Job for Researchers: Innovation Positions (Associate Professor / Professor) at Aarhus University – Faculty of Technical Sciences

About the Role

Aarhus University (AU) invites applications for strategic Innovation Positions at the level of Associate Professor or Professor within the Faculty of Technical Sciences (Tech). In line with AU’s Strategy 2030, which prioritises research-based innovation and entrepreneurship, the university is expanding its capacity to translate research into concrete societal solutions, spin-outs, and collaborations with established companies.

These positions are designed to integrate innovation thinking into the university culture while ensuring tangible societal impact. The expected start date is 1 April 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Thematic Areas

Applicants must clearly state their preferred thematic area and the academic level (Associate Professor or Professor) for which they are applying. The positions are hosted across various departments and focus on the following areas:

• Theme 1: Innovation Hub for Feed and Food Processing (Department of Animal and Veterinary Science)
• Theme 2: Resilient crops with new genomic techniques (NGT) (Department of Agroecology)
• Theme 3: Integrating nature-based/technical solutions to address multiple water challenges at catchment scales
• Theme 4: Bioaerosol surveillance and integrated early warning systems (Department of Environmental Science)
• Theme 5: Food biosolutions and hybrid food systems (Department of Food Science)
• Theme 6: Digital phenotyping across plants, insects and farmed animals (Centre for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics)
• Theme 7: Water technology (Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering)
• Theme 8: Advanced production technologies for biogenic building materials (Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering)
• Theme 9: Building the resilient, flexible, multi-energy microgrids of tomorrow (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering)
• Theme 10: Advanced Materials, Biomechanical Systems, Human-centric and Intelligent Manufacturing (Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering)

Responsibilities

Selected candidates are expected to:

• Conduct high-quality research with a clear innovation and impact orientation
• Translate research into practical, societally relevant applications
• Establish and expand collaborations with industry, public sector organisations, and external partners
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and faculties
• Contribute to teaching, supervision, and mentorship of students and early-career researchers
• Strengthen innovation capacity within the department and the broader faculty

Qualifications and Evaluation Criteria

Applicants will be assessed based on both traditional academic criteria (academic excellence, research portfolio, teaching/dissemination experience) and additional innovation-related criteria. Emphasis will be placed on:

• The innovation potential of the applicant’s field of expertise
• Demonstrated or potential societal impact within a relatively short time horizon
• Documented experience and skills within innovation, including concrete examples
• Relevant academic qualifications for the selected thematic area
• Experience with collaboration with external partners

What We Offer

• A well-established, supportive, interdisciplinary, and internationally recognised research environment
• Close interaction with industry and public sector partners
• Access to advanced research infrastructure and innovation ecosystems
• Opportunities to shape and develop innovation capacity across Tech and AU
• A broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling for expat partners

Place of Employment

The positions are anchored at Aarhus University, Faculty of Technical Sciences. Tech has activities in Aarhus, Roskilde, Flakkebjerg, Viborg, and Herning. The place of work will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications, departmental priorities, and personal preferences. Candidates are expected to engage broadly across the faculty.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in English via the Aarhus University recruitment system by 10 September 2026 (23:59 CEST).

The application must include:

• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Description of research and innovation activities
• A statement outlining the candidate’s vision for innovation
• Teaching and supervision portfolio (including dissemination, communication, mentorship)

Shortlisting will be applied. All applicants will be notified within six weeks of the deadline whether their application has been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation.

Formalities and Salary

Appointment is in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Salary depends on seniority. Associate Professors are placed on basic salary steps 4-8 with a pensionable pay supplement of DKK 91,282 per year. Professors are paid a salary corresponding to step 37 with a pensionable pay supplement of DKK 51,400 per year. An individually negotiated qualifications supplement may also be offered.

Contact

For questions about the position, please contact Michelle H. Williams, Vice-Dean, Dean’s Office, Technical Sciences. For questions about the application or process, please contact Nat-Tech HR.

Original vacancy