The Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy (FOF), which is part of the Center for Musculoskeletal and Joint Health at the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, invites applications for 1-2 position(s) as associate professor in musculoskeletal health and/or sports medicine to be filled from January 1, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position includes research, teaching and supervision at all levels as well as research dissemination.
The successful candidate must demonstrate a solid research output within research in musculoskeletal health and/or sports medicine and be motivated to be actively involved in achieving the research unit’s vision (link). The candidate will be expected to demonstrate successful management of research projects and success with external funding. It will be expected that the candidate is able to develop an independent tailored research profile in synergy with the research unit’s and department’s strategies and that the candidate has the motivation and ability to take leadership in scientific, educational and departmental development. Further, it will be expected that the candidate is able to disseminate research-based knowledge internationally and nationally to relevant stakeholders.
The successful candidate will be expected to have the capacity to develop and manage courses at the Master of Science in Physiotherapy program, and to teach modules at other bachelor and master programs offered at the Faculty of Health Sciences as well as to mentor undergraduate and PhD students.
Candidates with the following competencies will be prioritized:
- A PhD degree within a field relevant of the position
- Experience with conducting and leading clinical trials
- A strong track record within musculoskeletal/sports medicine research
- Experience with digital health interventions
- Strong profile within research methodology (i.e. systematic reviews, epidemiology etc.)
- Experience and success with external funding (e.g. as co-applicant)
- Competencies to engage innovatively in knowledge exchange activities and public dissemination
- Strong international research collaborations
- Documented competencies with educational development as well as record of teaching (including hands-on clinical teaching) and supervision experience at all levels relevant for the department’s portfolio of study programs as well as formalized pedagogical and didactic qualifications and skill
About us
The Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics adheres to SDU's strategy and values, see https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/strategi-politikker/strategi2030. We are recognized for our interdisciplinary research. The scientific, technical and administrative staff support this through active participation in the department's professional and social life. We prefer candidates with the ambition to make mutual working relationships thrive
Further information and contact
Non-Danish-speaking applicants will be expected to have and show an interest in learning the Danish language at a level which enables her/him to read Danish mails and administrative documents as well as understand spoken everyday Danish. The department offers free language classes and a reduction in workload to support non-Danish speaking employees.
Further information can be obtained from Professor Jonas Thorlund, Head of Research Unit, telephone +45 +45 2912 5499, e-mail [email protected] or Jens Troelsen, Head of Department, telephone +45 6550 3493, e-mail [email protected] .
Application deadline
September 21, 2025, at 2359 hrs. CEST
Application, salary, etc.
The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).
For associate professors, the minimum salary will be DKK 45,095 (equivalent to approximately EUR 6,041.05) per month before taxes. An additional 18.07 % of salary is paid into the pension scheme by the university.
Application
Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now".
Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format.
We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.
The application must be in English and include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total):
- A letter stating the interest, motivation and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages)
- A detailed CV, including personal contact information
- A complete and numbered list of publications
- Degree certificates (including documentation of PhD degree)
- 6 scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the candidate as most important for this position.
- a teaching portfolio detailing the candidate’s prior teaching experience, teaching skills, and teaching philosophy
- a research plan detailing the candidate’s ideas and plans for her/his future research work
If you experience technical problems, you must contact [email protected].
Please note that all the above-mentioned information must be included in the application.
Incomplete applications will not be assessed.
Applications may be shortlisted.
Living and working in Denmark
Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment.
The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Read about working in Denmark (Danish rules and guidelines) here
The University wishes our staff to reflect on the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
