Aarhus University are looking for a head of department and leader who can foster excellence, strategic advancement in research, education and talent development within the department. The new head of department should find motivation in developing a strategy for the department that includes close collaborations with other departments at NAT, the other faculties at Aarhus University, and for outreach to national and international partners and society. Aarhus University (AU) is a research-intensive university with a substantial impact at national and international level. AU supports study programs and research-based consultancies of high academic quality. AU focuses on close collaborations with start-up activities, the industrial community, the public sector, and between researchers across AU departments as well as nationally and internationally. You will be the internal and external representative for the department at AU, and you will be in charge of academic, financial, and personnel-related matters, including the planning and allocation of job responsibilities. You are expected to pay careful attention to the well-being of people and the department as a whole. You will be responsible for drawing up strategy and execute action plans for research and education at the department, with a particular focus on active contributions to interdisciplinary research across traditional academic boundaries, both within the department, and with the other departments and centers at the Faculty and beyond. All departments at AU are subject to external evaluations every 5 years, with the next research evaluation in the Spring of 2025. Along with the AU strategy, the evaluation will form the foundation of a new department strategy towards 2030. You will be central in leading an involving process that will guide the Department of Biology in being an attractive, and visionary working place for research, education, and outreach. You will implement the visions of the department to shape a university of the future through further development of the department's profile as an excellent and attractive environment for research and studies of biology including interdisciplinary approaches. In doing so, you will help attract the best employees, PhD students, students, and partners from Denmark and abroad. You will maintain a focus on strategic management, financial responsibility, and good HR administration. For this, you will be supported by professional and specialized administrative support functions at both department and faculty levels. Aarhus University are looking for a head of department that also continuously works on translating the pioneering basic research of the department to societal impact – e.g. through dissemination of new knowledge and methods or through encouragement to participate in start-up companies. If you have any questions regarding the position, you are welcome to contact: The dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Birgit Schiøtt at email: Please send your thoughts and ideas regarding the department's development over the next few years in your application, along with your CV and a list of your publications. The recruitment takes place in collaboration with Curia. Interviews with the appointment committee are planned for week 10 (1st interview) and possibly in week 13 (2nd interview). Applicants invited for a second interview will be expected to participate in a leadership profile test after the first interview. According to the University Act and the university's by-laws, the employment procedure must ensure that the head of department has academic and managerial legitimacy. Therefore, an advisory committee has been set up to advise the Dean on which candidates are to be invited to an interview. The advisory committee consists of academic staff, technical/administrative staff, and students. Employment is on terms under the collective agreements and subject to the collective bargaining agreement for academics employed by the state concluded between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC), including the circular on heads of department and deans at the universities. The employment is a fixed-term appointment in accordance with the principles in the circular on limited tenure in the Danish state. The contract will be between three and six years and with the option of extension for up to a further three years. Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and all interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal backgrounds. Aarhus University is a signatory of the Danish government’s charter regarding the appointment of more women in management. Both women and men are encouraged to apply. No one will have priority, and all applicants will be assessed in accordance with the requirement profile for the position. The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system here Aarhus University is seeking a head of the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Natural Sciences (NAT)
Your responsibilities
You will refer to the dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and you will be a member of the Faculty Management Board, which has the overall responsibility of the Faculty of Natural Sciences’ departments and centers. You are expected to contribute to and take joint responsibility for the development of the Faculty and for securing the Faculty in achieving its goals and being managed as a coherent and well-functioning organization. You are expected to represent the Faculty of Natural Sciences in some instances.Your leadership style and personality
Your experience and academic competences
Appointment procedureApplication deadline: 10 February 2025
Expected start date: 1 June 2025
Formalities and salary range
An agreement on a scientific fallback employment option is possible.
