Assistant Professor in Plant–Microbe and Weed Ecology

Københavns Universitet; Taastrup; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Copenhagen (Københavns Universitet) invites applications for an Assistant Professor in the Plant and Environmental Sciences, Taastrup campus. The successful candidate will lead research on plant–soil–microbe interactions and weed ecology, publish internationally, and contribute to teaching.

A strong independent research agenda and funding potential are essential. Open to candidates who can bridge greenhouse studies with field validation and foster collaborative,

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field and a strong publication record.
• Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students.
• Teaching experience is valued but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on plant–soil–microbe interactions.
• Publish research results and communicate science.
• Contribute to research-based teaching.
• Develop independent research program and seek external funding.

Education

Master's degree

PhD degree

Job description

The assistant professor will join two research projects, IBIS (DTU - IBIS - Initiative for Biofertilizer Innovation and Science) and Robotic intercropping (Home | Robotic Intercropping %) and will be part of the Biostatistics research group located at UCPH Taastrup campus at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences. The main part of the position is associated with the IBIS project and will focus on developing an experimental pipeline for plant–soil–microbe interactions, from greenhouse screening to field validation. The research will examine how rhizosphere microbial communities and microbial inoculants affect crop performance across experimental scales. Within the Robotic Intercropping project, the assistant professor will investigate changes in weed seedbanks and populations, as well as spatial competition between weeds and crops in intercropping systems. Together, these activities will link plant–soil–microbe research with weed population ecology and sustainable crop production

The assistant professor’s duties will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching within plant–soil–microbe interactions, weed population ecology, and innovative and sustainable plant production. To a limited extent, this may also include performance of other duties.

Assessment of applicants

will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. Particular consideration will be given to the candidate’s potential to establish an independent research programme including demonstrated experience with plant–soil–microbe interactions, crop–weed interactions and experimental research that connects greenhouse studies with field validation. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.

General criteria apply to the appointment of Assistant Professors at the University of Copenhagen. The criteria (research, teaching, Innovation & societal impact, organizational contribution and leadership) are considered as a framework for an overall assessment of the applicant. In addition, each applicant will be assessed according to the specific requirements listed in this advertisement.

For Assistant professors: https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-meritering-maj-2026/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf.

Applicants are encouraged to read the University of Copenhagen's Guidance on the merit criterion Innovation and Societal Impact here

Further information on the Department can be found on the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences – Institut for Plante- og Miljøvidenskab - Københavns Universitet. Inquiries about the position can be made to Morten Petersen, Head of Department.

The position is open from 1 January 2027or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is a 2 year and 6 months term-limited position

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications - please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 4 October 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at

https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews/trial lectures will be held on 19-23 October 2026.

Københavns Universitet giver sine knap 10.000 medarbejdere muligheder for at udnytte deres talent fuldt ud i et ambitiøst, uformelt miljø. Vi sikrer traditionsrige og moderne rammer om uddannelser og fri forskning på højt internationalt niveau. Vi søger svar og løsninger på fælles problemer og gør ny viden tilgængelig og nyttig for andre.

Kontakt

Signe Marie Jensen
E-mail: [e-mail]

Info

Ansøgningsfrist: 04-10-2026

Ansættelsesdato: 01-01-2027

Arbejdstid: Fuldtid

Afdeling/Sted: PLEN