The Research Unit Clinical Biomechanics at The Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics invites applications for a position as associate professor in Musculoskeletal Research and Clinical Biomechanics to be filled as of January 1, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
The position
The associate professor will be expected to strengthen the profile within the research unit’s strategic research in musculoskeletal pain and disability with a focus on the spine.
The associate professor will have two main tasks:
- to raise funding for, manage, and lead innovative research projects in musculoskeletal health.
- to teach/supervise students at all levels at the education programmes hosted by the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Furthermore, the successful applicant will be expected to be involved in activities in the Centre for Muscle and Joint Health, knowledge transfer to society and have administrative responsibilities. Finally, the successful applicant will also be expected to help form and support the strategies of the Department of Sports and Clinical Biomechanics, including the future research strategies of the Research Unit.
For information on job description of associate professors at the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics in general, please click.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD degree with relevance for musculoskeletal research. Applicants with an interest in and documented experience from any or all the following areas will be prioritized:
- clinical and epidemiological research relating to back and neck pain or musculoskeletal health
- strong methodological competencies
- systematic reviews and meta-analysis
- interest in communication and translation of evidence into clinical practice and society in general
- patient and public involvement
- publishing in high impact journals
- ability to attract external funding and international collaborators
- good collaborative ability with interdisciplinary research teams and other stakeholders outside of academia
The successful applicant will be expected to have relevant pedagogical training, experience in teaching and have documented experience in supervising master’s and/or PhD students. The candidate is expected to contribute to the refinement and further development of curriculum on education programmes offered by The Faculty of Health Sciences.
About us
The Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics is part of SDU's strategy and values.
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.
For 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.
For further information on the position, please contact Professor Jan Hartvigsen, Head of the Research Unit for Clinical Biomechanics, e-mail: [email protected], tel. +45 6011 4522, or Jens Troelsen, Head of Department, e-mail: [email protected], tel. +45 6550 3493.
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.
