TENURE TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

The Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg University invites applications for one position as tenure track assistant professor within the fields of environmental biotechnology. The positions are open from 1 February 2027, or soon thereafter. Place of the positions is in Section of Environmental Microbiology with workplace in Aalborg, Denmark. Tenure track assistant professors are appointed for a period of six years with the prospect of performance-based promotion to a tenured position as Associate Professor. Tenure track assistant professors are expected to have international academic standing, demonstrating acclaimed competitive research, and/or have a recognized high potential for future impact.

Your work tasks     
At the department we have a strong focus on biotechnological topics within both research and teaching portfolios and this aligns well the visions and sustainability goals of our Faculty of Engineering and Science (Engineering areas of sustainability) and the “Knowledge for the World” strategy of Aalborg University (AAU's Strategy). Our mission in this regard is to contribute with solutions that enables a sustainable development by management of microbial communities, aid in climate change mitigation, and solutions that reduces biodiversity loss in agricultural and natural systems. 

The position will have its main emphasis on research and teaching with the areas of environmental biotechnology, microbial ecology and process engineering. The activities will mainly be associated to Center for Microbial Communities (link). We are looking for applicants with documented research and teaching experience within the following research area:

Microbial community ecology and process engineering in relation to advanced water/wastewater treatment and/or resource recovery.

The tenure track assistant professor’s duties will primarily include theoretical and experimental research within the above field, including contributions to collaborative and interdisciplinary work, obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching including supervision of project work which is an integrated part of the AAU Problem Based Learning (PBL) approach to teach and supervise students.

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

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented research. The ability to attract external funding will also be part of the evaluation criteria together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications should be documented, and teaching qualifications and teaching experience are taken into account in evaluating the candidates. Hands-on experience with PBL learning is an advantage.

Qualification requirements 
Applicants for a tenure track assistant professorship must have academic qualifications at PhD level.  

When appointing tenure track assistant professors, Aalborg University also place particular emphasis on: 

• The candidate can demonstrate a high degree of autonomy in their previous education and employment path
• The candidate shows considerable research potential and a strong scientific profile with the ability to contribute to interdisciplinary research
• The candidate has demonstrated experience in the supervision or co-supervision of PhD students.
• The candidate has academic experience from several universities and/or research institutions and preferably international experience
• The candidate is a skilled communicator with the ability to communicate complex scientific topics effectively to researchers and practitioners
• The candidate writes and speaks English at the academic level
• The candidate is expected to meet the criteria for permanent employment as an associate professor at Aalborg University at the end of the tenure track process

Who we are
At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience (BIO), our high-level research spans from basic to applied within both natural sciences and engineering. With approx. 150 employees, 75 PhD students, and 775 bachelor and master’s students at our campuses in Aalborg (main campus) and Esbjerg, we are a vital research and educational institution when it comes to creating new basic knowledge as well as contributing to solving the world’s challenges within biology, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental science, and chemical engineering.

We continuously improve our department as an attractive place of work and study. We offer flexible hours, social activities throughout the year both at the department level and in each Section. We are inclusive and have respect for individuals, communities, and cultures. Our work culture is founded on openness, curiosity, transparency, and involvement. Come join us!

Read more about the department here; Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience - en.bio.aau.dk - Aalborg University

Assessment in connection with transfer to associate professorship
The assessment in connection with transition to tenure as an associate professor normally takes place in the final six months of the tenure track assistant professors’ employment. However, the employee may request that an assessment take place at an earlier time in the first four years. If this assessment finds that the employee is not academically qualified, they may request another assessment within the final six months of their period of employment. A maximum of two assessments may take place. 

The assessment, on transition to the associate professorship, will as a minimum, emphasize the following qualifications in relation to the scientific subject area of the tenure track assistant professorship: 

• Research qualifications equivalent to the level that can be achieved on the basis of satisfactorily completed employment as tenure track assistant professor.
• Documented scientific production at international level. Assessment will be based on up to ten selected publications selected by the employee.
• Documentation of pedagogical supervision and upgrading of qualifications, including a positive written assessment of teaching qualifications. The assessment will also be based on the employee's teaching portfolio.
• The level of contribution to an active academic environment as well as the ability to collaborate and build relationships.
• The level of experience with grant proposals and experience of communicating research to relevant stakeholders. 

If the tenure track assistant professor fails to request that their qualifications be assessed in the last year of their period of employment or if they are assessed as not academically qualified, the university must immediately initiate dismissal proceedings in accordance with the collective agreement rules. 

How to apply  
Your application must include the following: 

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma) 
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of five publications. 
• Documentation of teaching qualifications. Please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, The Faculty of Engineering and Science and The Faculty of Medicine. If this is not enclosed, the applicant must enclose the reasons for this .
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc. 
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position 
• References/recommendations 

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.    

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.  

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position. 

Aalborg University has a policy of parallel language use. The successful applicant is expected, with support from the university, to acquire Danish language skills over time and to be able to contribute to teaching in Danish within 2–5 years of employment, including grading and supervising students, at a level corresponding to the teaching undertaken.

Danish language courses will be offered as part of the employment.

Do you have any questions? 
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.     

Further information 
Read more about our recruitment process here   

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.  

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace. 

Salary and terms of employment  
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities.

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “Tenure track assistant professor/Tenure track researcher”.