Career Center

The Department of Public Health at the Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, invites applications for one or more permanent, full-time positions as Associate Professor of Public Health. The expected start date is May 1st 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

About the department

The Department of Public Health is research-intensive and has a strong international and collaborative orientation. We are dedicated to advancing both foundational scientific knowledge and applied solutions that address key public health challenges. Our research spans theoretical, basic, and applied sciences, with the goal of generating impactful knowledge and improving population health. We are built on a foundation of academic excellence, and we are committed to conducting rigorous, innovative, high-quality teaching. The department is responsible for teaching in public health, sports science, nursing science, and related methods, and for a significant part of teaching in the medicine program.  
We are firmly rooted in our academic disciplines and actively foster interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovation and excellence in both research and teaching. We are committed to fostering a healthy and inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, open communication, and an informal tone. You can read more about the department here and about the faculty here.

Your job responsibilities

As Associate Professor of Public Health, you will play a key role in shaping the department’s research and teaching environment and contribute actively to the faculty’s overall research strategy. You are expected to conduct research of high international quality that supports the department’s development—both through individual contributions and in collaboration with colleagues.

You are committed to maintaining high academic and pedagogical standards in your teaching, and you bring strong collaborative skills and a broad academic network that you actively leverage to strengthen the academic profile of the Department of Public Health, nationally and internationally. You are furthermore committed to academic citizenship, actively engaging in peer review, mentoring, and contributing to the collegial and social life of the Department of Public Health, the Health Faculty and Aarhus University. 

Your main tasks will be:

• Conducting and publishing research of international excellence, including in leading journals or publishing houses within your field.
• Expanding your research activities by securing external funding and thus contribute to the department’s strategic goals.
• Teaching and supervising students at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, and contributing to the development of innovative teaching initiatives.
• Supervising PhD students and contributing to the development and delivery of the faculty’s PhD courses.
• Participating in academic assessment and committee work at Aarhus University.
• Disseminating your research to both academic and broader audiences

You will report to the Head of Department Michael Baggesen Klitgaard.

Your competences

You have established yourself as a prominent researcher within your scientific field and can document research and teaching qualifications at a high international level. You have a network of international partners, experience in attracting significant research funding from national and international funding bodies, and a potential of becoming a skilled research leader. In the hiring process, we place particular emphasis on professional experience gained through employment or extended research stays at internationally recognized universities or research institutions outside the candidate’s primary place of employment.

Your personal qualities include the ability to build trust-based relationships with colleagues, students, and external partners. In the classroom, you present the most current and relevant knowledge in a clear, engaging, and committed manner. As a supervisor, you are professional, inclusive, and inspiring, and you value contributing to the collaborative spirit that defines the Department of Public Health, the Faculty of Health, and Aarhus University as a whole. You are also eager to take responsibility for the department’s continued development and to help maintain a positive and inclusive work environment.

We expect you to be fluent in oral and written English. International applicants are expected to learn Danish, and Aarhus University arranges Danish teaching.  

In order to be assessed as qualified for an Associate Professor position, you must meet these academic criteria.

Shortlisting will be used.

Questions about the position

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Head of Department Michael Baggesen Klitgaard tel.: (+45) 4022 7649. Your place of work will be the Department of Public Health, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. 

Terms of employment

• Appointment as an associate professor requires research and teaching qualifications at the level that can be achieved through the satisfactory completion of a period of appointment as an assistant professor, but may also be obtained in other ways.
• The applicant is required to have completed a university pedagogical programme or an equivalent programme.
• Further information on the appointment procedure can be found in the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
• The appointment is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).
• Remuneration is in accordance with the above, and the Salary agreement catalogue for staff at Health.
• The yearly base salary for a fulltime associate professor is DKK 650.004,18 (including a position related supplement, a pre-agreed associate professor supplememt and pension (17.1%)). Additional supplement(s) can be negotiated dependent on experience, special qualifications and performance of special functions. Authorisation supplement(s) will be granted, if relevant for the position. Your local eligible trade union representative at Aarhus University negotiates your salary on your behalf.
• Researchers recruited from abroad are offered a special researcher tax scheme with a lower tax rate.
• Travel and moving expenses may be covered according to the employee in question and, to a limited extent, the accompanying family.
• Further information on qualification requirements and job description can be found in the Ministerial order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

Your application must include the following:

• Motivated application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Diploma
• Template for applicant - associate professor
• A list of publications
• A teaching portfolio. We refer to Guideline on the use of teaching portfolios
• The five publications stated as the most important in the 'Template for applicant - associate professor' must be submitted
• Research plan, which is part of the 'Template to applicant - associate professor' can be uploaded separately (optional)
• Coauthor statement(s) can be uploaded (optional)
• References/recommendations can be uploaded separately in the e-recruitment system (optional)

We refer to the faculty’s Guidelines for applicants.

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 we welcome all applicants.

International applicant?

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including assistance with relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about the International Staff Office and the range of services here.

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

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/