, communication and behavior
• Nordcee - focusing on biogeochemistry of Earth systems
• Ecotoxicology - focusing on environmental effects of anthropogenic chemicals, especially endocrine disrupting chemicals, and materials (e.g., plastics)
• PopBio – focusing on the dynamics of population biology and life history evolution. 
• Ecology - focusing on the assessment, protection, and re-establishment of ecological and ecosystems processes in a changing world

Research at the Department as a whole is characterized by using state-of-the-art technology, methodologies, and facilities in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary ways to address scientifically and societally relevant biological questions and challenges at local, regional, and global scales. 

At the Department, staff and students develop collaborative networks both within and outside the department as they conduct research. These collaborative efforts foster the sharing of ideas, techniques, and technologies, thereby greatly increasing research potential and productivity. The Department believes in fostering a stimulating and inspiring environment for both staff members and students. 

About the Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science  is a leading hub for research and innovation, proudly home to a wide range of prestigious ERC projects.

The faculty is centered around 4 strong Departments with well-functioning research environments and excellent researchers, who through groundbreaking projects contribute to new knowledge and solutions to global challenges.

With a strong focus on scientific excellence, the faculty creates an inspiring environment for both established and emerging researchers passionate about making a difference in the field of science.

About SDU

The University of Southern Denmark  is Denmark’s third largest university with campuses across the country. As part of the Faculty of Science, the Department of Biology is located in Odense, the University’s largest campus. Odense is the country’s third largest city and is centrally located with easy commutes to Copenhagen and Aarhus (approximately 1½ hour).

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training  as part of the employment. International Staff Office  (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Among other things, the staff answers questions concerning salary, taxation, housing  and accompanying family . Additional information about working in Denmark can be found at Work in Denmark .

Regarding research funding support
The Danish funding landscape is rich and diverse with several public and private foundations. As a researcher, this gives you ample opportunities for financing your research, whether you are looking for grants for minor research projects, large personal research efforts, or large collaborative endeavors. The faculty has a research support team specialized in offering tailored support to researchers irrespective of scientific focus and career stage. This support is especially targeted towards Danish and EU research funding sources.

The Danish tenure-track employment 
The Danish tenure-track employment is a focused assistant professorship with a guaranteed assessment for an open-ended position as an associate professor within the tenure-track assistant professor’s field of study

Tenure-track assistant professsors are assessed based on their potential to reach the assessment criteria for an associate professorship during the tenure-track period. These criteria are mapped out in the hosting faculty’s policy on academic career and recruitment, specifically the performance indicators  on research, teaching, and academic citizenship. 

Application, salary etc.  

Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary  (only available in Danish) and  taxation .  

Applications will be assessed by an expert committee. When the expert committee issues its assessment, the applicants will be sent the portion of the assessment pertaining to them personally.  

The application must include:  

• A curriculum vitae  
• A full list of publications  
• Copy of PhD diploma  
• Copies of all publications on which the applicant wishes to be evaluated  
• A brief survey of the applicant's most important research results and research plans for the next three years  
• A teaching portfolio   

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. 

Shortlisting may be used as part of the assessment process, and an interview may be included in the overall evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications. 

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now”. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU  before you apply. 

Since not all members of the appointment committee are Danish-speaking, it is recommended that your application is submitted in English. 

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 international applicants about entering and working in Denmark can be found on the University’s website. 

Contact information

Further information about the position can be obtained from Research Group Leader Henrik Holbech, hol&#64;biology.sdu.dk  or Head of Department Gary Banta, banta&#64;biology.sdu.dk . 

Application deadline: 17th of February 2026 at 23:59 local Danish time.  

• Job Identification 3527
• Job Category VIP
• Posting Date 01/06/2026, 07:45 AM
• Locations Campusvej 55, Odense M, 5230, DK
• Apply Before 02/17/2026, 05:59 PM
• Job Schedule Full time