The Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen is looking for a number of research support staff as part of a new strategic initiative aimed at increasing the number and success rate of research applications to public and private foundations, and to relieve the researchers of the administrative aspects of the application writing.
The Department of Biology
With around 450 employees, the Department of Biology is one of the largest departments at the University of Copenhagen. The employees consist of approx. 90 faculty, 160 PhD students, 70 post-docs / scientific assistants, and 130 technical and administrative staff. Organizationally, the department is divided into 10 research sections. About 60% of the annual turnover of approx. 325 million DKK originate from externally funded research projects. The financing comes primarily from DFF, ERC and large private funds such as NNF, Villum and Lundbeck. However, public funds such as GUDP, DANIDA and AMAP, also contribute to the funding. There is untapped funding potential from Horizon Europe (Pillar II and III) and IFD.
The department has a unique research and study environment with strong basic research and versatile study programs in biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine and bioinformatics. The research covers most disciplines within biology – from computer modeling and bioinformatics to the organizational levels of molecules (proteins and nucleic acids), genes, organisms, populations and ecosystems. University rankings place the University of Copenhagen first in Denmark and among the 30 best universities internationally in the fields of biology and biochemistry.
The working atmosphere at the department is very international and we value an informal, trusting and collaborative work environment.
Tasks
The job involves close interactions and collaboration with the researchers to understand their research interests and to match them with potential domestic and foreign funding sources. Depending on the researcher's needs and your competencies, you will assist in identifying possible partners, write draft letters of support, write targeted text sections and help illustrate the applications, be in charge of preparing the budgets, and ensure that the conditions in the specific tender are met in the proposals. You may also get involved in strategic initiatives to increase the researchers' knowledge of potential sources of funding by arranging meetings with university and faculty research support units, or meetings with national and international partners in academia, industry, or stakeholder organizations. Responsibility for the project administration (contact and reporting to the foundation) may also be included in the task portfolio. Finally, you are expected to contribute to the coordination of interdisciplinary scientific clusters that are in the process of being established at the department.
In addition to the close collaboration with the researchers, you will also be part of a close sparring community with the department's other funding staff. Organizationally, you will refer to one of the department's section leaders.
Your qualifications
You have a scientific background at the MSc or PhD level and have experience in obtaining external research funding either for yourself or from a similar position. You must have the ability to understand, analyze, and explain complex concepts and issues in simple and convincing terms.
Furthermore, you must be well-formulated in writing and speaking and have the ability and desire to coordinate interdisciplinary collaboration in a busy international scientific environment.
We offer
Depending on your qualifications, the employment will be as an academic employee or Special consultant in accordance with the in accordance with the Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning academics in the state sector concluded between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). It will be possible to negotiate salary supplement according to qualifications.
The positions are full-time and limited to 4 years with the possibility of an extension and possibly permanent employment. The expected starting date is 1 September 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Further information about the positions
If you have questions about the positions, you are welcome to contact Head of Department Niels Kroer (nk@bio.ku.dk) or Special consultant Caspar Elo Christensen (caspar.christensen@bio.ku.dk).
You can read more about the Department of Biology at https://www1.bio.ku.dk.
Your application
If you are interested in applying for the position, please upload your application with CV and other relevant documents online at www.jobportal.ku.dk (click on "Apply for the position" at the bottom of the posting). Your application should be uploaded no later than 7 August 2022, 23:59 GMT +2.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.
