Job for Researchers: Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor in Terrestrial Vertebrate Ecosystem Dynamics — Aarhus University

Tenure-track Assistant Professor or Associate Professorship in Terrestrial Vertebrate Ecosystem Dynamics

Institution: Aarhus University, Department of Biology, Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity (ECOINF)
Location: Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
Application deadline: 15 September 2026 (23:59 CEST)
Expected start date: 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter
Position type: Full-time tenure-track assistant professor (six-year track) or associate professorship

About the role

The Department of Biology at Aarhus University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor or associate professorship in Terrestrial Vertebrate Ecosystem Ecology. The appointee will be part of the Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity (ECOINF) and play a central scientific role in the DNRF Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO). The successful candidate will advance research and teaching in terrestrial ecology, biodiversity science, and ecosystem dynamics, with a special focus on the ecological roles of large vertebrates in shaping ecosystem structure and function.

Research focus

The position is expected to build on ECONOVO’s research on vertebrate-driven ecosystem processes and contribute to topics such as:

• Ecosystem effects of large herbivores and other large vertebrates
• Trophic interactions and food-web dynamics
• Vertebrate-driven vegetation and nutrient dynamics
• Rewilding and restoration ecology
• Ecosystem responses to global environmental change
• Interactions between vertebrate ecology and biodiversity dynamics across spatial scales

Responsibilities

• Conduct research of the highest international standard
• Establish and lead an independent, externally funded research group
• Contribute to the strategic scientific development of ECONOVO
• Develop synergies with related research activities within ECOINF, ECONOVO, and the Department
• Teach and supervise bachelor, master, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers
• Secure external research funding
• Contribute to the Department’s strategy and working environment

Qualifications and requirements

Required qualifications

• A PhD in biology, ecology, geography, environmental science, or a related field
• Documented high-level research qualifications in vertebrate ecology, ecosystem ecology, wildlife biology, or closely related areas
• A strong publication record in high-quality international peer-reviewed journals
• Demonstrated potential to build an internationally competitive research programme with external funding
• Experience in teaching and supervision at bachelor, master, and preferably PhD level
• Experience in international research collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork
• Well-developed skills in research communication, dissemination, and outreach
• Fluency in English (written and spoken)

Preferred qualifications

• Ability to combine field-based ecology with broader-scale approaches such as remote sensing, modelling, paleoecology, ecosystem analysis, or data-intensive biodiversity science
• Expertise beyond mammals, covering a broad taxonomical range
• Teaching experience closely aligned with Danish management priorities

What we offer

• A six-year tenure-track assistant professorship with the prospect of performance-based advancement to a tenured associate professorship, following mid-way (year 3) and final (year 5.5) evaluations
• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure
• Capability development, including postgraduate teacher training
• A mentoring programme and support to build scientific networks and interdisciplinary research
• An international, collaborative research environment at a leading university
• Robust relocation assistance and attractive work–life balance for international researchers

About the hosting environment

The Department of Biology hosts internationally recognised research environments in biodiversity science, ecosystem ecology, global change biology, evolution, and environmental genomics. ECONOVO is a widely recognised interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence uniting ecology, macroecology, paleoecology, genomics, remote sensing, restoration ecology, and global change biology. The working language is English; applicants from abroad are warmly welcomed.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system by the deadline. The application (in English) must include: a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans, information on research activities, a teaching portfolio, and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Shortlisting will be used; all applicants will be notified within six weeks whether their application has been sent to an expert assessment committee.

For further information, contact Professor Jens-Christian Svenning (email: [email protected], tel: +45 2899-2304).

Original vacancy