10 positions available for talented young researchers

Danish IAS is under the leadership of Professor Francesco Sannino from the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Farmacy (NAT) and Professor Thorbjørn Knudsen from the Department of Marketing and Management (SAMF). Professor Francesco Sannino says the following about the kind of young researchers Danish IAS is looking for:

"We are searching for researchers who want to push the limits of what was previously possible; who want to be original and believe in a wild idea. They should want to have fun while they are researching. The selection process will be at a very high level, and we will only employ those who show that they can carry out groundbreaking research and be strong research ambassadors for SDU."

Professor Thorbjørn Knudsen agrees with Francesco Sannino and adds:

"We want to go one step further than just excellence by providing the opportunity to make a great research breakthrough. For that to happen, we are looking for young researchers who are able to go against the stream and take the necessary chances in order to reach their goal."

There are nine research members in Danish IAS, so-called 'chairs', and all of SDU's five faculties are represented. Professor Susanne Mandrup from BMB is one of them, and she has great expectations for the coming recruitments:

"I am really looking forward to the forthcoming recruitment of assistant professors to Danish IAS, and I hope that we'll get a lot of applications for the positions. My goal is to find talented individuals who have an excellent research background, and who can display an exciting vision for their employment at SDU. The individual should also be a good match with the rest of the research activities at BMB, both scientifically and with colleagues, so that a good synergy is created with the existing groups at the department. I expect my role will be mentor for the new assistant professor in Danish IAS, and that the individual will to a large extent form his or her own research group."

With Danish IAS and the recruitments, SDU is sending a signal to the world that the University is investing in the research talents of the future, and that it will be at the top of Danish and international research. SDU wishes to assemble some of the best researchers across academic disciplines and create a unique environment that will raise the level of research. Susanne Mandrup supports this goal and goes on to elaborate:

"In my opinion, SDU is sending a strong message with Danish IAS that we dare do something bold and different to attract the best research talents to the University. Especially now when the competition for research funding is increasing, there is a need to think in terms of alternative solutions, for instance by focusing more on team thinking. For me, it is important that Danish IAS will benefit the whole university and that the overall investment can help to increase the level of research and attract more research funding to SDU. As chair, I will work hard to make sure that happens in the coming years."

The process for selecting the young researchers to be employed by Danish IAS will take place through a collaboration between the faculties and Danish IAS. The responsible chair will manage proposals for the Assessment Committee for the Faculty's Academic Council, and once the assessment is approved, the Committee is responsible for the academic assessment of applicants. The Assessment Committee for all positions will consist of the Dean, the relevant Heads of Department and all Danish IAS chairs.

The application deadline is 15 February 2017, and it is expected that the young researchers will begin in August 2017. Initially, assistant professors are being sought, but in the long-term postdocs will also be recruited by Danish IAS.

See post (available until 15 February).

Building will be ready in 2019

In order to house the new young researchers, SDU will construct a new building, which is expected to be ready by May 2019. Construction will begin in February 2018, and the new building will be situated off building 37, where Biology and BMB are located today. When it is ready in May 2019, the building will be connected to the rest of SDU via Krogene. The new building will consist of three stories, which in all will be 3,500 m².

The outline proposal for the new Danish IAS building includes the following:

"Our ambition is for the foyer area in the new building for Danish IAS to introduce Danish IAS unequivocally as an active and dynamic house of knowledge and at the same time clearly lead the way to the rest of the University."

In this way, the building will be designed in line with the mission for Danish IAS, which is as follows:

"Danish IAS will assemble excellent researchers from all over the world in an interdisciplinary centre with focus on fundamental research and intellectual pursuits. The goal of Danish IAS is to encourage and support research driven by curiosity in all disciplines, which in doing so will identify new and revolutionary ideas."

The wish is to promote human interaction while ensuring space for immersion. Therefore, the building should live up to many different requirements, both internal and external, and there will be space for offices, meeting rooms, seminar rooms and an auditorium.

Read more about Danish IAS.