Professor of Educational Neuroscience — University of Copenhagen, Denmark

About the Role

The University of Copenhagen, a globally renowned institution known for its commitment to cutting-edge research and academic excellence, is seeking to appoint a distinguished Professor of Educational Neuroscience. This represents a rare and exciting opportunity to lead and shape the academic agenda in a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field that bridges cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and education. The successful candidate will establish a vigorous research program, secure external funding, teach at master's and doctoral levels, and contribute significantly to the university's intellectual community.

This role is designed for a visionary scholar who possesses a deep understanding of how brain function underpins learning, memory, and cognitive development, and critically, how this knowledge can be translated into effective educational interventions and policies. You will be expected to conduct groundbreaking research using advanced methodologies, supervise PhD students, and mentor junior faculty. This position sits within a dynamic department, likely encompassing faculties of health, social sciences, or education, offering rich opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across the university and with national and international partners. Candidates should thrive in an environment that values intellectual curiosity, rigorous empirical research, and societal impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a world-class research program in educational neuroscience, securing competitive external grants.
• Publish high-impact research in leading peer-reviewed journals and contribute to academic discourse.
• Teach and supervise master's and PhD students, fostering the next generation of researchers and practitioners.
• Develop and deliver innovative courses in educational neuroscience and related areas.
• Contribute to the strategic development and leadership of the department and faculty.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with colleagues from psychology, cognitive science, education, and clinical fields.
• Disseminate research findings to academic, professional, and public audiences, informing policy and practice.
• Mentor early-career researchers and contribute to a vibrant research environment.
• Participate in administrative duties and academic governance within the university.

Requirements & Qualifications

• PhD in Educational Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, or a closely related discipline.
• A distinguished record of internationally recognised publications in leading scientific journals.
• Demonstrated success in securing significant competitive external research funding.
• Extensive experience in university-level teaching and supervision at both master's and doctoral levels.
• Proven leadership abilities in research and academic program development.
• Strong methodological expertise in relevant research techniques (e.g., neuroimaging, behavioural experiments, psychophysiology).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• A clear vision for the future development of educational neuroscience as an academic field.
• Fluency in English (working knowledge of Danish is an advantage but not required at appointment).

Salary & Benefits

As a Professor at the University of Copenhagen, the salary is highly competitive and determined by collective agreements between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the relevant trade unions. For a full Professor, the annual salary typically ranges from DKK 650,000 to DKK 850,000, excluding pension contributions, depending on experience and qualifications. Denmark offers a high standard of living and excellent public services, with Copenhagen being a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

Beyond the base salary, the university offers a substantial pension scheme with employer contributions (typically around 17.1% of the basic salary). Benefits also include comprehensive health insurance, generous annual leave (approximately 6 weeks), opportunities for extensive professional development, and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. For international recruits, the university provides dedicated support for relocation, including assistance with housing, Danish registration, and spouse/partner employment advice, reflecting Denmark's commitment to attracting top global talent.

• Competitive base salary: DKK 650,000 - DKK 850,000 per annum (approx. EUR 87,000 - EUR 114,000)
• 17.1% employer pension contribution
• Comprehensive health insurance through the Danish national system
• Approximately 6 weeks of annual leave
• Significant research start-up package and ongoing funding opportunities
• Relocation support for international candidates (housing, registration, family support)
• Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure
• Subsidised childcare options

What a Typical Day Looks Like

A typical day for a Professor of Educational Neuroscience might begin with reviewing data from a current fMRI study on adolescent learning strategies, followed by an intensive research meeting with your PhD students, guiding them through experimental design or manuscript preparation. The late morning could involve preparing for a lecture on 'Neuroplasticity and Learning Disabilities' for master's students, integrating recent findings from your own lab and the wider field. After lunch, you might dedicate time to writing a grant proposal for new funding, collaborating with colleagues from the medical faculty on a project exploring brain-based interventions for dyslexia.

The afternoon might transition into university-wide committee work, contributing to academic policy or curriculum development. You would also set aside time for professional networking, engaging with international collaborators online, or providing mentorship to a postdoctoral researcher. The evening might involve attending a departmental seminar or catching up on the latest scientific literature. Your days are varied, intellectually stimulating, and demand a blend of deep focus, collaboration, and strategic leadership.

Career Growth & Outlook

As a Professor at the University of Copenhagen, the pinnacle of the academic career path has largely been achieved. However, growth shifts towards even greater scientific leadership, impact, and influence. This could involve taking on departmental headship, becoming a dean, leading major research centres, or advising national and international educational bodies on policy. The prestige of this position allows for immense intellectual freedom and the ability to steer the direction of a critical emerging field.

Educational neuroscience is a rapidly expanding field, driven by technological advancements in brain imaging and a growing recognition of the need for evidence-based educational practices. There is consistently high demand for leading experts in this area globally, both within academia and in governmental research roles or high-level consultancy. The impact of your work at Copenhagen will not only shape future generations of learners but also position you as a key international thought leader, with ongoing opportunities for international collaborations, visiting professorships, and distinctions.

How to Apply

Prospective candidates should submit a comprehensive application package demonstrating their suitability for this prestigious position. This typically includes a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting your academic qualifications, publication record, teaching experience, and grant history. A concise but compelling cover letter should articulate your research vision for educational neuroscience, your teaching philosophy, and how you see yourself contributing to the University of Copenhagen's strategic goals.

Additionally, applicants will often need to provide a list of publications, potentially a few selected reprints, and a teaching portfolio/statement of teaching philosophy. Information regarding past and current research grants awarded will also be a key component. All applications should be submitted through the University of Copenhagen's official recruitment portal by the specified deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews, which will usually include a research presentation and a teaching demonstration, followed by meeting with faculty members and university leadership. Confidential references will be sought at an appropriate stage of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the expectations regarding external funding for this professorship? A: Professors are expected to actively seek and secure significant external research funding from national and international agencies (e.g., European Research Council, national research councils) to support their research programs, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers. A proven track record in obtaining competitive grants is crucial.

Q: Is knowledge of Danish required for this role? A: Fluency in English is essential and sufficient for teaching, research, and communication within the university. While knowledge of Danish is not required at the time of appointment, the university often provides free Danish language courses for international staff, which can be beneficial for daily life and integration into Danish society.

Q: What kind of interdisciplinary collaborations can I expect? A: The University of Copenhagen fosters a highly interdisciplinary environment. You can expect to collaborate with researchers from psychology, medicine (especially neurology and psychiatry), computer science, linguistics, and various education departments. There are several research centres and initiatives that bridge these fields, offering rich collaborative opportunities.

Q: How much teaching is involved for a Professor? A: While research and leadership are primary, Professors at Danish universities also have teaching responsibilities. This typically involves lecturing at master's and doctoral levels, supervising master's theses and PhD dissertations, and contributing to curriculum development. The exact teaching load can vary but is balanced to allow for substantial research time.