Assistant Professors and/or Associate Professors in Clinical and Preventive Odontology

Department of Clinical and Preventive Odontology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark is seeking two motivated individuals for two fixed-term appointments (2 years, up to 37 hours per week, with the possibility of extension). The successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to the establishment of the newly established Department of Clinical and Preventive Odontology and to play an active role in the development of the upcoming educational programmes for dentists and dental hygienists.

These positions offer a rare opportunity to influence the development of education, research, and clinical teaching from the very beginning, while joining an ambitious academic community dedicated to excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

About the positions

We are seeking candidates with a broad background in dentistry and an interest in the development of university education.

We welcome applicants with diverse dental competencies and subspecialties, for example within:

• Cariology and Endodontics

• Periodontology

• Prosthodontics

• Orthodontics

• Oral Surgery

• Oral Medicine

• Paediatric Dentistry

• Clinical Dentistry in General

• Preventive Dentistry

• Digital Dentistry

The decisive factor is not your subspecialty alone, but your commitment to contributing to the development of a modern, research-led education in dentistry.

Main responsibilities

As part of the establishment and development of the department, you will be expected to contribute actively to:

• the development of the new Dentistry and Dental Hygiene programmes, which are expected to commence in the summer of 2027

• the planning and development of courses and teaching activities

• teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels

• teaching dentistry and dental hygiene students

• the development of clinical learning activities, simulation-based training, and competency-based education

• student assessment and supervision

• collaboration with clinical instructors, private training clinics, and other external partners

• the development of the department’s teaching and learning environment

• the development and implementation of research projects within clinical and preventive dentistry

• scientific publishing and dissemination of research findings

• the development of national and international research collaborations

• securing external research funding and contributing to grant applications

Teaching will be based on evidence-based dentistry and will emphasize the close integration of basic sciences, clinical skills, and patient care.

Research

The department is concurrently establishing the Research Unit APEX, which aims to build strong national and international research environments within clinical and preventive dentistry.

We are therefore seeking candidates with an interest in research and academic development.

To be successful in this position, we expect you:

• have documented research experience

• have published scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals

• are motivated to further develop your own research profile

• have an interest in interdisciplinary and international collaboration.

The research component of the position will be tailored to the individual candidate’s qualifications and career stage.

Qualifications

We expect that you:

• hold a degree in Dentistry

• have obtained a PhD degree

• hold Danish authorization to practice as a dentist, or meet the requirements for obtaining Danish authorization

• combine strong clinical competencies with a well-developed scientific and analytical mindset

• are motivated to contribute actively to the development of a new dental department

• thrive in an interdisciplinary university environment

• possess strong collaborative and interpersonal skills.

In addition, the following qualifications will be considered an advantage:

• documented teaching experience

• experience with curriculum development

• experience supervising students

• experience from specialist training or other advanced areas of clinical expertise.

For candidates appointed as Assistant Professors, participation in the Lecturer Training Programme (Universitetspædagogikum) is planned as part of the appointment.

Appointment to the positions requires academic qualifications at PhD level and in accordance with the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

What we offer

You will become part of a growing department with a unique opportunity to make a significant academic and professional impact.

Among other things, we offer:

• the opportunity to help shape new educational programmes from the ground up

• a strong research-based university environment

• close integration of research, clinical practice, and teaching

• excellent opportunities for academic career development

• the opportunity to contribute to the establishment and development of the Research Unit APEX

• an engaged and ambitious collegial environment with a strong focus on quality, collaboration, and innovation.

About the department

The Department of Clinical and Preventive Odontology at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) aims to advance and disseminate new knowledge within dentistry through excellent research, research-based education in SDU’s new Dentistry and Dental Hygiene programmes, and close collaboration with the healthcare sector.

The Department will educate the next generation of dentists and dental hygienists through research-based teaching, modern simulation and clinical training, and close engagement with the wider healthcare system, supported by a strong international research environment of the highest academic standard.

Our vision is to create a strong, internationally oriented research and educational environment where clinical excellence, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration go hand in hand.

Application deadline

October 19, 2026, at 23.59 hrs. (CET/CEST).

Contact

Further information about the position may be obtained from Professor and Head of Research Torben H. Thygesen, tthygesen@health.sdu.dk, +45 22 34 13 64, or Acting Head of Department and Dean Jakob Grauslund jgrauslund@health.sdu.dk, +45 93 50 70 42.

Salary and terms of employment 

The applicants will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). 

The position as assistant professor or associate professor is placed within salary steps 4–8 of the Danish state salary scale, depending on seniority. 

In addition, a centrally agreed assistant professor or associate professor allowance is paid, and further qualification- and function-related allowances may be negotiated. 

The work location will be at Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M.

Application 

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now” - see below. 

We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply. 

The application must include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total): 

• a motivation letter 

• a detailed CV 

• degree certificates (inclusive of Ph.D.-diploma) 

• a complete and numbered list of publications 

• 3 for assistant professors, and 6 associate professors, scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the candidate as most important for this position. Please note that a copy of each publication must be attached as a pdf file. 

  • It is permitted to merge copies of the selected publications into a single PDF file. 

• 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 

Please note that all the above-mentioned information must be included in the application.   

Applications received after the deadline and/or incomplete applications will not be considered. 

For technical issues, please contact: hcm-support@sdu.dk

Assessment 

Shortlisting will be used as part of the initial selection process.  

Assessment of shortlisted applications will be done under the existing Appointment Order for universities. Shortlisted applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. The committee may request additional information, and, if so, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the necessary material.  

When the assessment committee has submitted its report, the applicants will receive part of the evaluation that concerns themselves.  

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.  

Join us in shaping the future of dentistry

We are seeking ambitious colleagues who wish to contribute to more than teaching alone. We invite dentists with a passion for academic development, research, and education to join us in building a new academic environment and educating the oral healthcare professionals of the future.

Together, we are creating the foundation for Denmark’s newest Department of Clinical and Preventive Odontology and shaping the future of dental education and research.

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