The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy (FKF) at the University of Southern Denmark is seeking a strong strategic and visionary Head of Department to lead a department where interdisciplinarity is not just an ambition, but an integrated part of our identity. The position is to be filled on 15 August 2026 or by agreement.

Our mission and academic profile

At FKF, we work address society’s greatest challenges within energy, environment, life science, space science and sustainability. We do this by building bridges between disciplines and creating knowledge across physics, chemistry and pharmacy. Our foundation lies in strong fundamental research, and we are committed to excellence in both research and education. The interdisciplinary mindset is a fundamental strength that ensures our research and study programmes are recognised nationally and internationally.

FKF is unique in Denmark, bringing together three strong natural science disciplines in one department. This gives us the opportunity to explore and develop the academic intersections where new insights and solutions emerge. Read more about our vision here.

About the department

FKF is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science and based in Odense. The department hosts research at a high international level and offers degree programmes in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, physics and pharmacy. We have approximately 150 employees, including 35 PhD students, and we teach around 500 students.

The department is organised into three research sections – Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy – as well as the common service section and the laboratory technician group supporting the entire department.

As Head of Department, you will lead the department’s management team, consisting of a Deputy Head of Department, three Section Leaders, three Heads of Education, the Head of Secretariat and the Laboratory Technician Manager.

You will also be part of the faculty management team, where you are expected to contribute to the faculty’s activities and strategy.

Your responsibilities

The Head of Department holds overall responsibility for the academic, strategic and administrative development of the department. These tasks include:

Development and implementation of the department’s strategy in collaboration with the FKF management team.
Implementation of the faculty strategy and university strategy together with the Faculty management team
Leading the daily operations of the department and fostering engaging research and study environment in close dialogue with staff and students
Management of the department’s finances, including personnel, operations, investments and support for externally funded research
Ensuring the quality and development of the department’s study programmes in collaboration with Heads of Education and teaching committees
Strengthening of the department’s relations with industry, public authorities and other external stakeholders, as well as ensuring research communication and knowledge exchange
Ensuring strategic, long-term and successful recruitment of staff, and contributing to student recruitment through strategic initiatives and visibility

Your profile

As the Head of Department, we expect that you:

hold a scientific or related degree within one of the department’s academic fields
have a recognised research background and teaching experience at the level of Associate Professor or higher
have the ability to set direction and create followership in a highly specialised, international and interdisciplinary environment
have experience in developing and leading interdisciplinary environments including the ability to create incentives and structures that support collaboration across academic boundaries
are a strong communicator and have the ability to take a visionary approach to unite the department around shared goals
can confidently navigate and make decisions in a complex organisation with many stakeholders
can foster cohesion in an international environment with a great diversity in nationalities, disciplines and cultures, and can turn this diversity into a driving force for the department’s academic development
are approachable, collaborative and maintain a high level of integrity
can attract, develop and retain top international talent by creating attractive and engaging career paths for both early‑career and established researchers
have an understanding of the organisation of the university sector and its interaction with society
can effectively navigate financial and administrative frameworks
can read and understand Danish and have knowledge of the Danish education system
are proficient in English at a high-level including understanding of legislative concepts
have documented experience in translating strategic goals into concrete priorities and actions – demonstration of strategic adaptation to periods of limited resourcing is desirable
have experience in a leadership position (desirable)

For further information about the position, please contact Dean Marianne Holmer at +45 60112605.

First interviews are expected to be held on 11 May 2026. Second interviews are expected to be held on 26 May 2026.

Application deadline: 30 April 2026.

Application, salary etc.
The position is a fixed-term appointment under collective agreement conditions, possibly with a retirement arrangement and an arrangement for (limited) research time. The salary is negotiated individually based on personal qualifications and experience.

To be considered for this position, please fill out an online profile and attach the following documents:

Cover letter that addresses the points in the job posting, including a vision for the department
Resume (CV) including information on previous employment with start and end dates
Certificates

All documents in connection with the application should not contain CPR number (civil registration number) – in that case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
All attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. Cover letter and CV can contain max. 5 Mb. Applications must be submitted through our website.
We recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

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

About SDU

The University of Southern Denmark was created to create value for and with society. Regardless of whether our contribution comes in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education, or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talent and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops, and recruits talent. At the same time, we must ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – we can only do that with the right people. The university's researchers, lecturers, students, managers, and technical-administrative staff form the foundation of our success.

🕑 | Odense M | 30-04-2026

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